The causes of a runny nose can vary significantly, but it doesn’t always mean you need to run to the doctor. Knowing the most common causes of a runny nose can help you gauge whether or not to seek medical treatment. A runny nose is caused by inflammation and swelling of the inner lining found in the nasal passages and sinuses. Any number of things can cause a runny or stuffed up nose, but the most common cause is a viral infection. If you have other symptoms, such as an elevated temperature, you should see a doctor to rule out more serious illnesses.
Viral Infections
When you have a viral infection, there isn’t very much a doctor can do to help you get better faster. However, they can prescribe medications to reduce the symptoms like your nose and throat, though most of the time over the counter medicine works best for merely relieving symptoms. The common cold is a virus, and most people recover naturally with proper diet, drinking lots of fluids and rest.
Allergies
The immune system is intricate, and a runny nose can indicate your sinuses are reacting to something you may be allergic to. An allergen is anything that the body doesn’t recognize as belonging to it, and tends to react by producing mucus to flush it out. A doctor can help treat more serious allergies, and over the counter medications may also help relieve the pain experienced by minor allergy sufferers.
Influenza
Also known as the flu, influenza is an illness that infects the respiratory tract and usually comes accompanied with a fever, cough, headache, and lack of energy. Additional symptoms such as nausea may also be present. Most individuals will heal naturally within one to two weeks without any complications. Gilbert Webb MD HealthGrades recommends expecting mothers with high risk pregnancy ask about medications they might need. The very young and elderly should be especially careful as well, and should consider seeing a doctor since the flu can cause complications with weaker immune systems.
Other Causes
Less common causes for a runny nose include sinus infections, environmental factors, hormone changes, and medications. In extremely rare cases, tumors in the nasal passages can also cause a runny nose. If you have a runny nose that lasts more than a week or two, it’s a good idea to get it checked out by a doctor.
While most people with a runny nose recover just fine without medical aid, it can still be a nuisance when you have to work, and want to live your life normally. Keep your house clean, regularly replace filters, and dust often to prevent many of the common allergens and viruses found naturally in homes.
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