Autumn is a peculiar season when the country is transitioning from the scorching heat of summer to the frigid air of winter. The leaves start to change their color. And as the temperature drops, so does the leaves. But the cold temperature is not the only thing that comes along when autumn starts. Illnesses and conditions caused by the colder temperature also thrive. And it is not surprising that you might see more people with reddish runny noses.
The problem is, it is rather a bad time to sick right now because we have not yet finished the fight against COVID-19. Although a runny nose is not a part of the symptoms of COVID-19, being sick at this point puts you at risk.
So what do you need to know about runny noses? And are there home remedies you can try to cure it?
What causes this condition?
You are having a runny nose if there is a discharge coming out of it. This fluid is usually clear but can also have a thicker consistency. If you are experiencing this, you will also probably have stuffed nasal passages, which can make it more difficult for you to breathe. There can be four reasons that bring this about as a symptom:
1. The common cold. The common cold, caused by viruses, is the main culprit if you want to find out what makes your nose drip. The virus which causes this can spread through droplets in the air and exposure by contact with infected hands or objects. No wonder that if someone at home comes up with a cold, everyone can also get it in a matter of time. Right now, if you are not sure whether it is just cold or the novel coronavirus, you can refrain from exposing others by avoiding walk-in clinic Hamilton centers and calling an online doctor for assessment instead.
2. Allergies. The second most common cause of a runny nose is when you get exposed to environmental irritants or allergens. Pollens are not as many during autumn as it is in summer, but certain weeds can become triggers during this season. A dripping and inflamed nasal passage can be an allergic reaction, which is part of your immune system’s mechanism to protect your body from what it perceives as something that might be harmful.
3. Hormonal rhinitis. This condition typically affects pregnant women, but it can also affect people undergoing menopause or adolescence, body phases which are accompanied by intense hormonal changes. The fluctuations in the number of hormones in their bodies can enlarge or inflames the blood vessels in the nasal area. If this happens, your nose will begin to create more mucus, which will in turn give you a dripping nose.
4. Frigid air. Ever notice your nose drip inside a cold air-conditioned room? That is because cold air can dry your nasal membranes. When this happens, your body’s response is usually to produce more mucus. The coming of the colder seasons of the year will then make this condition common.
Home remedies to get rid of runny noses
If you are the type of person who sticks to natural remedies first before consulting a doctor, then these tips can help you fight off a runny nose through what you can find at home.
1. Getting hot beverages. Hot drinks are comforting especially if you have a dripping nose. Inhaling hot steam from your cup and drinking the beverage warm will loosen up the mucus and open up stuffed nasal passages. If you are sick with a runny nose, opt for health drinks though, and avoid coffee in the meantime. Hot non-caffeinated teas are more recommended. Look for herbal teas like ginger, chamomile, or mint. Hot lemon juice is also another alternative. These drinks can have anti-inflammatory properties and can be soothing to the throat too.
2. Inhaling steam with essential oils. Research shows that steam inhalation is an effective remedy to relieve the common cold. Here is what you can do:
- Put and heat it until you can see steam but be careful not to let it boil because that will make the smoke unbearably hot to inhale.
- Place two drops of essential oil in the water. You can use peppermint, eucalyptus, pine, or other herbal oils with strong or mentholated scent.
- Place your face above the steaming pot for about 15 to 20 minutes. Take deep breaths but make sure to stop if you feel your face is getting too warm.
- Clear up your nose once you feel your mucus loosening up.
- Do not let young children do this, especially without adult supervision.
3. Keep hydrating yourself. Drink a lot of fluids but avoid cold drinks in the meantime. Taking lukewarm water or juices in abundance can loosen up the fluid excreted from your nose. Being dehydrated can make the fluid sticky, which may prolong your recovery time.
A runny nose is a manageable condition that you can treat at home. Try these natural remedies especially if your nose gets stuffy this fall.