8 non-obvious reasons why a stuffy nose or snot is flowing

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

A runny nose can be the first sign of pregnancy and more.

Many are accustomed to associating a runny nose only with a cold or seasonal allergies. But it often happens like this: there is no temperature, nothing hurts, and the snot is flowing or the nose turns out to be completely stuffy.

Here are some non-obvious reasons that can easily trigger a runny nose.

1. Tobacco smoke, perfume and other irritants

In some people, the nose reacts too harshly to certain irritants present in the air: dust (any, including book), smog, cigarette smoke, too strong a scent of someone's perfume, or, let's say, the smell of paint, solvent, car exhaust …

Doctors attribute this to one of the types of non-allergic rhinitis Nonallergic rhinitis and explain the individual hypersensitivity of the nerve endings in the nose to specific odors.

With what this hypersensitivity is connected, science cannot yet say. As it cannot and offer you a magic pill that would save you from an unpleasant reaction.

What to do

Observe. You noticed that at some point the nose itched up and then a leak opened - pay attention to what surrounds you. Perhaps someone is smoking nearby or you are standing on a street full of cars? If you find an individual irritant, try to avoid it in the future.

You should also take a moisturizing nasal spray with you and rinse your nasal passages at the first sign of a runny nose. This will reduce the number of irritant molecules on the mucous membrane.

2. Change of weather

Changes in temperature or humidity can cause swelling of the nasal mucosa and cause snot or a feeling of congestion. This situation is also one of the subtypes of non-allergic rhinitis.

What to do

To relieve swelling, use simple cold remedies: drink plenty of fluids, rinse your nose with saline.

You can drop a vasoconstrictor drug. To survive the change of weather without snot, once is enough.

3. Frost

Many have noticed: it is enough to go outside at low temperatures, as the nose starts to leak. This situation occurs when cold dry air irritates the mucous membrane. In response, the nasal glands begin to produce more snot than usual so that the mucous membrane does not dry out and continues to perform its functions of protecting the body from infections.

What to do

Tolerate. Or go out into the cold, hiding your nose in a scarf, so that the inhaled air will be warmer and more humidified.

4. Allergy to animals

It is not necessary to have a cat or dog in person. It is enough to drop by on a visit to friends who have a gorgeous cat, or take a ride in the back seat of the car, where, shortly before you were taken to the dacha of the master's dog.

What to do

If there is a suspicion that your snot and mucosal edema are associated with one of our smaller brothers, complain to a therapist or allergist. In response, you will be given a referral for a blood test.

If the culprit of your runny nose is indeed a four-legged one, try to stay away from him. Or get someone the least allergenic if life without animals is not nice for you or your loved ones.

5. Polyps or foreign objects in the nose

Nasal polyps are benign growths that occur on the nasal mucosa. They are often formed in those who have long suffered from seasonal allergies or are used to enduring colds and associated runny nose without treatment. In this case, the edema of the mucous membrane becomes, as doctors say, habitual, the edematous areas increase in size and gradually grow to such magnitudes that they begin to make breathing difficult. So there is nasal congestion and increased snot production.

Much the same happens when a small foreign object enters the nose imperceptibly. The mucous membrane envelops him, there is a constant edema and runny nose.

What to do

Rhinitis caused by polyps or a foreign object is a chronic phenomenon. It will not go away until you get rid of the excess in your nose. Therefore, you have a direct road to an otolaryngologist. Your doctor will order tests, including CT scans, to make sure there is something extra in your nasal passages. This excess will then be surgically removed.

6. Curvature of the nasal septum

This is a common cause of non-allergic rhinitis. When breathing, the air does not go along the walls of the nose, as it should be, but because of the curvature of the septum, it hits one point. At this point, the mucous membrane becomes thinner and dries up. As a defensive reaction, edema and increased production of snot occur.

What to do

Send complaints to the otolaryngologist. The doctor will examine you and most likely send you for a CT scan to look for a possible curvature. The operation to align the septum, if the specialist sees the need for it, will take about 30 minutes and will be performed under general anesthesia.

7. Hormonal changes

They can be caused by pregnancy, menopause, menstruation, oral contraceptives, or erectile dysfunction medications. As well as malfunctioning of the thyroid gland or developing diabetes.

What to do

The most correct option is to complain to a therapist about an "unreasonable" runny nose. A specialist will examine you, possibly order blood tests, and then suggest the most effective ways to make life easier for your nose.

8. Taking some medications

Aspirin, ibuprofen, and drugs for high blood pressure, among others, can cause a runny nose and a feeling of stuffiness.

What to do

If you have a runny nose after you start taking a new drug, read the instructions: this effect can be indicated in the list of side effects. Your therapist or healthcare provider can help you find an alternative.