A runny nose may seem like a common manifestation that affects most people that could be seasonal or have an underlying cause to it. Persistent runny nose can be distressing, and irritating.
If you are constantly grabbing your tissue, you need to get to the contributing factor that causes a runny nose. Newport Beach runny nose treatment provided by a board-certified nasal specialist helps you put an end to your constant and nagging runny nose.
What do you mean by a runny nose?
A runny nose, rhinitis, or rhinorrhea is a common medical condition caused by excess mucus production. This leads to watery secretions, dripping or running out of your nose. This could also drip down the back of your throat causing soreness and irritation.
Normally your nose produces an ideal amount of mucus that gets flushed out through your saliva at the back of your throat. Mucus keeps your nasal cavity moist and flush out foreign particles like bacteria, virus, and dirt.
What are the contributing factors that may cause a runny nose?
The following are the most important causative factors that lead to a runny nose:
- Cold weather that triggers mucus production
- Crying makes your tears drain through the tear ducts, nasal cavity, and out of the nose
- Cold and flu can cause temporary nasal obstruction
- Infections of the sinus that get filled with infected mucus
- Adenoids in young children can fill the nasal cavities with infected mucus
- Allergies can also lead to excess mucus production and secretion
- Irritants like smoke and pollution can also trigger excess mucus secretion
- Insertion of foreign objects into the nose by children can result in foul-smelling mucus drainage
- Deviated nasal septum can lead to nasal obstruction
- Certain medications such as oral contraceptives, or birth control pills
- Nasal polyps
- Hormonal imbalance as seen during pregnancy
How can a runny nose be treated?
Your nasal specialist will first evaluate the frequency and intensity of the runny nose through an in-depth medical history. Furthermore, your doctor may order the following diagnostic tests:
- In-office nasal and sinus endoscopic evaluation
- CT scan
Treatment
Treatment for a runny nose usually depends on the cause.
- Sinus infection: Antibiotics
- Allergies: Anti-histamines
- Nasal septum deviation: Septoplasty
- Pulp polyp: Steroid treatment
- Chronic sinusitis: Balloon sinuplasty
- Cold and flu: Expectorants and decongestants
Takeaway
A runny nose can be annoying, but fortunately, it is often temporary and indicates the proper functioning of your immune system.
But ensure to follow good hygiene practices to prevent a runny nose. If your runny nose is distressing, then seek medical help.
