Nasal congestion and runny nose in adults: what is this, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention

Stuffy or runny nose – adult; Nose – congested; Congested nose; Runny nose; Postnasal drip; Rhinorrhea; Nasal congestion

Congestion or runny nose, also known as rhinorrhea, is a common disease, faced by adults, and is the result of excess mucus production in the nose. Mucus builds up and causes a feeling of fullness, and the runny nose is due to, that excess mucus runs down the back of the throat. In medical terms, rhinorrhea is called nasal discharge and can range from clear or whitish mucus to yellowish or greenish mucus., depending on the underlying cause.

Причины насморка и заложенности носа у взрослых

The main cause of congestion or runny nose in an adult is a common cold or an allergy., which are usually caused by a virus.

Other causes may include sinusitis, non-allergic rhinitis, which is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa, hay fever, respiratory tract infection, influenza and bacterial sinusitis. The presence of certain irritants in the environment, such as smoke or chemical fumes, can also lead to nasal congestion or runny nose.

Симптомы насморка и заложенности носа у взрослых

The main sign of stuffy or runny nose is excess mucus in the nose., stuffy.

Other symptoms may include tearing, sneezing, sore throat, Headache, cough and sore throat. In some cases, the mucus may become discolored, which may indicate a secondary infection.

When to contact a healthcare professional

A stuffy or runny nose due to a cold or an allergy should clear up within seven to ten days. If symptoms persist for more than ten days or worsen, it is important to see a doctor for evaluation. Besides, fever, discolored mucus or severe pain in the face and/or sinuses are signs, what you should seek medical attention.

In most cases, stuffy or runny nose can be treated with home remedies and over-the-counter medications.. Nonetheless, you should see a doctor, if you are experiencing the following:

• Heat
• Severe headache or facial pain
• Persistent symptoms, that do not improve after a week
• Blood in nasal discharge
• Labored breathing

Questions, that your doctor may ask

Your doctor may ask you a number of questions, concerning nasal congestion or runny nose, eg:

• How long have you been experiencing symptoms?
• Do you also have a fever, cough or sore throat?
• Do you have allergies?
• Do you have any other medical conditions?
• What medications are you currently taking?
• Do you have exposure to irritants in your environment?

Диагностика насморка и заложенности носа у взрослых

Your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask questions about your symptoms. Besides, they can use visualization tests, such as x-rays or computed tomography, to diagnose the underlying cause. Nasal cultures can also be done to check for viral or bacterial infections..

Лечение насморка и заложенности носа у взрослых

Treatment for congestion or runny nose will depend on the underlying cause and may include:

• Antihistamines or corticosteroids for allergies
• Salt nasal rinses for nasal congestion
• Decongestant nasal sprays
• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Antiviral drugs for viral infections

Домашнее лечение насморка и заложенности носа у взрослых

Finding ways to thin the mucus will help it drain from your nose and sinuses and relieve symptoms.. One way to do this is to drink large amounts of clear liquid.. Other Mucus Thinning Methods:

• Apply a warm, damp towel to your face several times a day.
• Breathe in the steam from 2 to 4 once a day. One way to do this is to sit in the bathroom with the shower on.. Do not inhale hot vapor.
• Use a vaporizer or humidifier.

Nasal irrigation can help remove mucus from the nose..

• Salt spray can be bought at a pharmacy or prepared at home.. To prepare it, use 1 glass (240 milliliters) warm water, 1/2 teaspoon (3 Gram) salt and a pinch of baking soda.
• Use mild saline nasal sprays 3 to 4 times a day.

Congestion is often worse when lying down.. Stay straight or, at least, keep your head elevated.

Some shops sell adhesive strips, that can be stuck on the nose. They help widen the nostrils, making breathing easier.

Medicines, which can be bought in the store without a prescription, may relieve your symptoms.

• Decongestants are drugs, which narrow and dry out the nasal passages. They can help relieve a runny or stuffy nose..
• Antihistamines are drugs, that treat allergy symptoms. Some antihistamines cause drowsiness, so use them with care.
• Nasal sprays can relieve nasal congestion. Do not use nasal sprays, otpuskaemыe without prescription, more, than 3 day of admission and 3 break day, unless recommended by your doctor.

Many cough medicines, allergies and colds, which you buy, contain more than one drug. Read labels carefully, To make sure, that you are not taking too much of any medicine. Ask your doctor, which cold medicines are safe for you.

If you are allergic:

• Your health care provider may also prescribe nasal sprays to treat allergy symptoms..
• Find Out, how to avoid triggers, that exacerbate allergies .

Профилактика насморка и заложенности носа у взрослых

To prevent congestion or runny nose, it is important to follow the rules of hygiene, eg, wash your hands regularly and avoid contact with sick people. Besides, it is important to take care of the environment, eliminating any irritants, which can irritate the nose. If you are allergic, it is important to do an allergy test, to determine the cause, and then start an appropriate treatment plan.

Used sources and literature

Bachert C, Zhang N, Gevaert P. Rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps. In: Burks AW, Holgate ST, O’Hehir RE, et al, eds. Middleton’s Allergy: Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 41.

Corren J, Baroody FM, Togias A. Allergic and nonallergic rhinitis. In: Burks AW, Holgate ST, O’Hehir RE, et al, eds. Middleton’s Allergy: Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 40.

Cohen YZ. The common cold. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett’s Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 58.