Constant nose run/mucus build up

[sparklesandsparkles]

Hello

I'm not sure how to word this... but I've been struggling with it for years now..

So I have a CONSTANT nose run.
I can't go anywhere without a tissue up my sleeve. (My nose is running now🤣)

When I'm anxious my nose runs non stop. So walking down the aisle on my wedding day... I was shoo'ing.
But it runs even when I'm feeling OK.

If I go out to eat, I feel mucus build up in my nose and then back of throat. To the point, it gets so full, I can't talk. My breathing rate is usually faster for some reason even if I think I'm relaxed? But every time I go out to eat and I'm chatting away, my breathing is faster and mucus builds up at the back of my throat.... making it hard to talk. So I have to pause.

I did go to the doctors about it about 10 years ago and he laughed at me not knowing what the issue is.
He suggested I take an antihistamine before going out.

Anyone in a similar situation or know what I'm talking about?😳

I'm sorry you are struggling with this and am sorry I don't have anything to suggest but am watching this thread with keen interest.

My husband suffers with the throat/mouth problem you have and has done for a couple of years. He's had steroids three times to no avail. We've cut dairy and wheat....no change. Saline nasal wash....no change.

I'm hoping some clever person will come on and suggest something that helps him and you. Thank you for posting this!

Thank you for making me feel like I'm not alone!

Does he get the faster breathing too? When exactly is it faster? In general or when he's out? Sorry. Just trying to figure my own out.

Also, I don't understand why it's worse when I'm out socialising?!

You probably have allergic rhinitis. See your GP who can subscribe a nasal spray.

No, he doesn't get the breathing thing, although he has suffered with anxiety/panic attacks in the past and use to get it then very much.

I wonder if there is an anxiety link and this is worse when socialising?

It is definitely worse for him when eating and drinking which you might be doing when you're socialising?

My DH has tried the allergic rhinitis sprays and they didn't work sadly.

Are you a nose or mouth breather? Try and breath through nose into lower ribs and diaphragm. Practice this evening when walking or exercising. Second time today...but neti pot?

Omg this is meeeee but with a blocked nose! To sleep now I have to saline spray (I sniff it right up and then blow) and those nasal strips. I have a constant feeling in my throat. It’s vile.

Yes its worse when eating and drinking and even worse If chatting too

Could be silent reflux/lpr. Google it. I have these symptoms as well and I’ve got refkux. It affects the respiratory system as well as digestive.

MIL had this, she was diagnosed with post nasal drip, but now it’s looking more like reflux (as PP suggested)

I have the same problem. I get a bit of improvement in July and August but come the beginning of September it starts up again.
Had blood tests about 20 years ago for allergies and diagnosed with a Perennial Rhinitis. Had every nasal spray going but nothing relieves it and neither do antihistamines. I just put up with it now as doctors and ENT don’t have any answers.

Ive got non allergic chronic rhinitis, had my sinuses cleared out as they were all needing to be shaved down, however ENT consultant (since closed to me) said that although they can do that, you still just have to manage the symptoms, it wont change things dramatically
Within that I have PND like others above
I also have silent reflux

They all intertwine with each other, PND can be caused by, but also a contributor to reflux.

If I didnt constantly sniff and blow and wipe (chapped nose all the time) I would just have a stream of snot running down my face and chin. Sometimes I just want to leave it, its so much effort all the time to keep dealing with it

Im on steroid nasal sprays for life, they 'manage' it as best it can be managed

Sounds very much like reflux.

If I try to talk for long, like on the phone to someone or in meetings I get a choking cough.

Im on the maximum antacids as well.

Reflux here too. It's got much better since I started taking a PPI every day.

Ask to be referred to the ENT also look for alternatives remedies...Nettle tea is very good for allergies etc. My son suffered a lot I gave him nettle tea daily with local honey and his symptoms went away, before he was on all kinds of meds but nothing was helping.

That does depend if you have allergies in the first place. I have none, my diagnosis is 'non allergic'

Theres basically no reason for it. Its the way I function (dysfunction!)

This is me too - reflux, PND, sinus stuff. I take Omeprazole, prescription antihistamine, a steroid nasal spray, do a saline rinse every night, and sleep on a wedge pillow. It’s better than it was, especially if I am really careful diet-wise, but it’s all a right PITA.

I’m a lecturer so the talking bit can’t be avoided!

What foods do you find make it better/worse @Judystilldreamsofhorses ?

All the good stuff!

I’ve cut a lot of dairy, but love cheese - goats cheese, feta, and Parmesan are very low lactose so okay, and I get Cathedral City lactose free cheddar. Vegan cheese is rank. I have lactose free milk in tea/coffee. I’m more of a savoury person but chocolate is the absolute worst and the reflux is horrendous.

Tomatoes and onions are big triggers for me, so meals that were in regular rotation like chilli and spag bol have been scaled right back. I tend to skip onion altogether and use herbs/spices for flavour in eg a curry. (And would use coconut milk as a base.) I wouldn’t eat tomato soup now, even if I had a stinking cold. Peppers can sometimes flare me up too.

I don’t find wine effects me, and things like bacon which I know trigger other people don’t bother me at all. It’s trial and error I guess? I’ve never been a milky person so wouldn’t ever have had things like lattes or hot chocolate, but my friend really misses those! Likewise I am fine with garlic but I know it can really effect others. I don’t really like “meaty meat” (happily eat a bacon sandwich but would run away from a pork chop) but again my friend has had to cut out stuff like steaks, lamb etc.

I’ve had IBS for a long time, and revert back to a “white” diet if I need a reset - chicken, rice, eggs, potatoes, porridge etc. (My DP works away a lot and that is easier if he’s not here, if very boring.) We don’t have fish often at home as DP’s allergic but I would have that on my own in that phase too - white fish, mashed potato, poached egg and broccoli for example.

I’m 51 and this all started in Covid, so I think perimenopause was the kicker.

I don't have any pain in my chest or stomach though

No, thats why its called silent reflux, you dont get traditional 'indigestion' or heartburn.

But the reflux or extra acid travels up your whatsit and causes respitary symptoms, throat clearing, hoarse or husky voice, mucus, hacking up, coughing, runny or blocked nose, stuffy ears, sore throat, some or all of these symptoms

Interesting....

Can anything be done about it?

😱

I guess I should buy some gaviscon or something then. (Can't get a GP appointment for love nor money).

People can take ant acids but they're not good for you long term, I have to be on them for life due to an operation I had, but they work better for some than others. Mine would be worse without them, but I still suffer. But then I could work harder at positioning myself when eating, eating a low acid diet, not excerising after eating etc etc

At some point when Im prepared I want to try the acid watcher diet, people have had great success on that.

Also all the nose running and mucus stuff can also be a coexistent condition, like for me I have rhinitis as well and always problems with my sinuses, so its a double whammy, Im on steroid nasal spray, again for life but I dont think there are side effects to these.

A lot of these problems have to be managed, they arent 'cured' as such. Managed means a lot of coughing, spluttering, blowing my nose, soaking wet tissues everywhere. Ive learned to try to find clothing with pockets in them so I have a tissue to hand when inevitiably Im in an important meeting and my nose just runs right out with no warning