Do you ever experience an itchy nose, sneezing, and a runny nose, but you're not sure if it's a cold or something else? Let's find out what might be causing these symptoms.
Common Cold
When a cold virus enters the respiratory system and causes a cold, the virus becomes active in the nasal cavity. This leads to swelling of the nasal mucosa and excessive production of watery or mucus-like secretions. These secretions irritate the nose, causing an itchy nose, sneezing, and a runny nose. These symptoms help us expel the virus and cleanse the nasal passages. It's a natural instinct of the body and usually indicates a mild illness.
Allergic Rhinitis
Spring is a high season for allergic rhinitis. Symptoms include an itchy nose, sneezing, a runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and redness of the conjunctiva. Allergic rhinitis is caused by an allergic reaction in individuals with allergies, often triggered by pollen or dust mites in the spring. To prevent these symptoms, it is important to avoid exposure to allergens and identify the specific allergens causing the reaction.
Distinguishing between a Cold and Allergic Rhinitis
1. Itchy nose: With a cold, the itchiness is not severe and doesn't last long. In allergic rhinitis, the itchiness is persistent and may feel extremely itchy, leading to frequent rubbing of the nose.
2. Sneezing: Cold-related sneezing might occur in a few consecutive episodes, but it won't be excessive. Sneezing in allergic rhinitis is continuous and can persist throughout the day.
3. Runny nose: In the early stages of a cold, the runny nose is not excessive and consists mostly of clear mucus. In allergic rhinitis, there will be a significant increase in nasal secretions following sneezing.
4. General symptoms: A cold may be accompanied by general symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. Allergic rhinitis, on the other hand, is primarily limited to the nasal mucosa's abnormal reaction, so the likelihood of experiencing general symptoms during an allergic rhinitis episode is relatively low.
What to do for an Itchy Nose, Sneezing, and a Runny Nose
1. Apply pressure to the points located on the outside of the nostrils, Fengchi, Yingxiang, and Hegu, as this can help control sneezing.
2. Massage both sides of the nose. Use the back of your thumb to rub up and down along the sides of the nasal bridge for 10 times, making sure to reach the inner corners of the eyes when moving upwards and the sides of the nostrils when moving downwards.
3. Medications: For a cold-related itchy nose and sneezing, antiviral medications can be taken. For allergic rhinitis-related symptoms, antihistamines can be taken to relieve the symptoms.
