HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Runny Nose, Sneezing After Colonoscopy?

hi, I had a colonoscopy today and work up from the anesthesia sneezing and developed a runny nose...feels like I just caught an instant cold. I have great before the procedure. The nurse told me that the oxygen was the cause. ( I immediately needed a napkin to wipe my nose before I could sit up.
Mon, 7 Jul 2014
Report Abuse
Allergist and Immunologist 's  Response
Hello.

Thank you for asking at HCM.

If you have not had any chronic allergy problem like allergic rhinitis, I would agree that oxygen is a possibility.

Sometimes oxygen works as irritant for nasal mucosa and this irritation causes immediate sneezing and running nose. Mostly it is self-limiting. There is nothing serious in that. You need not to worry at all.

If you have an allergic condition like allergic rhinitis in past, there are many possible allergens in a hospital environment like latex, drugs, etc. In that case taking medications like levocetirizine & montelukast helps.

Hope this will be helpful to you.

Wish you best of the health.

Regards.

I find this answer helpful

Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Recent questions on Anesthesia


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Runny Nose, Sneezing After Colonoscopy?

Hello. Thank you for asking at HCM. If you have not had any chronic allergy problem like allergic rhinitis, I would agree that oxygen is a possibility. Sometimes oxygen works as irritant for nasal mucosa and this irritation causes immediate sneezing and running nose. Mostly it is self-limiting. There is nothing serious in that. You need not to worry at all. If you have an allergic condition like allergic rhinitis in past, there are many possible allergens in a hospital environment like latex, drugs, etc. In that case taking medications like levocetirizine & montelukast helps. Hope this will be helpful to you. Wish you best of the health. Regards.