Now that spring is almost here, runny noses are also making a grand entrance. If you are already suffering from tremendous nasal discharge and think that it could be because of allergies and considering a visit to an allergy clinic, you might want to explore other possible causes too.

Runny Nose

Sneezing and coughing is one thing, but dealing with watery discharge from your nose is a whole ordeal in itself. If you don’t want to spend the entire day holding a tissue to your nose, then you need to get to the bottom of the problem. A runny nose, also known as rhinorrhea, simply implies the production of a clear or greenish-white discharge from your nose.

It can also cause blockages in your nose and nasal airways, which is why a lot of people can’t seem to breathe with their noses when they’re extremely runny.

This is quite uncomfortable and unpleasant if you think about it. A runny nose can also be because of an underlying disease or issue with your ear, nose, or throat. Sometimes, people wake up with a stuffy nose in the morning, and that pretty much ruins their day, because they can’t breathe or function without dealing with the discharge first.

Cold and flu are also other common things that can lead to an extremely runny nose and even though most of the issues go away as the disorder is treated, sometimes it can be prolonged.

Causes Of A Runny Nose

This is probably the most asked question: What is the cause of a runny nose? Well, there isn’t a singular cause of a runny nose. Here are all of the things that can cause a runny nose.

Allergic Reaction

First and foremost, allergies are the biggest culprit when it comes to a runny nose. Allergens usually find their way into the bloodstream through the ears, nose, or throat and the immediate symptom will be a runny nose. You also might experience difficulty in breathing because your nasal passages are blocked by mucus and there is also post-nasal discharge that you can feel in the back of your throat.

Overall, it’s not a good time, and the more you’re exposed to allergens, the more severe the condition of your nose will be.

Hay Fever

Next up is another allergy-related cause, but it is a different classification in itself. Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, can also lead to a runny nose.

Allergic rhinitis causes your nose to be extremely runny and there’s also a direct onslaught of fever and fatigue. This combination is a match made in allergy hell and it can affect your overall life and mood.

Sinusitis

Another thing that can lead to a stuffy and runny nose and that too first thing in the morning is sinusitis. A sinus infection is a condition that causes swelling in the sinus and the effects are the worst in the morning.

Your nose will feel extremely congested, it will be runny, you won’t be able to breathe and there will be extreme pressure on the sides of your nose, under the eyes, and on the forehead. If unpleasantness was a disorder then it would certainly be sinusitis, because nothing sounds worse than starting the day off with a blocked and runny nose.

Medication Overuse

A runny nose isn’t just caused by allergies. It can also be caused by other things that you might be using regularly. If your nose is extremely dry and you’re a fan of using a lot of nasal sprays and solutions, then there might come a time when your nose will be extremely runny. This is caused by the drugs that are in the nasal sprays and decongestants.

Too much use of these drugs can cause the nose to be very irritated and that could be a problem too. So, always use these things in moderation and you’ll be good to go.

Insect Allergy

Insect allergies like bug bites and bee stings can also cause a runny nose. In most cases of insect allergies, a runny nose is a defense mechanism of your immune system to try to fight off and evade the allergens or triggers that are inside the bloodstream.

However, if you tend to be allergic to insects, then even a small bite will lead to a runny nose and a rash or itchy skin and once you manage the symptoms and get rid of the allergen exposure, then you’ll also experience the nose going back to normal. If you don’t know what is the cause of your allergy or runny nose, going to an allergy doctor Manassas is recommended.

Pet Allergy

Pet fur and dander can also cause a runny nose like no other. A lot of people are very sensitive when it comes to pets and they cannot handle the fur, especially if it’s flying around everywhere and there’s no ventilation. Pet fur is also another very common allergy trigger and the symptom that usually follows suit is a runny nose.

So, if you know that pet fur doesn’t sit well with you, then you might not want to have a furry friend as a companion, otherwise, you’ll be sniffling all day every day and that’s not a good way to go about your life.

How To Treat A Runny Nose?

A runny nose is bothersome, but you can treat it so that you feel like a million bucks. Here are some things that you can do.

• If the runny nose is allergy-related, then you need to get rid of the exposure as soon as possible. Once you do, you’ll feel a big difference.
• If cold or flu is what’s causing your nose to be runny, then you need to wait it out. Usually, cold and flu is viral and it goes away after two weeks, after which you’ll be good to go.
• Antihistamines work wonders for treating a runny nose. Once you take a couple, you’ll see the difference in no time and you will not only breathe freely again, but you’ll have a way less chance of getting a runny nose again in the future.

Prevention Of Runny Nose

Here are some things that you can incorporate into your routine to prevent a runny nose from ruining your life:

• Since the discharge from the nose is usually water, you need to keep the hydration up and drink plenty of fluids. This is going to help combat any runny nose-related issues.
• Vitamin C is also your best friend if you’re trying to build your immunity and it’s great for preventing a runny nose in the future.
• If you feel like the weather is too stuffy, then you can clear your nose up with a bit of steam. Inhaling steam 2 or 3 times a day helps to clear up the nasal passages and your breathing will improve too.
• If it’s too windy outside then wear a mask, so that nothing goes into your nose and irritates it. This is mainly what causes your nose to get runny.

Conclusion

Allergy is a common cause of a runny nose, but it’s not the only cause of it. The above-mentioned causes of a runny nose might help you navigate what exactly is opening the nasal floodgates. It’s a good idea to visit a hospital or allergy center Germantown if you experience runny nose often to find out its exact cause.