I have a constantly runny nose. What is wrong with me? DR PHILIPPA KAYE reveals the little-known condition to blame… and the worrying extra signs you can’t ignore

For as long as I can remember, I have suffered with a runny nose. I’ve never actually been to a doctor to be assessed. What can I do to end this annoying problem?

Dr Philippa Kaye answers: A constantly runny or blocked nose would usually be due to a condition called rhinitis – inflammation of the lining of the nose and sinuses.

There are several possible triggers, and identifying the cause is key to treating it.

In many cases, rhinitis is short-lived and caused by an infection such as a cold. While symptoms usually ease as the virus clears, a runny nose can linger for a few weeks afterwards.

If symptoms last for months, or longer, is unlikely to be due to an infection – instead, an allergy may be the culprit. 

Many people get season allergic rhinitis or, as it’s more commonly known, hay fever. This is an allergy to one or more types of pollen. 

This is often accompanied by itchy eyes and throat. However, many patients solely experience a runny nose.

If the rhinitis continues year-round this does not necessarily mean allergies aren’t to blame. It could be triggered by regular exposure to dust or pet hair.

One way to find out whether allergies are to blame is to try a daily antihistamine tablet. These cheap pills can be purchased at local pharmacies. It’s worth trying an antihistamine for several weeks to see if it has any effect.

If the rhinitis subsides, patients should continue taking the antihistamine to limit the chances of it returning. Many patients may also benefit from using an over-the-counter steroid nasal spray, alongside antihistamines.

This treatment is designed to lower inflammation in the nose, in order to improve symptoms.

It is important to use the spray correctly.

If used with the head tipped back, the medication simply runs down the back of the throat and the patient will swallow it. Instead, blow the nose gently first. Then, tilt the head forwards so that the chin is on the chest.

Insert the spray into one nostril, aiming it slightly towards the outside of the nose. Spraying it down the middle may damage the nasal septum. Repeat these steps for the other nostril.

Once complete, keep the head down for at least a minute before straightening up again. It can take a few days to start making an impact and several weeks for the full effect to be felt. So, like with the antihistamines, it’s worth sticking with the treatment, even if it feels like it isn’t working.

In some cases, a runny nose can be due to small growths in the nasal passage, called polyps. The growths can also trigger a loss of smell and taste as well as post-nasal drip – where mucus runs down the back of the throat.

The issue is often treated with a combination of steroid sprays, steroid tablets and antihistamines.

However, it can be a difficult issue to cure. Sometimes surgery to remove the polyps may be required.

In very rare cases, a runny nose can be a sign of nose cancer. This would typically lead to the symptom in only one nostril, as well as frequent nose bleeds, a loss of smell or pain in the face. Anyone experiencing these symptoms must see their GP.

I’VE been suffering with one-sided neck and shoulder pain for several months. Sometimes my right hand feels numb or cold. What could the cause?

Dr Philippa Kaye answers: A numb or cold hand could be the sign of an irritated nerve.

Nerves are responsible for controlling all movements and sensations, including pain, temperature and touch. But if they become damaged or are under pressure, they don’t function properly.

It’s possible that a shoulder injury could inflame the nerves connected to the hand, leading to a change in sensation.

This is because the nerves exit the spinal cord, run through the shoulder and down into the hand. So, any inflammation in the shoulder or neck, could put pressure on the nerves.

One common cause of this problem is a shoulder tendinopathy, where the tendons become irritated. It’s typically caused by repetitive use, poor posture, overexercise or aging-related changes.

Unfortunately, a tendinopathy can take some time to heal.

However, there are steps to speeding up this recovery. The most important thing is to stay active and keep the shoulder mobile. This is because, with a lack of movement, it can stiffen up. Movement also helps get blood flowing to the joint, speeding up the healing process.

A GP may be able to refer a patient with shoulder pain for physiotherapy treatment. There, a physiotherapist can provide guided stretches and exercises to improve mobility in the joint.

Some physios may decide to perform hands-on treatment. This is thought to improve blood flow and also break down some of the inflamed tissue. However, not all physiotherapist will offer this and it can depend on the patient’s needs.

Over-the-counter painkillers and ibuprofen can help reduce shoulder pain. So too can a warm bath or a warming pack – which can be purchased at most pharmacies.

However, these steps should be done in combination with exercises and stretches, rather than as an alternative to this approach.

• Dr Kaye cannot enter into personal correspondence. Replies should be taken in a general context. Consult your own GP with any health worries.