Runny nose refers to mucus discharged out of nose. It can take place because of several reasons- allergies, flu, cold or outdoor cold temperatures. However, one can cure it easily by taking lots of fluids, mainly water and resting as much as you can. There are other treatments too to get rid of runny nose in short span of time.
Runny nose is all about running or mucus dripping out of nose. The prime causes of runny nose are allergies, flu, cold and outdoor cold temperatures.
Rhinorrhea is the medical term for runny nose and thin and clear discharge. Rhinitis is another condition that led to nasal tissues inflammation.
If an allergen and cold virus enters the body it will start irritating the nose lining and sinuses (air-filled pocket surrounding the face). Then the nose will secrete lots of clear mucus for trapping allergens, viruses and bacteria to flush them out of the nose.
Within 2-3 days the colour of the mucus will change and turn into yellow or white. Many times, it can become greenish and there is nothing to worry about as it is absolutely normal.
Breathing starts with nose and air reaches the lungs through windpipe. It filters out cool, warm and humid air to provide the lungs with fresh and clean air.
Mucosa makes a special lining; commonly called moist tissue occupies the spaces of nostrils as it has multiple mucus-secreting glands. When dust, allergens and other harmful particles enter the nose mucus will trap them. It contains enzymes and antibodies to destroy unwanted viruses and bacteria.
The lining of mucosa also consists of tiny cilia or hair-like structures. They always move or stay in motion for collecting harmful substances. Mucus will trap them and store at the back of throat. Then you will swallow it and stomach acid will destroy them. Particles and mucus can be blown out by coughing or sneezing.
With cold outdoor temperatures the process gets slow down. Sometimes, it stays in nose only and then all of a sudden you start dripping or dribbling.
Mucus is important for keeping the airway moist. Then only, it is able to function in right way. Moreover, mucus doesn’t allow the harmful particles to get into lungs and its antibodies kill harmful bacteria completely. With excessive production of mucus, body wants to remove them in the form of cough to spit additional mucus or sneezing to blow it from the nose.
Runny nose can cause because of any or multiple following reasons. Some potential causes are:
Yes, runny nose or congestion can be a symptom of COVID-19. Other symptoms to look for are:
Excessive mucus can result in postnasal drip. It takes place when the mucus travels down the back of throat and you swallow it. As a result, you can experience sore throat or cough.
Many times, you can experience stuffy, congested or runny nose altogether. Congestion will happen if the lining of the nasal tissues swells up making it tough for you to inhale and exhale. Swelling takes place because of inflamed blood vessels. At that time mucus will run out of the nose.
Often runny nose is associated to flu and cold! Moreover, it is accompanied by fever, facial pressure, cough, sore throat and fatigue. Allergic reaction causing runny nose will make you experience itchy and watery eyes along with sneezing.
Yes, runny nose can lead to sore throat over time.
Nasal tissues inflammation or rhinitis can result in certain conditions such as middle ear infection.
Runny nose is not contagious! However, it is the most usual symptom for common cold which can transfer from a person to another.
Wait for a few days as it will go away naturally. You don’t need any specific treatment for it. However, there are some exceptional conditions too.
Basically, a general physician can help you with runny nose! But if it indicates more severe condition then you need to see an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) specialist.
Basically, runny nose gets cure with time. But you must contact the doctor if:
On visiting the doctor, a physical exam will take place to ensure that it is not happening from any serious conditions.
You can take saltwater drops into the nostrils for loosening the mucus in nose. Then mucus along with liquid will be suctioned out from nose using rubber bulb or syringe.
Some effective home remedies are:
Good hygiene is really important as it can resist the germ from spreading. Runny nose is indication for some contagious complexities. You can follow the given tips for resisting the germs from spreading.
In general, runny nose will go away naturally. In case there are severe symptoms like if it lasts for about 10 days or if the drainage is there on one side you must look for foul smell, blood or green traces. At that time you need to visit a doctor.
Here is the list of doctors you can see for your runny nose