Having a running nose can be irritating, especially the part where you keep blowing your nose. The most common cause of a runny nose is the common cold which we experience from time to time. There are home remedies for a runny nose, but if you need a fast and lasting solution, talking to a health provider is the way to go. The Newport Beach runny nose specialist, Alexis Furze, MD, finds out the cause of your runny nose and offers personalized treatments to restore your health. This article will help you learn more about a runny nose.
What is a runny nose?
Well, I am sure you know what a runny nose is, but having a better understanding of it, won’t hurt. Usually, the nose produces mucus daily, which keeps the nasal cavity moisturized and removes any foreign materials, such as bacteria and viruses. The mucus gets out through the saliva and the back of the throat, into the gastrointestinal tract.
When the nose creates excess mucus, or the mucus does not clear away as it should, it may lead to a runny nose, also known as rhinitis. Depending on whether you have an infection or not, the mucus may be clear or cloudy.
What causes a runny nose?
Different conditions may cause a runny nose, but the most common causes include;
· Hormones
· Allergies
· Upper respiratory infection, flu, or common cold
· Nasal polyps
· Sinusitis
· Environmental irritants like dry air or smoke
· Deviated septum
· Certain medications such as hypertension medications or birth control
In addition, a runny nose may occur for no specific reason, also known as nonallergic rhinitis. A runny nose also occurs temporarily when you breathe cold air, cry or eat spicy foods.
Suppose you have a runny nose that won’t improve, your doctor can help you determine the cause and find a solution.
Treatment for a runny nose
Dr. Furze gets to the bottom of your problem, where he examines your issue and reviews your medical history. In addition, he carries out advanced imaging tests to have a clear view of your nasal cavity. The tests may include nose and sinuses CT scans and nasal and sinus endoscopic evaluation.
Your provider develops a treatment plan, depending on the cause of your problem. If you have a deviated septum, they suggest a septoplasty to repair the nasal cavity and clear your issue. They may recommend steroids to treat nasal polyps.
If you have chronic sinusitis, your provider offers balloon sinuplasty, an innovative procedure to improve mucus drainage through your nasal cavity.
Whatever the cause of your runny nose is, Dr. Furze works with you to help you find the best treatment for your runny nose.
A runny nose usually occurs due to a cold. Most of the time, it may not be a concern, especially when you do not have other symptoms. You may manage it using home remedies other than medications, including the following;
· Hot teas
· Drinking a lot of fluids
· Facial steam and humidifiers
· A hot shower
· Warm compress on your forehead and nose
· Nasal spray
· Eating spicy foods also helps in relieving a runny nose
Contact Alexis Furze, MD, today to schedule your consultation.
