Had Nasal Cannula Inserted During A Colonoscopy. Sneezing After Removal. On Synthroid. What Is Going On?

Posted on Wed, 18 Apr 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 Answered on

Sat, 7 Jul 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a nasal cannula inserted during a colonoscopy, immediately after its removal, I began sneezing and having a runny nose. No, the only "drug" i take is synthroid and have never, ever experienced a runny nose unless I had a cold to go with it and I do not have a cold. It has been relieved somewhat by using a netti pot, but I am mystified about how a cannula could cause such a thing. In my research, I have found that oxygen users have a similar issue with a cannula.

Answered by Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra (2 hours later)

Hi,

Thanks for posting the query on XXXXXXX

After going through your query, I would like to comment the following:

1. Cannula can cause common cold. However it subsides most of the time by itself.

2. Nettipots basically cause nasal irrigation most useful in sinusitis.

3. The cannula could have been a source of infection if it was not replaced after use in the previous patient. Also humidifier of the oxygen delivery circuit is a cause of hospital acquired infection.

4. Meanwhile you could take antihistaminic tablet like tb. levocetrizine 5 mg at bed time and a decongestant tablet. That should help you symptomatically.

I hope I have answered your query. I will be glad to answer follow up queries if any.
Please accept my answer if you have no follow up queries.

Regards

Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra
MBBS MD DNB

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar