Causes, Symptoms and Home remedies for Runny Nose

2022-03-17 12:19:38

Sudden change in weather leads to many problems which include colds, flu, runny nose, etc. Runny nose is a common problem, but people face a lot of problems due to this. People suffering from this problem face an increase in the amount of mucus in the sinus i.e, airways. The main reason for which is the entry of cold or flu viruses, bacteria or allergy-causing substances into the body.

The problem of runny nose is medically known as Rhinorrhea or Rhinitis. This is a problem in which mucus (fluid) starts coming out of the nose. This fluid can be both thin or thick. Sometimes this mucus goes inside the throat, then it causes sore throat, pain, burning and cough. Generally, the problem of a runny nose automatically gets cured in two to three days. Apart from this, it can be cured with the help of some home remedies but frequent runny nose indicates internal problems of the body. Therefore, without ignoring it, one should immediately contact the doctor.

Symptoms of Runny nose

Along with runny nose, some other symptoms also appear, which are as follows:

• Fever
• To get cold
• Yellowish or foul-smelling mucus discharge from the nose
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain
• Swelling under the eyes or around the cheeks
• Tonsils
• Sore throat or pain

Causes of Runny nose

Following are some common causes of runny nose:

Cold or flu-

A runny nose caused by a cold or flu is a common symptom. This results in a thin and clear flow but in some circumstances, instead of coming out through the nose, the mucus starts going into the throat. This mucus is thick.

Allergies-

Due to allergies, a person also starts having a runny nose. This happens through contact with domestic animals or animals through which harmful bacteria enter the body due to which the person feels allergic, leading to a runny nose.

Sinusitis-

Sinus tissue i.e., mucous membrane begins to swell. This condition is called sinusitis. This inflammation is caused by an infection. This causes the nasal airways to narrow due to which it becomes difficult to breathe and mucus starts to form. Usually the mucus produced due to sinusitis is thick in which yellow and green spots are also visible.

Other possible causes of runny nose are-

• Virus, fungus and bacterial infection
• Having a polluted environment
• Exposure to chemical fumes and dust
• Enlargement of the nasal bone
• Headache
• Side effects of medicines
• Cold weather or sudden changes in temperature
• Dry air
• Hormonal changes in the body
• Injury to the nose
• Tobacco, smoking, alcohol and drug use
• Consuming more spicy food
• Tumor (cancer) in the airways
• Suffering from asthma, bronchitis

Prevention of Runny nose

• Wash hands thoroughly before eating
• Wash hands thoroughly after sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose
• Use a tissue paper or handkerchief when blowing your nose
• Avoid going into an infected and polluted environment
• Include vitamin-C rich foods in your diet
• Drink lukewarm water
• Drink or gargle with warm water containing salt

Home remedies for Runny nose

Peppermint essential oil-

Using peppermint essential oil as aromatherapy is beneficial for a runny nose as menthol is found in it, which helps in improving breathing ability and destroying bacteria. For this, put 2 to 3 drops of peppermint essential oil in a diffuser and smell its fragrance. By doing this the mucus becomes thinner and it is easier to remove it from the body. It also provides relief from inflammation caused by sinus. Apart from this, taking a few drops of it in your hands and massaging the nose and head with light hands is also beneficial.

Take facial steam-

Taking facial steam is an effective remedy for a runny nose. For this, put a teaspoon of salt in hot water. Now cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam. Doing this 3 to 4 times a day gets rid of the problem of a runny nose.

Tea and herbal tea-

Tea or herbal tea containing honey is one of the good home remedies for the prevention of a runny nose because it helps in reducing the symptoms of allergies and sinus. Therefore, this tea proves to be effective in case of a runny nose.

Tea tree oil-

Tea tree oil has antiseptic, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties which removes the problem of runny nose and headache due to allergies. For this, put 4 to 5 drops of tea tree oil in hot water and take steam. Doing this two to three times a day gives relief.

Red chilli-

Cayenne pepper exhibits antihistamine properties which help to remove mucus from the body and reduce the symptoms of allergies due to which the toxins are easily removed from the body. By doing this, the blood circulation in the body increases which provides warmth to the body and the problem of a runny nose goes away. Therefore, to get rid of it, use red chili in your food.

Garlic-

Garlic has antibacterial properties which help to relieve the symptoms of runny nose. For this, keeping 2 to 3 buds of garlic between your teeth and sucking its juice is beneficial. Apart from this, grind 4 to 5 cloves of garlic and put it in hot water and make soup. Drink this soup when it is lukewarm. This gives relief from the problem of a runny nose.

Nilgiri oil-

The antiviral and anti-microbial properties present in eucalyptus oil cure the symptoms of cold. To get rid of it, smell a few drops of eucalyptus oil in a handkerchief. By doing this, cold and runny nose is relieved.

Honey and lemon are beneficial-

Consumption of honey and lemon acts as a medicine for the problem of allergies and runny nose because the antimicrobial properties present in honey and vitamin C present in lemon are helpful in destroying germs. Along with this, the mucus is easily removed from the body. Apart from this, honey also removes swelling of the nasal canal. For this, drink honey and lemon juice mixed with lukewarm water.

Turmeric and Ajwain-

Turmeric and Ajwain are effective in the problem of runny nose. For this, cook ten grams of turmeric and carom seeds in a cup of water. When the water reduces to half, add some jaggery to it and consume it.

Fenugreek seeds-

Fenugreek seeds are also effective in treating runny nose. For this, boil fenugreek seeds in water. After that filter that mixture and drink it like tea two to three times a day. Doing this regularly gets rid of this problem.

Black pepper-

Consuming the powder of black pepper with honey provides relief in cold and flu.. Apart from this, drinking half teaspoon black pepper powder and one teaspoon sugar candy mixed in a glass of warm milk is beneficial.