A runny nose is not necessarily a cold, be careful!

Many people around me often blow their noses, whether they have a cold or not. Especially in winter, when the weather is very cold, many people keep tissues in their hands. So, does a runny nose mean that you have a cold?

A runny nose is not necessarily a cold

A runny nose does not necessarily mean you have a cold. In many cases, it is caused by rhinitis, which is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa and submucosal tissues, which causes the nose to produce excessive mucus, which is what we usually call nasal discharge. Therefore, a runny nose does not necessarily mean you have a cold, and everyone should understand this.

In addition to runny nose, do patients with rhinitis have any other symptoms?

Nasal congestion: Nasal congestion is characterized by intermittent nature. It is relieved during the day, when it is hot, when working or exercising, and worsens at night, when sitting or when it is cold. Another characteristic of nasal congestion is that it is alternating. For example, when lying on one's side, the lower nasal cavity is blocked, while the upper nasal cavity is well ventilated. Due to nasal congestion, the sense of smell may be reduced, and there may be headaches, dizziness, and a blocked nasal voice when speaking.

Excessive discharge: often mucous or viscous, occasionally purulent. Purulent discharge often occurs after seasonal infection.

Decreased sense of smell: It is mostly caused by two reasons. One is that the nasal mucosa is swollen and the nose is blocked, so the air cannot enter the olfactory area. The other is that the olfactory mucosa is stimulated by chronic inflammation for a long time, and the olfactory function is reduced or disappeared.

Headache and dizziness: Chronic sinusitis is often manifested by a feeling of heaviness in the head.

Systemic symptoms: Most people experience headaches, loss of appetite, fatigue, memory loss, and insomnia.