Runny nose, constant runny nose

What to do if you have a chronic runny nose

Even outside of the hay fever season and cold season, some people complain of constant runny nose. In contrast to the well-known forms of colds, however, no trigger seems to be found. Those affected have difficulty breathing, have to constantly blow their nose and are constantly plagued by cold symptoms. The reason is often an overreacting or hypersensitive nasal mucosa.

What can help quickly against a runny nose?

If chronic triggers are known that cause the nasal mucous membranes to swell, these should be avoided as far as possible. Such triggers can be, for example, coffee, alcohol, air pollution, ozone, fine dust, exhaust gases, tobacco smoke or irritants from cleaning agents. Regular nasal rinsing can help to rid the sensitive nose of triggering substances. In addition, plenty of fluids in the form of water or unsweetened teas should be drunk to keep the nasal secretions liquid. Dry room air can also irritate the nasal mucous membrane. Room humidifiers and indoor plants can improve the indoor climate and relieve the nose.

Functions of the nose and nasal mucosa

The nose warm and humidifies the air and filters it. Even in a normal state, our nose can produce up to two liters of mucus per day. The slime is acidic (pH 5.5 - 6.5) and its effect is directed against microbes. In terms of temperature, it is a real miracle, as it tries to keep the temperature inside the nose constant at 30 degrees. It is also normal for the nostrils to become asymmetrically supplied with blood and to swell. Sometimes you can breathe better through one, then again through the other. With a runny nose, the blood supply to the mucous membranes is increased, resulting in increased mucus production and swelling of the mucous membranes. There is a constant hyperactivity here. construction bolts 

Overly sensitive nose

When medical professionals speak of nasal hyperreactivity or hyperresponsiveness, the nasal mucosa is hypersensitive. This reacts excessively sensitive to external stimuli such as cold, strong smells, polluted air, ozone, fine dust, exhaust gases, tobacco smoke or cleaning agents as well as to internal stimuli such as certain neurotransmitters, hormones or proteins. The following signs indicate an oversensitive nasal mucosa:

• frequent nasal congestion,
• decreased sense of smell,
• Itchy nose,
• constant nasal discharge with watery secretion,
• frequent headaches in the forehead area,
• Symptoms appear regardless of the season,
• certain influences such as smells or temperature intensify the symptoms.

Possible causes of constant nasal discharge

Often an allergy or an over-sensitive nasal mucosa (vasomotor rhinitis) is responsible for the constant nasal discharge. There are also special forms of colds that are associated with constant running of the nose. These include, for example, the hormone-related runny nose, non-allergic eosinophilic rhinitis or idiopathic rhinitis. Furthermore, runny nose can also be triggered by medication. For example, excessive use of nasal decongestant sprays can cause irritation of the mucous membranes.

Vasomotor rhinitis (hyperreflective rhinopathy)

A special runny nose that can cause constant runny nose is vasomotor rhinitis (also known as hyperreflective rhinopathy). If there is vasomotor rhinitis, the mucous membranes are extremely sensitive to strong smells, alcohol, hot drinks or spicy foods. Violent reactions to temperature changes or to physical exertion in cold air are also possible. In addition, the mucous membrane can swell under physical or emotional stress .

Hormonally induced runny nose

Constant nasal discharge can also be associated with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). This leads to an overproduction of thyroid hormones, which leads, for example, to a generally increased sensitivity to temperatures. As a result, the body reacts with a swelling nasal mucous membrane. In general, a changed hormone balance can sometimes lead to swelling of the nasal mucous membrane. For example, around 20 percent of pregnant women suffer from a blocked nose due to the level of estrogen. This "pregnancy runny nose" usually disappears again after the birth. However, pregnant women should not treat their nasal congestion with decongestant sprays because of possible consequential damage. Instead, natural ones are suitableHome remedies for a stuffy nose .

 

Non-allergic eosinophilic rhinitis (NARE syndrome)

If no allergic and infectious triggers can be determined, but those affected still suffer from year-round symptoms such as nasal discharge, sneezing attacks, nasal congestion and itching of the nose and throat, so-called non-allergic eosinophilic rhinitis (NARE syndrome) could be responsible. Nasal polyps are also often present in this clinical picture. These are often surgically removed for treatment. Nasal sprays containing cortisone can also provide relief. A newer form of treatment is a stationary infusion in two to three cycles with immune-strengthening proteins (interferons). Some of those affected could be cured permanently with this form of treatment.

Idiopathic rhinitis

Doctors speak of idiopathic rhinitis if the chronic complaints were preceded by repeated rhinitis (rhinitis) caused by viruses. The frequent virus infections in this clinical picture have made the nasal mucous membrane overly sensitive. Idiopathic rhinitis is often characterized by the fact that no clear triggers can be identified.

Crack in the sieve plate

If constant nasal discharge occurs after a head injury, an accident or after an operation, a leak in the sieve plate (lamina cribrosa) should also be considered. This wafer-thin bone separates the sinuses from the organs in the head. A tear can cause cerebrospinal fluid (brain fluid) to escape from the skull and drain down the nose. Depend on the size of the leak, this rare injury can be life threatening. In medicine, this crack is called a CSF leak.

diagnosis

After taking the anamnesis (doctor-patient conversation), the doctor first checks whether an allergic or infectious cause is responsible for the nasal discharge. Diagnostic methods such as an allergy test, blood analysis, an endoscopy of the nose or a laboratory examination of the nasal secretions can be used for this purpose.

treatment

The particular treatment depends heavily on the underlying cause. If the underlying cause is non-allergic and non-infectious, the triggers that promote swelling of the nasal mucosa must first be identified. This can be done, for example, with the help of an illness diary, in which it is recorded how severe the symptoms were and what you ate and did that day. Once the triggering factors have been identified, it is important to avoid them as often as possible. In addition, extensive care of the nasal mucosa is recommended, for example through regular nasal rinsing with saline solution.
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Proper nose care

Proper care of the nose is particularly important if you have a constant cold. Above all, this includes keeping the mucous membrane in the nose constantly moist. In a dry room climate, the mucous membrane also dries out quickly. This reduces the natural self-cleaning powers. Dust, pollutants and dirt particles stay in the nose longer and irritate the mucous membrane. It is therefore advisable to drink a lot. The absorbed water keeps the mucous membranes moist and the nasal secretions liquid.

Nasal sprays

Decongestant nasal spray should only be use for a short time in the event of an acute cold. Otherwise, they can promote permanent swelling of the nasal mucous membrane. However, nasal sprays containing sea salt help to keep the nose moist and rid it of secretions. Nourishing nasal sprays with dexpanthenol, citrus oil, sesame oil or sage oil can also be used to care for the nose.

Regular nasal showers

Regular nasal showers can clear excess mucus, crusts, pathogens and dirt particles from the nasal passages. This relieves the nasal mucosa and it begins to regenerate. Nasal rinsing is also suitable as an active protective measure against sinus infections and colds such as flu, as well as other diseases in the nose and ears. Ready-made solutions and salts for the nasal douche are available in pharmacies. You can also prepare the rinsing solution yourself by adding a point of table salt to boiled water.