Many people in Europe suffer from a runny nose as the weather changes, winters start, and flu season kicks in.
Millions of people in Europe are affected by the flu each year. There could be many reasons for developing the flu, but mostly, it results from cold weather.
A runny nose is a temporary condition that can be managed easily if you know how to alleviate your symptoms to avoid long-term irritation.
In this article, we will discuss how to develop a runny nose, what treatment options are there, and what strategies you can use to avoid getting infections repeatedly.
Rhinorrhea, commonly known as a runny nose, is a prevalent condition that can cause annoyance and discomfort.
It results due to the excessive production of mucus and fluid by the tissues present in the nasal passages. It can occur due to many reasons:
When the lining of the nasal passages becomes irritated, it triggers the expansion of blood vessels and excessive mucus production.
This is the body's natural response to remove irritants and protect against germs.
Key Point: What Is The Difference Between A Runny And Stuffy Nose?
A runny nose happens when your body produces too much mucus, resulting in a watery discharge.
On the other hand, a stuffy nose, or nasal congestion, occurs when the tissues and blood vessels in your nasal passages swell up, causing blockage.
While a runny nose involves a constant flow of mucus, a stuffy nose feels like there's a blockage, which can make it challenging to breathe.
Let's explore the different ways to treat a runny nose, which can vary depending on what's causing it.
You can often manage a runny nose using a mix of home remedies and medications. Here are some common home treatments for dealing with a runny nose
While you can typically manage a runny nose with home remedies, your doctor might suggest over-the-counter (OTC) solutions to provide quicker relief. These OTC options can include:
Antihistamines: These medicines block histamine, a molecule generated by the body in response to allergies as a part of the immune response.
Decongestant Sprays: These sprays offer speedy relief through their ability to constrict blood vessels in your nasal passages, reducing irritation and producing excess mucus.
Nasal Steroid Sprays: These sprays can help manage nasal congestion by reducing inflammation, which controls excess mucus and dries it up. Typically, these sprays are used alongside antihistamines for better results.
In cases of a severe and prolonged runny nose lasting beyond ten days, your doctor may recommend antibiotics to help ease your discomfort.
Apart from using home remedies and over-the-counter treatments, you can also control a runny nose by incorporating specific lifestyle changes. These may involve:
Preventing Triggers: One of the most effective remedies for a runny nose is avoiding known allergens, smoke, and pollutants as much as possible.
Using A Humidifier: Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier can prevent irritation in the lining of your nasal passages.
Keeping Things Clean: Regularly tidying up your living space can reduce exposure to allergens like dust and pet dander.
Maintaining A Healthy Lifestyle: Eating well and exercising will boost your immunity and reduce your chances of catching viral infections such as colds and the flu.
Getting Adequate Sleep: Getting enough rest will also help you to maintain a healthy immune system and reduce stress, which can worsen a runny nose.
While it's not common, surgical procedures can be considered as a treatment for a runny nose, but they are typically reserved for specific cases:
It's essential to understand that surgical interventions are usually considered a last resort and are not a common approach for treating a runny nose.
If you have concerns about your symptoms or think that surgery might be necessary, it's essential to consult with your doctor to explore your options.
How long a runny nose persists usually depends on what's causing it. If it's due to a viral infection like a cold or the flu, it can stick around for about 10 to 14 days.
On the other hand, if your runny nose results from allergies, it tends to last as long as you're in contact with the allergen.
If you've been dealing with a runny nose for over three weeks without any known allergen exposure, it's advisable to consult your doctor.
Preventing a runny nose is possible to some extent, although it may not be entirely avoidable in all cases. Making certain lifestyle adjustments can often help reduce the likelihood of getting a runny nose, including:
If you have specific concerns or unique circumstances, discussing them with your doctor is a good idea. They can provide personalised recommendations to help you prevent a runny nose more effectively.
Usually, a runny nose is not much of a concern, but there could be some instances when you need immediate medical attention like:
It's also important to contact a healthcare professional if you have an underlying health condition like asthma, an immune system disorder, and a runny nose.
Your doctor can provide guidance and treatment options to relieve your symptoms and prevent potential complications.
If you suffer from a runny nose and want medical help, contact Mobi Doctor. You can get a consultation with a doctor online from the comfort of your home and manage your runny nose easily.
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