A stuffy nose is often when the airways are obstructed enough to block the flow of air in and out of the nose, but a runny nose refers to when fluids drip from the nasal passages.
Both a stuffy nose and runny nose are associated with inflammation and congestion of the nasal cavities and sinuses. The scientific term for the inflammation of the nasal passages is rhinitis, and the scientific term for a runny nose is rhinorrhea.
When you have a runny nose, you’ll frequently have to wipe it with a tissue, and you’ll see that your nasal fluids are a clear and thin liquid. You may also find that the liquid is thicker, and it may be yellowish or greenish in color. Yellow or green mucus may signal a sinus infection or viral infection.
The common cold is the most common reason someone gets a runny nose, but other infections can cause this as well, such as:
- The flu
- Respiratory syncytial virus
- Pneumonia
If your runny nose is related to allergens in the air, you’ll notice it only occurs in the spring or fall and that it gets worse after being outside.
You can identify the cause of your runny nose by checking your body for additional symptoms. For example, if you are running a fever and feel nauseous, it’s possible you caught an illness like the flu. If your eyes are also watery and your throat feels itchy, then allergies may be the cause of your runny nose.
It’s possible that the cause of your runny nose can be solely environmental. Consumption of spicy foods can open up your nasal cavities and cause your nose to run during and after a meal. Smoke exposure and air pollution can also cause your body to try to expel foreign substances, resulting in a runny nose. Nasal irritation relief in Los Angeles can often be achieved through lifestyle changes, such as avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke and limiting consumption of spicy foods.
Westside Sinus specializes in treating conditions that affect the nose, such as congestion and runny noses. By meeting with a sinus doctor in Los Angeles at our clinic, we can identify the cause of your runny nose and treat it so that you can get on the path to better breathing. Some treatments we offer include:
- Sinus surgery
- Balloon sinuplasty
- Septoplasty
- Immunotherapy
