Runny nose

Runny nose (rhinitis) is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa, as a result of which abundant discharge occurs. It can be both temporary and permanent. Rhinitis can signal the presence of an infection in the body or an allergy. There are also other causes of a runny nose. If you do not attach importance to this symptom, it can cause serious consequences. In addition, the timely detection of chronic rhinitis contributes to the selection of appropriate therapy that will stop the development of the problem. Chronic rhinitis causes other health problems. The most common causes, symptoms and consequences of a runny nose are outlined below in the article.

What is a runny nose?

Rhinitis is a condition in which the nasal cavity is filled with a significant amount of mucous fluid. The condition commonly known as a runny nose occurs relatively frequently. Rhinitis is a common symptom of allergies or certain diseases such as the common cold. It can be a side effect of crying, exposure to cold temperatures, cocaine abuse, or withdrawal from medications such as opioids or methadone. Treatment of the common cold is not usually required, but there are a number of medical procedures and preventive methods. The term was coined in 1866 and is a combination of the Greek terms “rhinoceros” (“nose”) and “riya” (“discharge” or “stream”).

Rhinitis is characterized by an excess of mucus produced by the cells of the membranes that line the nasal cavity. The membranes produce this substance faster than it can be processed, causing excessive mucus production in the nasal cavity. When the cavity fills up, it blocks the air passage and makes it difficult to breathe through the nose. Air trapped in the nasal cavity, namely the sinus cavity, cannot be released, and the resulting pressure can cause a headache. If the sinus duct remains blocked, there is a chance that sinusitis may occur. When mucus moves from the nasal cavity to the Eustachian tube, it often also leads to ear pain or inflammation. Excess mucus that accumulates in the throat or back of the nose causes postnasal drip, which leads to a sore throat or cough. Additional symptoms include sneezing, nosebleeds, and profuse nasal discharge.

Causes of rhinitis

A runny nose can be the result of irritation of the tissues of the nose. Infections such as colds and flu, allergies and various irritants also provoke a runny nose. Some people have a chronic condition for no apparent reason, a condition called non-allergic and vasomotor rhinitis (VMR). Less commonly, a runny nose can be caused by polyps, foreign bodies, headaches, and migraines.

Other causes of rhinitis:

• acute sinusitis (inflammation of the paranasal sinuses);
• allergies;
• chronic sinusitis;
• allergic granulomatosis (Churg-Strauss syndrome);
• hypothermia;
• nasal drops;
• curved baffle;
• drug addiction (use of psychoactive substances);
• dry air;
• granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener);
• hormonal changes;
• flu;
• medications;
• nasal polyps;
• non-allergic rhinitis (chronic congestion or sneezing not related to allergies);
• occupational asthma;
• pregnancy;
• respiratory syncytial virus;
• tobacco smoke.

Rhinitis is especially common during the winter months and some cold seasons. Cold-induced intoxication is due to a combination of thermodynamics and the body’s natural responses to cold-weather stimuli. One of the purposes of nasal mucus is to warm the inhaled air to body temperature before it enters the body. For this to happen, the nasal cavities must be constantly covered with liquid mucus. During the cold, dry seasons, the lining of the nasal passages tends to dry out, meaning that the cells of the lining must work hard to produce more mucus to bring back the temperature in the cavity. As a result, the nasal cavity can become filled with mucus. At the same time, as the air is exhaled, the water vapor condenses and the warm air meets the colder outside temperature near the nostrils. This leads to the accumulation of excess water inside the nasal cavities (in these cases, it usually flows out through the nostrils).

A runny nose can be a symptom of other illnesses, such as a cold or the flu. During these infections, the mucous membranes of the nose produce excess mucus, filling the nasal cavities. This is done to prevent the infection from spreading to the lungs and respiratory tract, where more significant damage is possible.

Scientists suggest that rhinitis is the result of evolution and may be a response that is not beneficial to the host. Such a runny nose prevents infection with a more serious virus. Rhinitis caused by these infections usually occurs with circadian rhythms. During a viral infection, sinusitis (inflammation of the paranasal sinuses) can occur, causing the mucous membranes to release more mucus. Acute sinusitis is characterized by swelling of the nasal passages during a viral infection. Chronic sinusitis occurs with one or more nasal polyps (this can be caused by a deviated septum as well as a viral infection).

Allergic rhinitis is often similar to a viral one (pay attention to this). Pollen grains from many plants can cause an allergic reaction.

Rhinitis occurs when individuals who are allergic to certain substances, such as pollen, dust, leather, soy, shellfish, or animal dander, are exposed to these allergens. In people with sensitized immune systems, inhalation of one of these substances triggers the production of an immunoglobulin antibody that binds to mast cells and basophils. Immunoglobulin, together with mast cells, is stimulated by pollen and dust, causing the release of irritants such as histamine. In turn, this provokes inflammation and swelling of the tissue of the nasal cavities, as well as an increase in the production of mucus. Particles in polluted air and chemicals (chlorine and detergents) can usually be well tolerated, but can significantly worsen a person’s condition. Rhinitis occurs as a symptom of opioid withdrawal accompanied by lacrimation. Other causes include cystic fibrosis, whooping cough, nasal tumors, hormonal changes, and headaches.

When is it worth to see a doctor?

Sometimes it is important to know the cause of rhinitis, especially in infants, where it can progress to a life-threatening infection. Here are the main reasons that signal this need:

• nasal congestion lasts more than ten days;
• accompanied by high temperature;
• runny nose has greenish or yellowish discharge with or without headache or fever, which may be caused by bacterial sinusitis;
• discharge may contain blood;
• a child with a runny nose has a fever and is not yet 2 months old;
• the infant has a runny nose that interferes with breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or makes breathing difficult.

The most common symptoms of a runny nose, which determine both infectious and allergic nature: nasal congestion; swelling of the mucosa; difficulty breathing; too abundant discharge; feeling of fullness in the nose.

Rhinitis is also associated with tearing, whether from emotional events or eye irritation. When excessive tearing occurs, fluid drains through the inner corner of the eyelids, through the nasopharyngeal canal, into the nasal cavities. As more tears are shed, more fluid enters the nasal cavity, stimulating mucus production and moistening any dry surface already present in the nasal cavity. The accumulation is usually resolved by expelling the mucus through the nostrils.

The cause of a runny nose can be the use of hot drinks. The sinus cavity is lined with mucous, which helps keep the nasal passages moist and free from blockages. If they are already congested with excess mucus in the sinuses before eating (hot food or drink), then heat thus causes rhinorrhea. Some spices can affect the sinus cavity, such as cayenne pepper, chili pepper, and curry powder. These spices stimulate the mucous membranes, causing excessive mucus to form and run down the nostrils.

If you have been diagnosed with hay fever or allergic rhinitis, certain fruits and vegetables can cause a runny nose. Recent studies have linked tree pollen to fruits such as apples, bananas and pears. Although fruits and vegetables do not contain tree pollen, the immune system misinterprets food texture as tree pollen, causing symptoms of hay fever.

If a person has had a head injury, rhinitis can be a much more serious condition. Trauma to the skull results in a rupture of the barrier between the sinus cavity and the anterior cranial fossa or middle cranial fossa. This tear causes the nasal cavity to fill with cerebrospinal fluid, which is known as cerebrospinal fluid rhinitis. It can lead to a number of serious complications and possibly death. Thus, a common runny nose can sometimes be a symptom of a serious illness.

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