Runny nose overview and treatments

What is a runny nose?

A runny nose is a common sign of allergies, infections, inflammation, or even physical irritation. Mucous membranes inside your nose make mucus, which causes sneezing. It can be caused by a problem like a cold or hay fever.

Rhinitis, which is an inflammation of the nose, is a common cause of a runny nose. Other common causes are viral respiratory infections like the common cold, influenza (flu), and sinusitis (inflammation or infection of the sinuses). Depending on what’s causing it, can last for a short time, come and go, or happen all the time. A runny nose can cause redness, itching, and sneezing.

In very rare cases, sneezing can be a sign of a serious head injury or brain trauma. Sneezing can also be caused by overusing nasal sprays, especially those with decongestants. It isn’t usually a big deal, but it can be a sign of a serious, life-threatening head injury or trauma.

Runny nose symptoms

Depending on the disease, disorder, or condition that’s causing it, a runny nose and sneezing may be accompanied by other symptoms. When symptoms affect the respiratory system frequently, they may also affect other body systems. Symptoms that can emerge along with a runny nose and sneezing

Having a runny nose can be a sign of other problems with the respiratory system, such as:

• Cough 
• Coughing up mucus that is clear, yellow, light brown, or green
• Having a stuffy nose
• Trouble breathing
• Sneezing
• Throat pain
• Wheezing (whistling sound made with breathing)

Other symptoms of a runny nose that can relate to the body system such as:

• Body pain and numbness
• Dizziness
• Lymph nodes that are larger
• Lack of energy, fainting, or a change in the level of consciousness
• Fatigue
• Chills and fever
• Headache
• Unease or lack of energy
• Throat pain

Runny nose causes 

Your sneezing may have one or more of several causes. Possible causes may include:

• Common cold
• Allergies
• Flu
• Non-allergic rhinitis

1. Allergies

Allergies occur when a person’s immune system reacts to a particular substance or an allergen. Some common allergens that can cause runny nose and sneezing include dust, termites, pollens etc.

2. Common cold

Many virus species, especially rhinovirus can cause the common cold. Cold can cause a person to have a runny nose and sneezing symptoms.

Some other symptoms associated with the common cold include:

• Headache
• Sneezing
• Body ache
• Sore throat (Home remedies for sore throat)

Symptoms associated with the common cold may even worsen during the second or third day and may last for 2 weeks in some cases.

3. Non-allergic rhinitis

Non-allergic rhinitis causes symptoms like sneezing. Due to changes in weather, exposure to caustic odour or changes in atmospheric pressure can trigger symptoms.

4. Flu

Flu symptoms may look like those of a cold, like a sore throat, runny nose and sneezing. But colds tend to get worse slowly, whereas the flu normally occurs rapidly. Even though a cold can be irritating, the flu normally makes you feel much worse.

Runny nose treatment

There are several ways to relieve upper respiratory tract infections like runny nose, some of these include-

1. Drink sufficient fluids

If you have sneezing, keep yourself hydrated by drinking sufficient water. Water allows the mucus to drain fast and hence clear our nose. Avoid consuming drinks with caffeine as they cause dehydration.

2. Take plenty of rest

It is important to get the proper amount of sleep so that the body can heal and benefit from a runny nose. Our body makes new immune system cells when we are asleep and hence improves the body’s ability to fight infection and prevent inflammation.

Therefore, “sleep can aid in the maintenance of our immune system’s proper functioning.”

3. Use of humidifier

A humidifier, also known as a cool mist vaporiser, is an excellent technique to restore moisture to the atmosphere, which is beneficial in the treatment of runny noses.

When the atmospheric air has less moisture, the mucus may get thicker and flow well. A humidifier adds moisture to the air hence keeping the nasal passage moist and allowing the mucus to drain fast.

4. Consume a spicy meal

The chemicals present in spicy food materials like capsaicin can help to relieve runny nose (that is not caused by allergies). Capsaicin is present in chilli peppers and the heat they generate may relieve a runny nose in the long run.

5. Over-the-counter medicines

Consult your doctor and take over-the-counter flu and cold medications which can help ease the symptoms of a runny nose, as well as the symptoms of other common cold causes.

Medicines like- Cetcip, dry up the nasal passage and help to relieve runny nose along with antihistamines. It also has the nasal decongestant property to relieve a stuffy nose.

If your sneezing symptoms worsen even after 10-15 days of medications make sure to contact your doctor.

6. Saline nasal spray

Use a gentle saline nasal spray like Otrivin Saline Spray, which can help in the runny nose treatment. A saline spray keeps the nasal passage open by washing out allergens like dust, pollen, and pet dander. It can also disintegrate dry mucus and make it easier to remove.

7. Use a warm compress

Using a warm compress on your nose multiple times a day can help to relieve upper respiratory symptoms. If a warm compress is not available to you, try moistening a cloth with warm water and apply it several times a day. This is also beneficial to loosen your mucus and help relieve nasal complications.

8. Herbal warm drink

Herbal hot drinks are soothing when you want relief from a runny nose, nasal congestion, or other cold and flu symptoms. Be sure to consume medicated hot drinks 4 to 5 times daily for faster recovery from upper respiratory tract complications. There are many home remedies for running nose you can try.

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