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Your nose is stuffy and runny, and you’ve been sneezing a lot. It sounds like you have allergies. The only problem is, you don't think you are allergic to anything. While you can sometimes develop new allergies, there’s a good chance that something is mimicking those symptoms.
Pollution, fumes, and other irritants can cause your nose to run. This is common in people who find their noses running when they’re exercising, for example. This is called nonallergic rhinitis.
Some foods, such as those with a lot of spices, can trigger nerves and cause your nose to run when you’re eating. Similarly, alcoholic beverages can cause membranes in your nose to swell, which can lead to congestion.
Cold symptoms and allergy symptoms can sometimes be difficult to differentiate. However, there are key differences. Colds should only last 7-10 days before improving, while allergy symptoms are constant. Cold symptoms also include a fever, sore throat, and cough, and nasal discharge is usually colored.
As temperature or humidity levels fluctuate, the inside of your nose can swell, causing stuffiness or a runny nose. This is why so many of us get runny noses in the winter.
Some medicines, from blood pressure medication to aspirin, can cause nonallergic rhinitis.
People can develop new allergies throughout their life. For example, they might experience new allergies if they move to an area that contains allergens they weren’t previously exposed to.
CEENTA’s ENT doctors can test you and determine not only if your symptoms are caused by allergies, but what you’re allergic to and what your best treatment option is. Don’t live a life of mystery. Schedule an allergy appointment at CEENTA today.
This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. If you would like an appointment with a CEENTA ENT doctor, call 704-295-3000. You can also schedule an appointment online or through myCEENTAchart.
Meet CEENTA's newest CEENTAcares charity cares partner for 2025: Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina.
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CEENTA ENT physician Matthew Sicard, MD, appeared on WSOC's The Daily Two on September 23rd, 2024 to discuss fall allergy relief in Charlotte and the surrounding areas.
