Postnasal drip
A runny nose and postnasal drainage are symptoms of an underlying condition. Excess mucus that comes from the nose can drip down the back of the throat, irritating the throat and causing a cough. It is important to note that not all postnasal drip is caused by excess mucus. Other causes of postnasal drip include a blockage in the nose, age, and certain medicines.
A runny nose and postnasal discharge are generally harmless, but a visit to the doctor for diagnosis and medication will help to determine the underlying cause. Additionally, a doctor may suggest additional steps to take to alleviate the symptoms. For example, taking a shower before going to bed can help prevent a postnasal drip attack and prevent it from coming back. Additionally, avoiding certain triggers, such as pollen, can help to reduce the occurrence of postnasal drip.
Allergic rhinitis
Allergies to various allergens can cause runny nose. Pollen, animal saliva, and house dust mites are some examples of common allergens. Some people may experience allergic rhinitis only at certain times of the year. For them, reducing their exposure to these allergens can help relieve their symptoms. Other patients may find relief by using non-sedating antihistamines or rinsing their nasal passages with a salt water solution.
While allergic rhinitis can cause runny nose and other symptoms, it can interfere with a person’s sleep and other everyday activities. If the symptoms of allergic rhinitis are severe enough, they can significantly impair one’s daily life and performance at work or school. A doctor will diagnose the condition by taking into account symptoms and possible triggers. A skin test can be conducted to detect if you have an allergic reaction to specific allergens.
Colds
One of the first symptoms of a cold is a runny nose. The human body begins fighting back against a virus three to four days after the symptoms first appear. However, the severity of the cold depends largely on how long the symptoms persist. Hormone drops for runny nose and colds act locally to soothe the symptoms and reduce inflammation. By destroying the bacteria that causes the disease, these drops can effectively stop the cold and runny nose within a few days.
Symptoms of a cold and runny nose are often confused as being the same thing. In reality, a runny nose can be a sign of an allergy. However, allergies are different from cold symptoms in several ways. They may be accompanied by a fever or cough, and they are not contagious. Only a doctor can accurately diagnose allergies and prescribe appropriate treatment. In addition to being uncomfortable and annoying, allergies can be dangerous if the body is oversensitive to them.
Herbal teas
Herbal teas for runny nose are a great way to soothe your achy throat and sinuses. These teas are readily available at most supermarkets. A great combination of ginger and lemon can relieve your runny nose and soothe the throat. The ginger has high antioxidant content while the lemon contains vitamin C and can fight the common cold. You can also try honey and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Sage is another great herbal tea for runny nose because it has diaphoretic and astringent properties.
Lemon balm is a plant that belongs to the mint family. It has a strong lemon fragrance and can help alleviate symptoms associated with allergies. Licorice root has antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. Licorice root can also relieve runny, itchy nose. Green tea, meanwhile, contains a compound called quercetin. Quercetin prevents allergic reactions from occurring by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Neti pots
Nasal irrigation can help relieve runny nose symptoms and may reduce your need for medications. It can also improve the function of cilia, which are the cells that clear mucus from the nasal passages. One tablespoon of salt and sixteen ounces of water are used for irrigation. In addition to using the salt solution, nasal irrigation also relieves congestion. It may be a good idea to use distilled or boiled water for best results.
The downside of using a neti pot is that it can be harmful to your health. Long-term usage of the device may increase the risk of getting rhinosinusitis, an infection of the sinus lining. This is because the salt used in neti pots gradually depletes the protective mucus covering the membranes in the nose. Because of this, neti pots should only be used for a short period of time and you should always consult a doctor if congestion persists.