Understanding a Runny Nose
A runny nose (rhinitis) is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa caused by viruses and microbes. It can occur due to excessive cooling, high levels of gas or dust in the air. In some cases, a runny nose may indicate other diseases such as measles, diphtheria, or flu.
Types of Rhinitis
A runny nose, which most of us have experienced, varies by origin and development:
- Non-infectious rhinitis includes allergic and neurovegetative rhinitis.
- Infectious rhinitis includes chronic, acute, atrophic, ozena, chronic hypertrophic, or catarrhal rhinitis.
Chronic rhinitis develops from acute rhinitis or prolonged exposure to irritants affecting the nasal mucosa. Chronic rhinitis may also stem from circulation issues. Allergic rhinitis results from sensitivity of the nasal mucosa to external allergens, while acute rhinitis arises from bacterial or viral infections. Vasomotor rhinitis occurs due to nervous system reflex disturbances in response to external stimuli.
Symptoms of Rhinitis
Chronic rhinitis begins with nasal congestion and reduced sense of smell. The mucous membrane thickens, producing thick secretions, and patients report dryness and difficulty breathing. Acute rhinitis includes symptoms like tearing, frequent sneezing, and gray-mucous discharge. Allergic rhinitis is characterized by congestion, heavy discharge, and itching in the nose, while vasomotor rhinitis involves morning congestion, frequent sneezing, and tearing, with the mucosa turning bluish.
Traditional Remedies for a Runny Nose
- Drink Lemon Tea: Vitamin C is known to speed up recovery.
- Steam Inhalation: Pour 5 liters of hot water (preferably just boiled) into a pot, add 5 drops of fir oil, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the steam until it cools down.
- Foot Soak: Fill a basin with hot water, add 200-300 g of salt, and soak your feet, adding hot water as needed. After 20 minutes, dry your feet thoroughly and wear warm socks.
- Salt Compress: Heat salt on a pan until warm, place it in a cloth pouch, and apply to the bridge of your nose. Be careful not to use hot salt directly on your skin to avoid burns.
- Mustard Socks: At night, wear socks with mustard powder inside.
- Beet Juice Drops: Grate a beet, squeeze out the juice, and place 5 drops in each nostril twice a day.
- Menthol Oil Drops: Another option is menthol oil, with 5 drops per nostril.
- Carrot-Garlic Nose Drops: Mix freshly squeezed carrot juice with three drops of garlic juice and a bit of vegetable oil. Use as nasal drops three times a day.
Advice for Managing a Runny Nose
- Regularly air out rooms.
- Dust and clean surfaces to reduce allergens.
- Clear nasal passages often.
- Perform steam inhalations.
- Use recommended remedies for rhinitis relief.
Always consult a doctor before trying folk remedies to consider individual tolerances, confirm diagnosis, ensure proper treatment, and avoid harmful drug interactions.
