Medical Questions » Nose and Sinuses Questions » Question No. 736
| Question: | I have a constantly runny nose and need to use antihistamine tablets all the time. All the ones that work make me drowsy, and I can' t work as a driver. Is there anything else available to help me? |
| Answer: | Runny noses are caused by irritation to the moist membrane that lines the inside of your nose and sinuses. This irritation can be due to allergies, viral infections, temperature changes, changes in your emotional state, changes in position and hormonal fluctuations.
The normal way to deal with this problem is to use antihistamine preparations, but until a few years ago, all of these caused some degree of drowsiness. This side effect varies from one drug to another and from one person to another, so mailing several different types may be necessary to find the best one for you.
New antihistamines are now available (eg. Telfast, Garatyne, Hismanal). The effectiveness in drying up runny noses varies between patients, but they have the great advantage of not causing drowsiness and can be safely used by drivers and others in similar positions.
Unfortunately, these non-sedating antihistamines only work if your runny nose is caused by an allergy. If the cause is a viral infection, due to temperature changes or other problems, you are better off staying with the traditional anti-histamines. Even with these, newer versions such as Zyrtec are less likely to cause sedation than older preparations.
There is also an antihistamine nasal spray (Avil spray) available, which works very well in some people, and a nasal spray (Rynacrom—prescription required) which reduces the sensitivity of the nasal lining to pollens and dust.
The other way to deal with the problem is to reduce the inflammation of the nose membranes by coating them with a fine layer of steroid spray. A number of medications, including Beconase, Rhinocort and Aldecin, are available in a pressure pack or pump spray that is squirted up the nose to prevent it from running. These sprays have minimal side effects.
Many of these medications require a doctor' s prescription, so discuss the matter further with your GP.
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