How to Stop a Runny Nose From Chemo

Why Might You Have a Runny Nose During Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy can lower infection-fighting white blood cells, increasing the risk of infection. Respiratory infections can be more serious when the immune system is weakened.

If you experience a runny nose, note when it began, when it occurs and whether you have other symptoms. Tell your care team if it starts soon after treatment, continues between treatments or occurs with fever or other signs of infection.

How Can You Manage a Runny Nose During Chemotherapy?

Appropriate treatment for a runny nose during chemotherapy often depends on the cause. The care team may suggest home care, such as avoiding irritants like cigarette smoke, dust or pollen. Depending on the cause and the patient’s medical history, the care team may recommend an antihistamine, decongestant or another treatment.

Before choosing how to manage nasal drainage at home, patients should speak with the care team about potential methods. Remember, over-the-counter (OTC) medications and supplements may interact with chemo drugs or affect how well your treatments work.

Tips That May Provide Relief for a Runny Nose

Your care team may recommend steps you can take at home to relieve your runny nose. While most of these tips may appear to be safe, it’s best to check with your care team to be sure. If allergies are causing your runny nose, your care team may recommend reducing exposure to known triggers by:

• Avoiding outdoor irritants like tree pollen, grasses, mold, ragweed and others
• Dusting furniture and hardwood floors
• Limiting exposure to pets if pet dander triggers your symptoms
• Vacuuming at least weekly

Specific chemotherapy guidance may include:

• Drink plenty of fluids (unless your care team has told you to limit your fluid intake)
• Quit smoking if you have not already
• Track symptoms and possible triggers in a journal or app
• Wash your hands often

You may also consider using a nasal rinse or nasal spray. Talk to your doctor before doing so because they can tell you which ones are safe to use. If your care team approves using a neti pot, use distilled or sterile water or tap water that has been properly boiled and cooled. Never use untreated tap water.

Ask Before Taking Cold or Allergy Medicine

Some patients may consider cold or allergy medicine for a runny nose, but the right treatment depends on the cause. The cancer care team may offer solutions that help and suggestions on what to avoid.

Antihistamines and decongestants address specific allergy or congestion symptoms, but they may not be appropriate for every patient. Ask the care team to check for possible interactions, side effects and concerns related to your other health conditions.

Do not take medication to lower a fever without first talking with your care team. Medicines such as acetaminophen can lower a fever and may mask a sign of infection.

When Should You Call Your Cancer Care Team?

When undergoing chemotherapy for mesothelioma, patients may wonder whether they should contact their care team about a runny nose. Experts say that in general, patients should tell their care team about new or worsening nasal symptoms. Prompt medical guidance is important if the runny nose occurs with fever or other possible signs of infection.

Patients should follow their care team’s specific instructions about when to call. Depending on their guidance, symptoms that may require prompt medical attention include:

• Any specific symptoms the care team has told the patient to report
• Chills
• Fever at or above the threshold established by the care team
• Inability to eat or drink
• Shortness of breath or breathing difficulty
• Significant weakness or feeling suddenly unwell
• Worsening cough or sore throat

Infections can become serious in patients whose chemotherapy has weakened their immune response or lowered their white blood cell counts. These patients should take precautions to reduce their infection risk and promptly contact their cancer care team if they develop possible signs of infection.

Take Nasal Symptoms Seriously During Treatment

A runny nose during chemotherapy may result from nasal irritation, allergies or an infection. Because some infections require timely treatment during chemotherapy, patients should follow their care team’s instructions for reporting symptoms. The care team can determine whether an OTC or prescription treatment is appropriate and check for potential drug interactions or treatment-related risks.