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Why do I Have Severe Sinus Discomfort After..

10/19/2010

Question:

… I exercise and I am an avid runner; running approx 6 miles a day 4-6 days a week. Recently I’ve started doing sprint intervals, within minutes of finishing my work out on both occasions I have experienced pain in my gums/teeth, along with severe sinus pain. The pain in my gums and teeth subsides within about 15 min but my sinus’ only get worse; constant drainage, pain, watery eyes, lasting about 2 days much like a cold or bad allergies. I do not have allergies or sinus problems otherwise.

Answer:

Without examing you, it is difficult to say what is causing your symtpoms. 

If you do not have a history of allergies, it is most likely something called vasomotor rhinitis. 

The nose can react to a variety of conditions and exposures. Not infrequently, exercise can cause an increase in nasal discharge, and sneezing, etc. This is most likely secondary to various stress hormones released during the activity. 

For more information:

Go to the Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders health topic.