A runny nose is the feeling of snot collecting in the throat or the awareness that snot is dripping down the back of the nose. This condition may also occur due to exercise, throat muscles and problems with swallowing.
Normally, the glands lining the inside of the nose and sinuses secrete 500-1000 ml per day. produces secretion. There are small mobile hairs on the surface of the nasal mucosa that can only be seen with a microscope. These allow nasal secretion to move backwards towards the nasal passages. This secretion is then swallowed unconsciously, without realizing it. This secretion wets the mucous membranes in the nose, nasal and throat areas, humidifies the air, retains and cleans inhaled foreign substances, and fights against infections. Production and cleaning of this epidemic; It depends on the relationship between nerves, blood vessels, glands, hormones and small hairs.
Increased thin and clean secretion, cold, flu (upper respiratory tract viral infection), allergy, cold weather, bright light, some foods and spices. It occurs in conditions such as pregnancy and hormonal changes, medications including birth control pills and some blood pressure medications, and intranasal bone curvature. Vasomotor rhinitis is a non-allergic disorder that causes excessive secretion and stuffy nose complaints. Increased thick secretion is often seen in houses and buildings that are heated without humidification during the winter months and where the humidity decreases. In addition, it is also seen in sinus and nasal infections and allergies to poultry products. If the cold secretion thickens over time and starts to turn yellow or green, an infection caused by bacteria is probably developing. Besides; In children, it may also be a sign of a foreign object stuck in the nose (beans, peas, a piece of paper, a part of a toy, etc.).
The decrease in the epidemic may be due to one of the following reasons:
Exposure to environmental irritants and disturbing substances for a long time , can dry out the nose and damage mucous membranes (cigarette smoke, industrial fumes, car fumes). When the secretion decreases, it is thicker than normal and gives the wrong feeling of increased.
Structural disorders (nasal septum curvatures) change the air flow, causing the nasal membranes to dry out (or It increases or decreases nasal secretion depending on the physical disorder).
The mucosa lining the inside of the nose shrinks and dries with age. This causes less and thicker secretion than normal and causes the person to have the feeling of postnasal drip.
Other rare causes cause this feeling by making changes in the membranes.
Apart from these, it can also occur as a result of stomach acid secretion escaping into the esophagus and pharynx area. A feeling of postnasal drip may occur (reflux).
Treatment
A diagnosis must be made before starting treatment. This includes a detailed ear, nose and throat examination and possibly some laboratory, endoscopic and x-ray studies. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, but these provide temporary relief. In chronic sinusitis, a surgical intervention is needed to open the closed sinuses.
Allergy can be controlled by eliminating the cause. Antihistamines and decongestants, cromolyn and steroid nasal sprays, other forms of steroids, and hyposensitization (vaccine therapy) may be used for treatment. However, some histamines cause drying and thicken the secretion even more. Gastroesophageal reflux is treated by lifting the head of the bed 12-15 cm, removing late night snacks, and cutting down on alcohol and caffeine. Antacids or medications that stop stomach acid production may be prescribed. Trial treatment may be applied before other diagnostic methods are applied.
Structural disorders require surgical correction. Septum deviation prevents the sinuses from draining normally and causes chronic sinusitis. A protrusion in the septum causes irritation and abnormal secretion. A hole in the septum can cause crusting. Enlarged and deformed turbinates (structures that emerge from the side walls of the nose and regulate and moisten the airflow) or polyps (growths resulting from infection, allergy or irritation) may also cause the same complaints.
In some cases, no specific cause can be found. If there is no disease that can be cured, the treatment is to thin the epidemic so that it can flow more easily. This is especially true for older people with inadequate fluid intake. These patients should drink at least eight glasses of water a day, avoid caffeine, and use diuretics if appropriate. they get it. organic.
Washing the nose with water helps correct thick and reduced secretions. This can be applied two to six times a day with a special shower made for the nose. This liquid can be made by adding baking soda or salt to hot water. Finally, simple saline solutions that do not require a prescription are used to moisturize the nose.
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