Running Nose

Running nose






Runny nose popularly called as stuffy nose arises when there is obstruction in the path of airways of the nose cavities. A fluid like discharge is sent out from the nasal passage to clear the block. The main causes of runny nose are allergies, Sinus Infection and Influenza. The blood vessels and nasal tissues secrete large amounts of mucous that come out of your nose.

Symptoms :

Running nose is marked by large amount of mucus discharge released from mucous membranes. There would be back-up of mucus pressure in the nose causing stuffy nose. This blockage of nasal cavities will cause difficulty in breathing. Very often, it forces the person to breathe through mouth and it may cause Headache and facial pain.

Running nose or rhinorrhea may also cause Sinusitis when there is blockage in the passage of sinus cavities. Sometimes, the mucus gets filled into the Eustachian tube of the ears, causing infection in the ear and ear pain.

Some persons may complain of Sore Throat and sneezing problems due to running nose.

Causes :

There are ranges of causes for running nose. It may be due to Rhinitis, sinusitis, Allergy or Common Cold. Some of the underlying disease like chickenpox, deviated septum, Digeorge Syndrome, influenza, hay fever, Measles, viral and bacterial infections, Nasal Polyps, rubella and pregnancy also cause runny nose. The list is very long and it also includes all forms of allergy ranging from perfume to smoke allergy.

During this stage, the oxygen level of the body becomes lesser than the normal health condition. It can occur due to chronic hyperventilation and due to habitual breathing through mouth. The mucus released from the nose is normally yellow or green which indicates the presence of bacteria inside.

Running nose is commonly seen during winter months. The air inhaled through nasal cavities gets warmed up to balance the outside climate and during this process, the nasal holes should be repeatedly filled with mucus. This in turn produces excess of watery discharge causing running nose. Thus it results as body’s natural defense mechanism to protect from extreme temperature.

In rare cases, running nose may develop due to milk allergy (lactose intolerance). It also occurs due to shedding of tears when a person gets emotional. It produces excess of tears making the liquid to flow into the nasal cavities causing running nose.

Other causes of running nose are cluster headache, change in hormone levels, Whooping Cough and Cystic Fibrosis.

Pictures of Running Nose :

Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Running Nose

Treatment :

Treatment of rhinorrhea is to be aimed to remove the underlying causative factor. In case the stuffy nose is caused due to allergic reactions, then the person should identify the factor that causes allergy and avoid them completely. For some it can be due to pet allergy or pollen grains allergy. You should stay back from the activities that triggers allergy.

Very often, runny nose is caused due to infections and hence no treatment is necessary. You can practice simple respiratory exercise to clear the runny nose easily. You can try home remedies like inhaling hot vapor which is very effective for clearing Nasal Congestion due to infection or common cold. Alternatively, you can just blow out the mucus or use nasal spray.

For treating allergic type of running nose, you can buy antihistamines from the medical store. For getting instant relief, nasal irrigation is done by cleansing the nasal cavity with saline water.

Running nose – Treatment, Causes and Remedies

Running Nose – Treatment, Causes and Remedies

Why does a Nose run?

To understand the answer to this simple question, an individual needs to understand what mucus is. This is the sticky, gooey, material that is made inside the nose. The mucus is produce in order to keep dirt, pollen, bacteria or germs from getting into the lungs by stopping them in the nose. But often the mucus does not stay put.

Causes of Running nose

When an individual has a running nose, there are quite a few probable reasons or explanations:

You could have the flu or a cold
When an individual has either the flu or a cold, the nose starts producing mucus so as to keep germs out of the lungs, as well as the rest of the body, since they could make a person even sicker than the person already is. This is when the mucus starts running down the throat, out the nose or into a Kleenex when the nose is blown. Or it can even fill the sinuses which is the reason why you get that stuffed up feeling.

You have Allergies
Individuals who have allergies get running noses as soon as they are around the things they are allergic to for instance animal hair or pollen. This is because the body responds to these allergens as if they were germs.

You are crying
When an individual cries, tears come out of the tear ducts located in the eyelids and drain thru the tear ducts which empty into the nose. These tears combine with mucus and the nose begins to run.

Its cold outside: When an individual is outside on a very cold day, the nose tries to warm the cold air that is being breathed prior to sending this air to the lungs. Blood vessels which are tiny and located inside the nostrils open wider or dilate, attempting to warm the air up. This extra blood flow causes more mucus to be produced. And when that occurs – the nose runs.

Running nose Remedies

A nose that is running because of allergies or cold and flu or for whatever reason is inconvenient and aggravating. There are a lot of home remedies which can be used to help a nose that is running or at best ease or improve the annoyance. The thing to keep in mind is that a nose that is running is not the same as Nasal Congestion and therefore will not be helped with a decongestant without a physician recommending it.
The very best home remedy for the relief of a running nose is to blow the nose mildly at consistent interludes. But, blowing that is excessive can aggravate the outside of the nose, making it tender as well as sore. For a running nose that is extreme or for environmental allergies, use an over the counter antihistamine. For noses that are running due to the flu or cold, an antihistamine can help ease the symptom but since they slow mucus production antihistamines can cause germs to remain in the nasal cavity extensively.

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Rinses or sprays of saline are another method for easing the irritation that comes with a running nose. Nasal saline sprays are offered over the counter and they can help with the thinning of the mucus, which makes it more comfortable and easier to blow out the nose. Saline sprays also help to clear the nasal passages of irritations. Saline solution can be made at home by dissolving ¼ of a teaspoon of salt in two cups of warm water. With the use of a suction bulb, you can place several drops into both nostrils. Also contemplate using a humidifier especially when the air in the house is dry since air that is dry thickens any mucus.

If the problem of the running nose is being caused by the Common Cold, lemon with honey in water that is hot is helpful. This clears the throat as well as helps in clearing the running nose. You can also add pepper powder to honey and consume that to stop a nose that is running.

Taking a hot bath or shower can offer immediate relief. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the bath water for relief of a running nose. Steam inhalation with the eucalyptus oil or menthol can clear up mucous.

Chew a small piece of ginger to warm up the body and this also can help clear the congestion as well as mucous. Another remedy is to put a few peppercorns in the mouth and keep chewing them to release the flavor. This helps in stopping running nose.

Herbal tea made from cayenne pepper, elder berry, mint as well as yarrow is excellent in curing a running nose. Chamomile tea is also helpful.

Eat citrus fruits, nuts, and vegetables and get plenty of rest to fight the common cold and a running nose.

Treatment for Running nose

Non-prescription drugs for running nose include:

• If an individual has a running nose because of allergies, antihistamines such as Zyrtec, Triamcinolone, Budesonide, Beclomethasone, as well as Flunisolide.


• For the removal of nasal congestion, use a steroid spray that is mild for instance Fixonase.


• Zinc is thought to be a faster running nose treatment. It is obtainable in lozenges form as well as nose sprays. But it should only be taken when a physician prescribes it due to the fact that it can cause nausea and terminate the sense of smell.


• Glucocorticoids such as Prednisone and Triamcilone also dismiss a running nose. But they have many side effects so they should be used only when advised by your primary care physician.


• If the running nose is due to a bacterial infection, your physician will need to prescribe you an antibiotic.


• Often a running nose is because of a Sinus Infection or other nasal problem. You might need to have to opt for surgical treatments for total elimination of the problem.


• A spray which is a decongestant will also help to eliminate congestion. The more common one is Otrivin. It is only intended to be used for a brief time and continued use can rebound back to nose congestion.