Runny Nose
Natural Solutions in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch



Learn about the causes of Runny Nose & find a practitioner in Auckland, Hamilton, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin to help you overcome Runny Nose within New Zealand.

Runny nose, also known as Rhinorrhea (derived from the Greek 'rhinos' meaning 'nose' & rhoia' meaning 'flowing') is the excess discharge coming from the nasal passages. A runny nose (as well as a stuffy or blocked nose) is a symptom of the common cold or viral infection as well as allergies e.g. hay fever, dust etc. & influenza & sinus infections.

 

Causes of runny nose Runny Nose | The Wellness Directory

A runny nose is caused by inflammation of the nasal passage lining and blood vessels, typically from a viral infection such as the common cold. Allergies and sinus infections are also commonly associated with a runny nose.

Less common causes include obstructions in the nose from a foreign body or problems with the septum (the dividing wall between nasal passages). Environmental factors such as pollution can cause a runny nose and in rare cases in can be a sign of a tumour.

Other causes of a runny nose include:

  • Cold weather
  • Sudden drop in temperature
  • Eating spicy food
  • Enlarged adenoids (small tissue that hangs from the back of the nasal cavity)
  • Tobacco smoke
  • Hormonal changes
  • Injury to the nose
  • Nasal polyps
  • Medications
  • Drug use (cocaine)
  • Cluster headaches
Symptoms of runny nose

The main symptom of a runny nose is a thin mucus out of the nasal passages (or running down the back of the throat). A runny nose can also be accompanied by:

  • Blocked nose
  • Sneezing
  • Red, sore eyes
  • Loss of smell
  • Breathing problems
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Sinus pain

 

Diagnosis of runny nose

In most cases, a runny nose is mildly irritating and caused by something that doesn't require medical attention (such as a common cold). However, if symptoms are persistent then it could indicate a more serious underlying problem.

You should seek a medical opinion if:
  • Symptoms are present for ten days or more
  • You have a fever for more than three days
  • The discharge from your nose is green in colour and accompanied by sinus pain or fever as this can indicate a bacterial infection
  • You already suffer with asthma or emphysema
  • You have blood in your nasal discharge
  • Your child is under two months old and has a runny nose and fever
If your runny nose has been caused by a head injury then seek emergency medical attention.


*Source: GoToSee.co.uk



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