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Runny Nose
Runny nose is a common feature associated with fever in the flu season. This occurs due to the drying up of the nostrils and the irritation ensuing thereby. Irritation in the nose turns into cold. The cold and flu germs spread through sneezing and coughing of an affected person. If a person who is suffering from cold blows his nose or coughs into his hand and touches the door handles, knobs or any other surfaces like the computer keyboards and the computer mouse and later if a person who is not affected by cold touches any of these surfaces and again touches his mouth or nose, he is sure to contact cold. Cold occurs due to the allergic inflammation of the mucus membrane and the nose continuously discharges mucus and this phenomenon are called ‘Runny Nose’.
Some tips to control and prevent the severity of ‘Runny Nose’: -
Intake of lots of fluids will help to curtail dehydration in the body arising due to continuous nasal discharge.
Hot soups & broths coupled with lots of rest will hasten the path to recovery. Intake of fresh juices preferably containing Vitamin C, like fresh limejuice, citrus fruit juice, orange juices will help a lot.
To take only warm food items freshly cooked and to avoid cold dishes or dishes heated in micro oven.
To use and immediately throw away disposable tissues after blowing the nose and to clean the hands dry by using disinfectant soaps/hand wash. Not to use any handkerchiefs made of cloth or other material.
To inhale decongestant vapors frequently. Avoid using nasal decongestant drop unless prescribed by the Doctor, as such use is found to damage the mucus membrane.
Over the counter drugs can help but as other symptoms like body pains, headache and cough may accompany, it is better to take drugs that can cope with all the symptoms, under medical advice. But cold itself takes its own time and as is commonly said, "It may take one week if you take drugs and seven days if you don’t".