Runny nose, constantly runny nose

What to do with chronic runny nose?

Even outside of hay fever season and cold period, some people complain about a steady running of the nose. Unlike the known common cold forms, however, no trigger seems to be found. Those affected get bad air, have to constantly clean their nose and are constantly plagued by cold symptoms. The reason is often an overreacting or hypersensitive nasal mucosa.

contents

• What to do with chronic runny nose?
• What helps quickly against a runny nose?
• Functions of nose and nasal mucosa
• Hypersensitive nose
• Possible causes of constant nasal discharge
• diagnosis
• treatment
• The right nose care
• Naturopathy

What helps quickly against a runny nose?

If chronic triggers are known that swell the nasal mucous membranes, they should be avoided as much as possible. Such triggers may be, for example, coffee, alcohol, air pollution, ozone, particulate matter, exhaust gases, tobacco smoke or irritants from cleaning agents. Regular nasal irrigation can help rid the sensitive nose of triggering agents. In addition, plenty of liquid in the form of water or unsweetened teas should be drunk to keep the nasal secretions fluid. Even dry air can irritate the nasal mucosa. Room humidifiers and indoor plants can improve the indoor climate and relieve the pressure on the nose.

Functions of nose and nasal mucosa

The nose warms and moistens the air and filters it. At the same time, our nose can produce up to two liters of mucus per day in its normal state. The mucus is acidic (pH 5.5 - 6.5) and its action is directed against microbes. In terms of temperature, it is a true miracle, trying to keep the temperature inside the nose constant at 30 degrees. It is also normal for the nostrils to be blooded and swollen asymmetrically. Sometimes you can breathe better through one, then through the other. In a runny nose, the mucosal blood flow is increased, so there is an increase in mucus production and swelling of the mucous membranes. Here is a continuous hyperactivity recorded.

Hypersensitive nose

When physicians speak of nasal hyperreactivity or hyper-responsiveness, there is a hypersensitive nasal mucosa. It is excessively sensitive to external stimuli such as cold, strong odors, polluted air, ozone, fine dust, fumes, tobacco smoke or cleaning agents as well as internal stimuli such as certain neurotransmitters, hormones or proteins. The following signs indicate a hypersensitive nasal mucosa:

• often stuffy nose,
• reduced sense of smell,
• nasal itching,
• constant nasal discharge with aqueous secretion,
• often occurring headache in the forehead area,
• Symptoms occur regardless of the season,
• certain influences such as odors or temperature increase the symptoms.

Often a constantly runny nose is associated with an allergy. (Image: drubig-photo / fotolia.com)

Possible causes of constant nasal discharge

Often an allergy or a hypersensitive nasal mucous membrane (vasomotor rhinitis) is responsible for the constant nasal discharge. In addition, there are also special cold forms, which are associated with a constant running of the nose. These include, for example, the hormonal cold, non-allergic eosinophilic rhinitis or idiopathic rhinitis. Furthermore, the nose run can also be triggered by medication. For example, excessive use of decongestant nasal sprays may result in mucosal irritation.

Vasomotor rhinitis (hyperreflector rhinopathy)

A particular type of runny nose, which can cause a constant runny nose, is vasomotor rhinitis (also hyperreflector rhinopathy). If vasomotor rhinitis is present, the mucous membranes are extremely sensitive to strong odors, alcohol, hot drinks or spicy foods. Also violent reactions to temperature changes or physical exertion in cold air are possible. In addition, the mucous membrane can swell even in physical or emotional stress.

Hormonal conditional cold

Constant nasal discharge may also be associated with 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 mucosa. In general, a changed hormone balance can sometimes lead to nasal congestion. For example, about 20 percent of pregnant women suffer from a congested nose due to the estrogen level. This "pregnancy cold" usually disappears again after birth. However, pregnant women should not treat their stuffy nose with decongestant sprays because of potential secondary damage. Instead, natural home remedies are good for a stuffy nose.

In about 20 percent of all women, hormone-induced nasal congestion occurs during pregnancy. (Image: absolutimages / fotolia.com)

Non-allergic eosinophilic rhinitis (NARE syndrome)

If no allergic and infectious triggers can be detected, but the sufferers still suffer from year-round symptoms such as nasal discharge, sneezing attacks, stuffy nose and itching in the nose and throat, so-called non-allergic eosinophilic rhinitis (NARE syndrome) could be responsible. Nasal polyps are also common in this disease. For treatment, these are often surgically removed. In addition, nasal sprays with cortisone can provide relief. A newer form of treatment is a stationary infusion in two to three cycles with immune-enhancing proteins (interferons). Some of those affected could be permanently cured with this form of treatment.

