Runny Nose

A runny nose can be a pesky problem that affects people of any age. This common condition occurs when excess fluid drains from the nasal passages, causing discomfort and irritation. Understanding the causes of a runny nose and how to treat it can help you manage this annoying symptom more effectively.

In this blog, let's explore the reasons for a runny nose and discuss various treatment options. We'll look at runny nose causes, from common colds to allergies, and provide insights into effective runny nose remedies. You'll learn about runny nose treatments at home, including simple home remedies and over-the-counter solutions. 

What is a Runny Nose?

A runny nose, medically known as rhinorrhea, occurs when excess mucus drips or runs out of the nose. This common condition happens when the mucous membranes lining the nasal cavities produce mucus faster than it can be processed. As a result, the nasal cavities fill up, potentially blocking the air passageway and causing difficulty breathing through the nose.

Symptoms of Runny Nose

The characteristic symptom of this condition is excessive discharge of the nasal mucus. People with a runny nose may experience additional symptoms such as:

• Nasal congestion
• Itching inside the nasal cavity
• Sneezing
• Postnasal drip 

In some cases, the excess mucus can lead to complications like sinusitis, ear pain, or sore throat. 

The consistency and colour of the nasal discharge can vary depending on the underlying cause. For instance, allergies and cold temperatures typically result in a more watery discharge, while infections often produce thicker mucus.

In most instances, a runny nose is temporary, but some individuals may experience chronic rhinorrhea. Understanding the nature of this condition can help identify appropriate treatment options and manage symptoms effectively.

Causes of Runny Nose

A runny nose has various causes, ranging from common infections to environmental factors. These may include:

• Viral infections like the common cold, flu, and COVID-19 often lead to a runny nose. 
• Allergies, or allergic rhinitis, also result in a runny nose when the body reacts to allergens like pollen, pet dander, or dust.
• Cold temperatures can irritate the nasal lining, prompting excess mucus production to keep the nose moist. 
• Sinus infections can cause a runny nose with thick yellow or green mucus. 
• Nasal polyps (benign growths inside the nose) may also lead to this symptom.
• Certain medications, pregnancy, and even excessive tear production can result in a runny nose. 
• In rare cases, a cerebrospinal fluid leak or opioid withdrawal may cause this symptom.
• Other causes include nonallergic rhinitis, triggered by irritants like tobacco smoke or strong odours, and gustatory rhinitis, which occurs when eating spicy foods. 

Treatment for Runny Nose

Most runny noses resolve on their own without treatment. However, several options can help manage symptoms and provide relief, such as:

• Rest and Avoiding Irritants: Most runny nose instances resolve with time. During this period, ensure adequate rest to support the body's recovery and avoid smoke, strong odours, or other irritants that can worsen symptoms.
• Hydration: Staying hydrated is crucial, as it thins out mucus and makes it easier to expel. 
• Humidifiers: Adding moisture to the indoor air with a humidifier can soothe dry or irritated nasal passages.
• Over-the-counter Medications: Expectorants help thin mucus, decongestants shrink nasal passages, and antihistamines help with allergy-related runny noses. 
• Saline nasal sprays offer a natural treatment to rinse the nasal passages.

However, it's essential to follow all instructions and consult an expert doctor before giving these medications to children under 6.

When to See a Doctor

While a runny nose often clears up on its own, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. Individuals should consult a doctor if:

• The runny nose persists, worsens, or changes colour (yellow or green mucus)
• The runny nose or congestion lasts more than three weeks or occurs with a fever
• The discharge comes from one nostril, especially if foul-smelling or bloody
• Breathing difficulties arise
• Swelling appears in the forehead, eyes, side of the nose, or cheek
• Vision becomes blurred
• Nasal discharge follows a head injury, particularly if clear and watery.

Home Remedies for Runny Nose

Several runny nose home remedies can help alleviate a runny nose, such as:

• Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, can be an effective runny nose treatment at home. 
• Hot beverages like herbal teas are often more helpful than cold ones due to their heat and steam, which open and decongest airways.
• Inhaling warm steam from a humidifier or during a shower has proven effective in improving mucus buildup. Facial steam can also loosen mucus and provide relief. 
• A warm compress or washcloth to the forehead and nose several times daily may soothe sinus pressure and improve symptoms and can be an effective runny nose remedy.
• Nasal irrigation with a device called neti pot is a common approach to sinus issues, including runny noses. This method helps rinse the nose and alleviate discomfort. 
• For those dealing with congestion, spicy foods might provide temporary relief by thinning mucus. Capsaicin (the compound present in chilli peppers) can alleviate the symptoms of a runny nose caused by congestion when applied to the nose.

Prevention

While it's not always possible to prevent a runny nose, there are steps to reduce the risk of viral infections and allergies. These may include:

• To avoid spreading germs, people should wash their hands often, keep away from those with colds, and cough into their elbow. 
• Eating healthily and regularly exercising can boost the immune system. It's essential to clean and disinfect common surfaces, such as kitchen tops, dressing shelves, mirrors, toys, door handles, and tables.
• Stay up to date with vaccines.
• Individuals can stay indoors for allergy prevention when pollen counts are high, especially in the early morning and on windy days. Keeping windows closed during allergy season & using air conditioning can help. 
• When working outdoors, wearing a dust mask is advisable. After coming indoors, changing clothes and showering can remove allergens. 
• People sensitive to animal dander should avoid contact with cats and dogs.
• Using antihistamines can prevent allergy symptoms. To cope with a runny nose, getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and gently blowing the nose can provide relief. It's also wise to stay home to avoid spreading germs to others.

Conclusion

A runny nose, while often a minor nuisance, can significantly impact daily life. Various treatment options, including home remedies and over-the-counter medications, provide relief for most cases. Staying hydrated, using nasal irrigation, and inhaling steam are simple yet effective ways to alleviate discomfort.

Knowing when to consult an expert clinician is crucial for preventing complications. While most runny noses clear up on their own, persistent symptoms or those accompanied by fever may require a doctor's evaluation. To reduce instances of runny nose, practising good hygiene, boosting the immune system, and managing allergies are key steps. By applying these insights, individuals can better cope with this common condition and maintain their overall well-being.

FAQ's

1. How long does a runny nose last?

The duration of a runny nose depends on its cause. A runny nose due to viral infections like the common cold typically lasts 10 to 14 days. However, it peaks around 2 to 3 days after symptoms begin. Allergies can cause a runny nose to persist for up to six weeks during pollen seasons in spring, summer, or fall as long as exposure to the allergen continues. 

2. Can a runny nose cause complications?

While usually harmless, a runny nose can sometimes lead to mild complications. These include:

• Postnasal drip: Excess mucus can accumulate and drip down the throat, causing a sore throat and coughing.
• Sinus infection: Blocked sinus passages may result in a painful sinus infection, potentially requiring prescription medication.
• Ear pain or infection: If excess mucus backs up into the eustachian tube, it can cause ear pain or an ear infection.

Dr. M. A. Muqsith Quadri

MBBS, MD
CARE Hospitals Outpatient Centre, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

To Book an Appointment, call:

+91 406 810 6585