Your Health

INSTANT appointment

- Dr Carsten Hartmann

With Dr Carsten Hartmann, GP at The Fleet Street Clinic (fleetstreetclinic.com)

Runny nose

Q My nose is always running and I find it really irritating. What's causing it? Ellie, Salford

A A runny nose is a symptom of many conditions including the common cold, the flu, a sinus infection and an allergy.

Some people who have a chronically runny nose for no apparent reason have a condition called non-allergic rhinitis.

Common causes include

• Changes in the weather
• Exercising
• Smoke or perfumes
• Alcohol and spicy food
• Hormone changes associated with pregnancy, puberty, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or the contraceptive pill
• Conditions such as an underactive thyroid
• Using decongestant nasal sprays too often

If your running nose is not associated with sickness and doesn't improve when taking an antihistamine, book in to see your GP for further investigation.

Jittery legs

Q I get restless legs after sitting for too long. What can I do? Georgia, Yeovil