Idiopathic rhinitis

Doctors speak of idiopathic rhinitis, when in the run-up to chronic complaints recurrent runny nose (rhinitis) by viruses occurred. The frequent virus infections have made the nasal mucosa hypersensitive in this disease. An idiopathic rhinitis is often characterized by the fact that no clear trigger can be identified.

Crack in the sieve plate

If there is a constant nasal discharge after a head injury, an accident or after an operation, a leak in the filter plate (lamina cribrosa) should also be considered. This gossamer bone separates the paranasal sinus from the organs in the head. A tear can cause cerebrospinal fluid (brain water) to escape from the skull and drain through the nose. Depending on the size of the leak, this rare injury can be life threatening. In medicine, this crack is referred to as CSF leak.

diagnosis

After the medical history (doctor-patient interview), the doctor first checks whether an allergic or infectious cause is responsible for the nasal discharge. For this purpose, diagnostic methods such as an allergy test, blood analyzes, endoscopy of the nose or a laboratory examination of the nasal secretion can be used.

A constantly runny nose can have many different causes. Doctors have numerous diagnostic methods available for determining the triggers. (Image: auremar / fotolia.com)

treatment

The particular treatment is highly dependent on the underlying cause. If a non-allergic and non-infectious cause is the cause, the triggers that promote the swelling of the nasal mucosa must first be identified. For example, this can be done with the help of a disease diary, which records how severe the symptoms were and what you ate and had that day. Once the triggering factors have been identified, they should be avoided as often as possible. In addition, an extensive care of the nasal mucosa is recommended, for example by regular nasal irrigation with saline solution.

The right nose care

Especially with permanent cold the correct care of the nose is important. This includes, above all, keeping the mucous membrane in the nose constantly moist. In a dry indoor climate, the mucous membrane dries quickly. This reduces the natural self-cleaning forces. Dust, pollutants and dirt particles stay longer in the nose and irritate the mucous membrane. It is therefore recommended to drink a lot. The absorbed water keeps the mucous membranes moist and the nasal secretions liquid.

nasal sprays

Decongestant nasal sprays should only be used for a short time in acute colds. Otherwise, they can promote a permanent swelling of the nasal mucosa. Sea salt-containing nasal sprays, however, help to keep the nose moist and rid of secretions. Nourishing nasal sprays containing dexpanthenol, citrus oil, sesame oil or sage oil can also be used to nourish the nose.

Regular nasal showers

By regular nasal douches, the nasal passages can be freed of excess mucus, crusts, pathogens and dirt particles. This relieves the nasal mucosa and it begins to regenerate. Nasal rinses are also suitable as an active protection against sinusitis and colds such as a flu infection and other diseases of the nose and ears. Finished solutions and salts for the nasal douche are available to buy in pharmacies. However, the rinse solution can also be prepared by mixing boiled water with a pinch of cooking salt.

For permanent colds, decongestant nasal sprays should be avoided. Better are natural methods that promote the regeneration of the nasal mucosa. (Image: from Lieres / fotolia.com)

Naturopathy

The answer to hyperactivity is seldom found in the nose itself, according to Naturopathy. As a background, it is important to know that the lymphatic system of the nose communicates with other mucous membranes, such as the intestine. The connection between the small intestine and the nose, which is frequently observed in the clinic, can also be explained theoretically.

In this context, the Hamburg Osteopath Peter Wührl, D.O. There are two possibilities: Either certain areas are not really active in this mucosal system, which is why the nasal mucosa tries to make up for this as a compensation with increased activity or other areas are hyperactive and this irritates the nose additionally.

Anatomically, part of the nerve supply (sympathetic portion) comes from the upper thoracic spine. Mechanical problems in this region or on the path of the nerves to the paranasal sinuses may lead to impairments, which could lead to a defective circulation in the mucous membrane.

In order to take these findings into account, the state of the intestinal flora, fungal infections, heavy metal contamination, (dental) foci, functional problem in the area of ​​the spine and a regulation of the immune system must be taken into account and considered "hidden" allergies become. (jvs, vb; updated January 23, 2019)

swell

• Guideline Rhinosinusitis (as of April 2017)
• Internet presence of the German Professional Association of Otolaryngologists - visited on 22 January 2019
• Website of the American CSF Leak Association - visited on January 22, 2019