EIR – Exercise Induced Rhinitis

Do you suffer from a continuous runny nose every time you go out for a run or spin on the bike. No matter how much Vitamin C you pump into yourself, it just won’t stop. In 2019, I was in the middle of the second cycle of Quest Killarney (Expert route). I was asked was I suffering from a head cold, mainly due to the amount of nasal discharge I was dispelling (it’s the nicest way I could put it). I thought nothing of it at the time as I felt fine. A couple of weeks later, I stumbled across an article and have done some research on it.

Well if like me, you too could be suffering from a condition called “EIR – Exercise Induced Rhinitis”. It’s extremely common yet not widely known. It can cause congestion, nasal drip, watery eyes and sneezing.

A whopping 40% of athletes admitted that EIR badly affected their training and race performance.

The Cause

It’s thought that it could be an allergic reaction and in some cases vasomotor rhinitis has been associated. It’s where increased blood-flow to the nose causes a watery discharge. Which can be set off by changes in weather, air pollution, spicy food, stress and even alcohol, not that you would be drinking and exercising at the same time.

Prevention, not cure

There are ways around it though, but everyone’s physiology is different. So what may work for one may not for another. On cold days, cover your nose with a buff may work. You can go down the medical route, where a nasal antihistamine spray might be the way to go. All in all though, if you are tired of snot rockets and dirty cycling gloves, why not consult your local pharmacist or doctor. There may be relief at the end of the tunnel.

Apologies for this disgusting blog.

Disclaimer
We are not doctors, nor have a medical background. This is just research that we found and thought it might help. Use it as you will.