It is extremely annoying to have a runny nose, which is quite prevalent during winters, as getting sick with the flu or a cold is inevitable when the seasons change. Runny nose is mucus dripping or running out of your nose, also known as nasal congestion or “Rhinorrhea”.
This is generally caused due to colder outdoor temperatures, a flu or due to some specific allergies, but apart from these there could be many other reasons why you might have a runny nose.
Here, we have listed all the possible reasons why you might have nasal congestion and the ways to get rid of it.
1. Allergies
You might have a runny nose due to possessing certain specific allergies, which could be seasonal allergies like due to spring, fall or changing seasons. A runny nose due to allergies could be because of your body’s inflammatory response to pollen, specific smells, or due to the presence of other allergens in the air.
Allergens cause symptoms like sneezing, headache, and a sore throat. These foreign particles block your nasal passage and cause a runny nose.
These foreign particles could be pollen, dust, ragweed, etc.
2. Common Cold
Having a runny nose due to a seasonal cold or common cold is quite another most common reason.
Common cold or also known as upper respiratory illness causes inflammation in the mucous membrane, lining of the nose, leading to the formation of excessive mucus posing a condition of runny nose or nasal congestion.
Common cold is treatable using certain Over the counter drugs or antibiotics, taking enough rest and vitamin C in your diet also helps with a quick treatment of this disease.
3. Cold Temperatures
Spending time in cold temperatures can often trigger a runny nose. Cold and dry air causes irritation in your nasal lining, which results in your nasal glands producing excessive mucus, leading to a condition of a runny nose.
A runny nose due to cold temperatures is often accompanied by symptoms similar to that of common cold, such as a mild fever, headache, and sore throat.
4. Sinusitis
Sinusitis or a sinus infection is often a result of a condition of common cold. It leads to inflammation around your nasal cavities, forming mucus accompanied by a stuffy nose condition.
Acute sinusitis could be triggered due to certain allergies or by cold and might resolve on its own , it does not require some specific treatment apart from the pain relief medications.
The symptoms are similar to that of a common cold or flu.
5. Flu
Flu or a viral infection might often trigger a runny or stuffy nose. Flu commonly attacks the lungs, nose and throat causing symptoms like breathing issues, nasal congestion, fever, and sore throat.
You might normally take from 4 to 7 days to recover from a viral infection , depending on the severity of the infection the recovery days could be less or more. Since antibiotics do not work against viral infections, your doctor might prescribe antiviral drugs to help you fight the infections.
Conclusion:
A runny nose could be temporary and depending on the cause an antibiotic or antiviral drug could cure the condition in no time. In certain cases you might not even require a medical treatment and it can go on its own in a few days.
If you have a runny nose due to a common cold or cold outside temperatures, a heat therapy that involves taking hot beverages and eating warm food can help with weakening the symptoms.
If the symptoms persist or lead to other adjoining health conditions, causing chronic nasal congestion it is good to visit an expert ENT specialist in time to avoid any serious health consequences.