A runny nose is a discharge of excess mucus from the nose. It is a way for our body to get rid of any germs that might be irritating and inflaming the nose. A runny nose is also referred to as Rhinorrhea. It may lead to discomfort and can cause irritation. A runny nose is also referred to as Rhinorrhea. When a cold virus or dust enters your body, it irritates the lining of your nose, and hence, your nose starts to make a lot of clear mucus. This mucus traps the bacteria, virus, or allergens and helps flush them out of your nose and sinuses.
What causes a runny nose?
A runny nose is caused by anything that irritates or inflames the nasal tissues. Infections such as the common cold and influenza, allergies, and various irritants may all cause a runny nose.
Here’s a look at 5 common causes of a runny nose.
- Allergies
Indoor and outdoor allergies can trigger an allergic response. Allergens include:
- Pollen
- Dust
Allergens cause symptoms such as sneezing, a headache, or a sore throat. These inhaled particles can also irritate the nasal passage, resulting in excess mucus and a runny nose.
2. Common Cold
The common cold, or an upper respiratory infection, causes inflammation in the inner lining of the nose, resulting in too much mucus. In addition to a runny nose, the common cold can sometimes cause nasal congestion.
3. Sinusitis
Sinusitis is a complication of the common cold. It occurs when the cavities around your nasal passage become inflamed. This inflammation also triggers an increase in mucus production in the nose.
4. Flu
The flu virus also causes inflammation in the mucous membrane of the nose. The flu is highly contagious and other symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Chills
- Headache
- Congestion
- Tiredness
5 Dry air
Dry air doesn’t only dry out the skin, it can also dry out your nasal passage. This disrupts the fluid balance inside your nose, causing an inflammatory response and triggering a runny nose.
Home remedies to get ease from a runny nose:
A runny nose can occur due to nasal congestion, also known as a stuffy nose. Nasal congestion is caused by inflammation of the lining of your nasal passages, which makes it harder to breathe through your nose.
Here are some home remedies that can help ease the symptoms of a runny nose.
1 Drink plenty of fluids
Staying hydrated when dealing with a runny nose can be helpful. Drinking fluids will help to make your mucus thinner & will allow it to drain faster from your nose and sinuses. Avoid fluids that may cause more dehydration.
2 Get plenty of rest
When you are not feeling well, it is important to get a good amount of sleep so that your body can heal. Research shows that your body makes new immune system cells when you are asleep. Also, resting will give you a much-needed break from blowing your nose.
3 Steam Inhalation
Inhaling warm steam may help soothe the mucous membranes lining the nose and make the mucus thinner. This will help you drain your mucus faster.
4 Use a Saline Nasal Spray
Using a gentle saline spray such as the Naselin Saline Spray can help clear congestion. A saline nasal spray helps to clear the nasal passage by washing out all the germs and allergens like pollen & dust that can cause nasal congestion. It can also loosen thick or dried mucus to make it easier to remove. The saline solution also helps to soothe dry, irritated nasal passages.