What Causes a Runny Nose?
Having a runny nose isn’t always an indication of a major illness, it can also be a sign of a simple annoyance. But it’s important to know what causes a runny nose so you can get rid of it.
Allergic rhinitis
Often confused with the common cold, allergic rhinitis and runny nose can be serious problems for many people. Symptoms include itching, nasal congestion, sneezing, and postnasal drip. Medications can help relieve the symptoms, but you should see your doctor if the symptoms are severe or persist.
Seasonal allergies are caused by specific pollens or other allergens. They usually occur in the spring and fall. They can be worsened by changing weather or other environmental factors. You can prevent allergy symptoms by avoiding allergens, such as pollen.
You can also use antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids to reduce sneezing and other symptoms. You can take the medication by mouth or apply a nasal spray. This can significantly reduce sneezing, itching, and other nasal symptoms.
Immunotherapy is another way to manage allergic rhinitis. It works by modifying your body’s immune response to allergens. Allergens are harmless particles that trigger your immune system to release chemicals that cause swelling. In addition to decreasing your allergic reaction, it can help you achieve long-term control of the condition.
If you have severe allergic rhinitis, you may be prescribed oral steroids to stop itching and sneezing. You will usually be given a short course of steroids to help with symptom relief.
Other ways to treat allergic rhinitis include avoiding allergens, using a decongestant, and using nasal sprays. In addition, you can drink fluids to thin your mucus. Breathing steam can also help open your sinuses. You can also use an anticholinergic eye drop to relieve your eye symptoms.
You can also try a skin prick test. This is a simple procedure that involves placing substances on your skin and watching your body’s reaction. The results can help your doctor identify the causes of your allergies.
Churg-Strauss syndrome
EGPA, also known as Churg-Strauss syndrome, is a vasculitis that affects small and medium-sized blood vessels. This condition usually occurs in individuals who have a history of asthma and allergies. The symptoms of this disease vary from patient to patient and may include skin lesions, respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal disturbances, and more.
Inflammation of blood vessels can cause damage to vital organs. In the case of Churg-Strauss syndrome, this inflammation affects several different organs, including the heart, lungs, and skin. It also limits the blood flow to these areas. This can result in problems such as abnormal heart rhythm, heart failure, and other cardiovascular diseases.
The symptoms of Churg-Strauss syndrome can vary greatly from person to person. However, the most common symptom is asthma. Other symptoms may include rashes, fatigue, and night sweats. The condition is caused by an overactive immune system and may be triggered by exposure to allergens, drugs, or other environmental factors.
In order to diagnose Churg-Strauss syndrome, doctors will perform blood tests and imaging tests. These tests will help detect the presence of vasculitis and rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms. The disease can also be diagnosed based on the results of a biopsy of the affected tissues. The biopsy can reveal whether the eosinophils are outside the blood vessels or within them.
Patients with this disease usually receive treatment with glucocorticoids, such as prednisone. These medications can reduce inflammation and help alleviate the symptoms. Unfortunately, they can also lead to other health problems, such as weight gain, high blood sugar, and bone loss. In severe cases, the patient might need a combination of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants.
Churg-Strauss syndrome can be a life-threatening disease, and the mortality rate in children is higher than that in adults. There is no known cure, but powerful immunosuppressant drugs can help control the symptoms.
Postnasal drip
Whether it’s caused by a cold, allergies, or sinusitis, a runny nose, and postnasal drip can cause a lot of discomforts. When it’s a cold, the virus that causes the cold can irritate the nasal lining and result in excessive mucus. The excess mucus can run down the back of your throat.
The resulting postnasal drip can be annoying and can even make you feel sick. Fortunately, there are medications that can be taken to help treat postnasal drip. These include antacids and decongestants. You can also use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. If your symptoms don’t go away, you may need to visit your doctor.
If you’re experiencing postnasal drip, your healthcare provider may do a physical exam to find the underlying cause of the problem. If a sinus infection is a culprit, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. You can prevent blockages in your sinuses by drinking plenty of water. If you’re experiencing postnasal drainage, you can use a humidifier to thin the mucus.
During a cold, your body produces excess mucus to fight off bacteria and viruses. This mucus is yellow or green. It helps keep the body moist and also traps bacteria and viruses. After a few days, the color of the mucus may change to white or yellow.
While it’s normal to produce excess mucus during a cold, postnasal drip can be a long-term issue. It can even lead to a chronic cough. It can be difficult to clear mucus from your throat. Using pillows to prop up your head can help prevent the accumulation of mucus.
If you have an allergy, the mucus that your body produces can trap allergens. If your symptoms aren’t relieved, you may need to take allergy medication. However, you should always consult with an allergist to ensure you’re taking the right medication.
Infections of the sinuses and adenoids
Symptoms of infections of the sinuses and adenoids include nasal congestion, coughing, facial pain, and discolored nasal drainage. In order to treat these symptoms, patients should take antibiotics. Some patients also need to have a nasopharyngoscopy to find out why the sinuses and adenoids are blocked.
Infected adenoids can cause middle ear infections, which can make it hard to hear. Adenoids are lymph nodes that lie behind the nose and help trap harmful germs. They are a part of the immune system, and they are one of the first lines of defense against bacteria and viruses.
Adenoids are often infected, especially in children. A child with infected adenoids will have difficulty breathing and will be more prone to ear infections. Depending on the severity of the infection, the doctor may recommend a procedure called an adenoidectomy.
An adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure in which doctors remove the adenoids. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia. There are several risks, including bleeding, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
The treatment of infections of the sinuses and ear is often based on the severity of the infection and the child’s overall health. An otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor) will examine the child and order a test to see if the infection is caused by an adenoid. If an adenoid is infected, the otolaryngologist will prescribe antibiotics.
If the adenoids are infected, they can spread to other areas of the head. If the infection is severe, it can result in chest infection, bronchioles, and other respiratory structures. The otolaryngologist will also ask the patient about her family history. If there are multiple episodes of adenoidal infection, the otolaryngologist might recommend adenoidectomy.
Hormonal imbalance
During perimenopause and menopause, hormonal changes affect many bodily systems, including the nasal passages. As a result, the tiniest of changes can cause a runny nose and other related symptoms.
The hormonal culprits are estrogen and progesterone. The former is a key player in arousing the female reproductive system and regulating the hormonal balance, while the latter is responsible for the body’s natural anti-inflammatory hormone. When one is over-stimulated by either, the resulting effects are all too obvious.
Another reason to be concerned is the effect of low testosterone on sinusitis. As a matter of fact, the link between a falling testosterone level and nasal congestion is well-established in males as well as females.
A lot of women suffer from nonallergic rhinitis, which is a fancy way of saying a stuffy nose. This can be due to a number of factors, including exposure to cigarette smoke, an underlying cold virus, or a sinus infection.
Hormonal fluctuations can also cause changes in blood vessels and tissue in the nasal passages, leading to nasal blockage and other common symptoms of this type. Some women experience blocked sinuses at least a few times a month during their period.
If you’re suffering from sinusitis, there are a few treatments that you can try to clear up your affliction. However, it’s always a good idea to discuss these options with your obstetrician.
The best solution is to find out the root of the problem and treat it accordingly. Using a combination of natural cures can be a safer choice than taking an over-the-counter decongestant. Alternatively, you can take your doctor’s word for it and let nature take its course.
In the end, a hormonal imbalance can take years to develop and can be insidious in its physical presentation.
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Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
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