Running out of tissues? Spilling them everywhere? Why? Having a runny nose! Yes, we all have been not once, not twice but every year has had that experience. We know how disgusting it gets and how irritated you get by it. That is why we are here today to get you through this runny nose phase and get you to safe breathing again.
What is chronic runny nose?
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Runny nose scientific name Rhinorrhea is a medical condition in which there is excess drainage produced by nasal and adjacent tissues and blood vessels in the nose. This drainage can either be in the form of clear fluid or thick mucus. Other than rhinorrhea, a runny nose is also referred to as rhinitis but there is a clear difference between both of them.
Rhinorrhea (thin, clear nasal discharge) is more of a medical name for the runny nose which usually is a result of a common cold or allergies.
Rhinitis is the term that refers to inflammation of the tissues lining the nasal cavity. It can have an irritating effect. It can be from a number of causes, which usually results in a runny nose.
Causes of the chronic runny nose:
- Cold temperature
- Infection
- Allergies
- Lacrimation(shedding tears)
Symptoms of chronic runny nose:
Some of the common symptoms we could get our hand on are listed below. These symptoms can easily be identified or you could say one can easily guess. If you experiencing any of the below symptoms then yeah you’re the new victim of the runny nose!
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- A watery nose
- Itchy and dry eyes
- An itchy nose
- A sore throat
- A scratchy throat
- Watery eyes
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Headaches
- Extremely tired
- Hay Fever
You’ll start noticing one or more symptoms from any of these symptoms immediately after you have come in contact with an allergen. Some of the symptoms, such as repeated headaches after short intervals and fatigue, may only take place only after you have had a long-term exposure to allergens.
For the lazy people, they hardly experience symptoms at the beginning. This may be because of highly likely when you’re exposed to allergens in large quantities.
Treatments for Chronic runny nose:
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Drink plenty of fluids:
You should immediately switch yourselves to a lot of fluids when having a runny nose. Drink lots of water and don’t forget the clear chicken broth. This will help thin your mucus and as a result, mucus will drain faster from your nose and sinuses. Hot tea or milk is other supplements you can face too. They will surely give you a soothing, warming effect.
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Get steam:
This is the ultimate wing-medication for you when you have a stuffy nose, STEAM! Take a bowl and add warm water (not burning). Take a towel and put the bowl on a clean surface. Do this at a quiet location to feel more in control. Put the towel over your head and dunk half of your face above the water, be careful not to touch the sides of the bowl (it’ll be hot). Inhale the warm water steam, this would soothe up your mucous membranes that are lining up your nose. A hot shower can also help ease up the backaches and overall will be good for your health.
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Time to get rest:
When you’re not feeling well, you deserve a break! You earned it. Just kidding but you need your beauty sleep so your body can heal.
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Applying a warm compress:
Try a warm compress. Yes, use a warm compress over your affected nose. This would help relieve sinus pressure and blockage (congestion). If you don’t have a compress lying around, grab a washcloth moistening it with warm water and apply it to your face several times a day. This will help relieve nasal congestion and would definitely help stop your runny nose.
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Use Vicks:
Who isn’t familiar with the tricks of Vicks? (I just made that up). But honestly, Vicks really helps you a lot in your “nose-days”. Take a small amount of Vicks on your fingers and apply it underneath your nose. Try to get closer as possible but don’t get inside those nose hairs. After applying, inhale it and wait for the magic. Don’t forget to apply the Vicks to your chest area; this would help get you rid of the runny nose 10 times faster.
This method also helps get rid of a stuffy or congested nose.
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Humidifier:
As the name suggests, it would increase the humidity of the air. Use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer to add moisture back into your environment. Of course, when you do this, it will help keep your nasal passages moist, ultimately allowing mucus to drain faster and you’ll get rid of your runny nose in no time.
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Try Saline nasal spray or drops:
Lastly, we give the advice of using a gentle saline nasal spray or drops three to four times a day. It will help stop a runny nose and make it easier for you to breathe. The saline solution (basically a salty solution) will soothe the mucous membranes inside the nose if you have prescribed drops; it is time for you to use time. You could get yourself any one of the following or maybe both for future.
- Olopatadine nasal spray.
- Ipratropium Nasal spray.
Try magnesium and zinc pills.
That is it for today people. I hope these remedies help you to get rid of that watery nose fast and you’re back to your offices, schools in no time. Stay healthy.