Why Does My Nose Suddenly Drip Excessively During Exercise?

Q: Why Does My Nose Suddenly Drip Excessively During Exercise?

Hello： In response to your inquiry, based on your chief complaint, you should visit an outpatient clinic for further physical examination and hearing tests. <br>In Tainan, you can go to Chi Mei Medical Center or Cheng Kung University Hospital for your examination.

Why does the nose suddenly produce a large amount of watery discharge?

Hello, ENT specialist.
I would like to ask you a question: Why does my nose suddenly produce a large amount of watery discharge? The situation is as follows: Last night, while I was attending an aerobic class, my nose suddenly started to run (I have been doing aerobics for a long time), but at that moment it wasn't much, so I thought it was just a runny nose.
However, after I bent down, I felt a sensation similar to choking on water, and suddenly a large amount of fluid gushed out of my nose.
I was quite startled to find that the fluid was yellow and somewhat sticky.
After that, throughout the night, every time I bent down and then raised my head, the same thing would happen.
Today, it seems to have stopped, and I'm hesitant to test it again.
Recently, I experienced two unusual symptoms: The first was in mid-March of this year when I suddenly had a nosebleed.
I have never had a history of nosebleeds.
For three to five consecutive days, whenever I gently blew my nose, blood would come out—sometimes more, sometimes less.
I later visited the ENT department at your hospital, where a seemingly young female doctor examined me.
She told me that I had a wound inside my nose, which was causing the bleeding.
I do not know how the wound occurred, but shortly after, the bleeding symptoms ceased.
The second unusual symptom occurred at the end of last year when I suddenly experienced severe tinnitus that led to insomnia.
This condition lasted for more than a month and was present throughout the day, with the noise becoming particularly loud at night.
I also visited an ENT clinic, where the doctor suggested that it might be caused by excessive stress.
However, I have experienced stress before without any tinnitus, and at that time, my stress levels were not particularly high.
After taking the medication prescribed by the doctor for about three days, I stopped without any improvement, and my ears continued to ring for over a month.
I wonder if these two previous conditions are related to my current symptoms.
For your reference, I work in the administrative department of Chi Mei Electronics, with three and a half years of service, and I maintain a regular work schedule and diet.
Therefore, I am particularly concerned about these symptoms, especially this recent strange occurrence.
I would greatly appreciate it if you could take the time to respond.
Thank you!
Best regards,
Huang Pei-Jun

Huang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/05/25

Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology

Hello: In response to your inquiry, based on your chief complaint, you should visit an outpatient clinic for further physical examination and hearing tests.
In Tainan, you can go to Chi Mei Medical Center or Cheng Kung University Hospital for your examination.

Reply Date: 2004/05/25

More Info

Hello, Huang Pei-Jun,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding the sudden excessive nasal discharge during exercise. This phenomenon can be quite alarming, especially when it occurs unexpectedly and is accompanied by other symptoms. Let's break down the potential causes and considerations regarding your situation.

Firstly, the sudden onset of a watery nasal discharge during physical activity, particularly in an aerobic class, can be attributed to several factors. One common reason is exercise-induced rhinitis, which is a condition where the nasal passages become inflamed and produce excess mucus during physical exertion. This can be triggered by various factors, including changes in temperature, humidity, or even allergens present in the environment. When you engage in vigorous activities, your body increases blood flow, which can lead to swelling of the nasal tissues and increased mucus production.

The yellow, sticky nature of the discharge you described is noteworthy. While clear nasal discharge is often associated with allergies or viral infections, yellow mucus can indicate the presence of an infection or inflammation. It is essential to consider whether you have experienced any other symptoms, such as fever, facial pain, or a persistent cough, which could suggest a sinus infection or another underlying condition.

Your history of nasal bleeding and the previous episode of ear ringing (tinnitus) could be related to your current symptoms, although they may not be directly connected. The nasal bleeding you experienced could have been due to a minor injury or irritation within the nasal passages, which sometimes occurs in individuals with dry nasal mucosa or frequent nose blowing. If there was a wound that healed, it might not be a concern now, but it’s essential to monitor for any recurrence of bleeding.

Regarding the ear ringing, it’s interesting to note that stress can manifest in various ways, including tinnitus. Stress and anxiety can exacerbate physical symptoms, leading to heightened awareness of bodily sensations, including nasal and ear discomfort. If you are experiencing increased stress levels, it may be beneficial to explore relaxation techniques or stress management strategies.

Given your symptoms and history, I recommend the following steps:
1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of when the nasal discharge occurs, its consistency, and any accompanying symptoms. Note if it happens during specific activities or environmental conditions.

2. Stay Hydrated: Ensure you are drinking enough fluids, as hydration can help thin mucus and reduce nasal congestion.

3. Consult an ENT Specialist: Since you have a history of nasal bleeding and ear issues, it would be prudent to consult an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist. They can perform a thorough examination, possibly including imaging studies, to rule out any structural issues or chronic conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms.

4. Consider Allergy Testing: If you suspect that allergens may be triggering your symptoms during exercise, consider discussing allergy testing with your healthcare provider.

5. Avoid Irritants: During your workouts, try to avoid environments with strong odors, smoke, or other irritants that could exacerbate nasal symptoms.

In conclusion, while the sudden nasal discharge during exercise can be concerning, it is often manageable with appropriate care and monitoring. Your previous health issues may provide context but do not necessarily indicate a severe underlying condition. Consulting with a healthcare professional will provide you with the best guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Take care, and I hope you find relief from your symptoms soon.

Best regards.

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