Running and blocked Sinuses!

The Bad Pawn

Over the last couple of years i've become prone to sinus infections and sinusitus (anyone who gets these will know how bad they can make you feel). The thing is, I find that when I run I tend to have far fewer sinus issues. On the other hand, when I don't run for a couple of weeks i'm more likely to start feeling Sinus pressure build.

My guess is that the motion that takes place when I run might actually be helping to clear my sinuses - which for me is a real benefit:)

Out of interest: Does anyone else have similar experiences??

(Mods, please note i'm not looking for any medical advice here, just wondering about others anecdotal experiences!)

captain P

I'm in a similar situation! I don't get as many colds since running & cycling more, so less sinus infections which is great (also take a steroid nose spray nightly)!

But running in the cold = runny nose too !! It gets very annoying and I always have to bring tissues with me.

I find that Neilmed Sinus Rinse really helps with the sinuses in general - definitely worth getting if you suffer from sinus problems & run. I think they actually exhibit at some races & recommend it for runners in general.

macinalli

I personally think that a lot comes down to just being outside getting exercise in the fresh air. This year I was running in the snow in January and kept it going all year, regardless of the weather - no colds or anything. Picked up a hamstring niggle in July, 10 days off running and pick up a cold straight away! Not the most scientific of studies, but Boards is full of people who's general well-being has improved by just getting out and running.:)

Woddle

The Bad Pawn wrote: »

Over the last couple of years i've become prone to sinus infections and sinusitus (anyone who gets these will know how bad they can make you feel). The thing is, I find that when I run I tend to have far fewer sinus issues. On the other hand, when I don't run for a couple of weeks i'm more likely to start feeling Sinus pressure build.

My guess is that the motion that takes place when I run might actually be helping to clear my sinuses - which for me is a real benefit:)

Out of interest: Does anyone else have similar experiences??

(Mods, please note i'm not looking for any medical advice here, just wondering about others anecdotal experiences!)

I'd be the exact same, I can't survive without sudafed which could be causing a vicious cycle but definitely running helps. About 3/4 yrs ago I went to see a specialist who had me on sprays,steroids and antibiotics. It cleared it for about 18 months. I knew what it was like to breath proper fresh air again but it came back and I haven't gone back to the specialist (money) she suggested at the time that I might need an operation if it came back.

The Bad Pawn

It's really great to see others who have similar experiences!

CP: I've used the Neilmed Rinse and found it useful but if i'm honest I wasn't really consistent with it. It's not something i can really do at work and I never got into the habit when I got home from work. Do you really find it works?

Woddle I totally know where you're coming from. I also went to a specialist and got sprays, steriods and 4 courses of antibiotics!! When I worked it out I was spending hundreds and it's not sustainable in the long run. That's why I'm so conscious of avoid a repeat occurance. Like you I use Sudafed quiet alot and would like to move away from it being a daily help.

I find running makes a huge difference to my own sinuses. They can go from feeling full and pressurised to relatively ok in the space of a 30 minute run. Unfortunately when you google "Running" and "sinusitus" though, it generally shows results for "Running nose" etc :rolleyes:
I'd love to know if any studies have been done intot the benefits of exercise (and specifically running) on Sinusitus etc.. as I do believe there's a lifestyle link there somewhere.

captain P

The Bad Pawn wrote: »

It's really great to see others who have similar experiences!

CP: I've used the Neilmed Rinse and found it useful but if i'm honest I wasn't really consistent with it. It's not something i can really do at work and I never got into the habit when I got home from work. Do you really find it works?

Woddle I totally know where you're coming from. I also went to a specialist and got sprays, steriods and 4 courses of antibiotics!! When I worked it out I was spending hundreds and it's not sustainable in the long run. That's why I'm so conscious of avoid a repeat occurance. Like you I use Sudafed quiet alot and would like to move away from it being a daily help.

I find running makes a huge difference to my own sinuses. They can go from feeling full and pressurised to relatively ok in the space of a 30 minute run. Unfortunately when you google "Running" and "sinusitus" though, it generally shows results for "Running nose" etc :rolleyes:
I'd love to know if any studies have been done intot the benefits of exercise (and specifically running) on Sinusitus etc.. as I do believe there's a lifestyle link there somewhere.

Yeah, I'm not very consistent with the sinus rinse lately since I moved house, but when I was using it once or twice every day I found it really helped, it's 100 times better than the sprays and tablets etc for me, especially before a run.
Certain foods affect it too, but it's nice stuff like dairy, sugar and wheat (beer is a big one for me) so they can be hard to cut out/avoid.

The running generally helps because of the... um.... evacuation that occurs when you're out :rolleyes:!! But if they're really painful/blocked the movement can be really sore.

comer_97

when I run my sinus issues pretty much disappear. I use Sterimar to try and help when I am running or not running.

Bugsy2000

Have any of you tried Salt Inhalation Therapy? I can't praise it highly enough for all of the above symptoms.

comer_97

is that where you go to a room that has a huge amount of salt content in the air? I think there is one in Kildare. Could be good!

Bugsy2000

comer_97 wrote: »

is that where you go to a room that has a huge amount of salt content in the air? I think there is one in Kildare. Could be good!

Yep. I did 12 sessions but I felt the benefit from it after only a couple. I've found that if you do 2 hour sessions you will have a noticeable difference in your ease of breathing afterwards. I haven't been in around a month & I'm still breathing freely with no medication of any kind. Unheard of before.