3 mistakes we often make when the runny nose does not go away: drops, allergies and a postponed visit to the ENT specialist

In spring, a runny nose seems almost the norm for many, because after winter immunity tends to be weaker, the weather is changeable, and upper respiratory tract viruses circulate particularly actively. However, in practice, long-lasting runny noses are often prolonged not by the virus itself, but by our own habits. The manager of our clinic, dr. med. Rudolfs Jānis Vīksne explains how nasal drops can harm your health, how to recognize early the signs that help distinguish a cold from an allergy, and when you should not postpone a visit to the ENT specialist.

How long is a runny nose “normal” during a cold?

Acute viral rhinosinusitis, or runny nose caused by viruses, most often runs its natural cycle, which lasts about 7-10 days. At the beginning of the disease, difficulty in breathing through the nose, a feeling of congestion and pressure, followed by more pronounced secretions, are usually predominant. By the end of the week, the symptoms should gradually subside. However, it is important to recognize the progress of recovery in order not to make mistakes in future actions.

Often patients worry if the runny nose does not go away exactly within a week, but here it is important to understand the concept of post-viral rhinitis. This is the stage when the virus has already been defeated, but the nasal mucosa has not yet fully recovered, so mild symptoms may persist longer. In this phase, the main indicator is the dynamics of well-being – even if the improvement is slow, it should be gradual. If it gets a little easier every day, the body is likely to handle the recovery itself.

Anxiety arises when this natural rhythm is disturbed. If there is no improvement after 10 days or, on the contrary, if the feeling suddenly worsens after the initial improvement, this may indicate that the situation is no longer a simple cold. Such a "second wave" often indicates the addition of a bacterial infection and the development of inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis). If the runny nose is long-lasting and constant, without a tendency to improve, the possibility of allergy should also be considered – it can be accurately evaluated by a specialist.

What is safe to do at home for 7-10 days if it's a cold episode?

If the state of health is stable and there are no alarming symptoms, simple self-care measures are usually sufficient:

adequate fluid intake

ensure quality sleep;

humidify the air in the room (especially during the heating season);

gently rinse the nose with saline solution;

if necessary, use painkillers or antipyretics according to age and instructions for use.

If the runny nose is particularly bothersome, decongestant (anemizing) nasal drops or medications containing pseudoephedrine can be used temporarily. It should be remembered that these drugs reduce symptoms, but do not speed up recovery.

It is recommended to limit the use of "quick" nasal drops to 3-5 days. Prolonged use may cause medicinal rhinitis and mucous membrane irritation. If in doubt, especially for children, it is recommended to consult a family doctor.

Mistake #1: Drops become a “quick fix” for too long

Vasoconstrictor nasal drops quickly clear the nose, but they are only intended for short-term use. Using them for a long time increases the risk that the nose starts to "ask" for drops more and more often. The effect becomes shorter, but the feeling of congestion is more pronounced. Medicinal rhinitis and mucous membrane irritation (dryness, burning, bleeding) often develop. As a result, the drops help temporarily, but in general only prolong the problem.

Mistake 2: A runny nose is treated as a viral infection, but the real cause is an allergy

If a runny nose lasts for weeks or even months or is seasonal, the cause may not be an infection. Allergic rhinitis is characterized by a watery, transparent runny nose, frequent sneezing (especially in the morning), itching in the nose and eyes, as well as watery eyes. There is usually no elevated temperature. On the other hand, in the case of infection, general weakness, increased temperature in the first days, thicker secretions and a feeling of pressure in the facial area are more often observed.

If the cause is an allergy, treating it like a cold is a waste of time. Allergies require a different approach – symptom control and reduction of the cause.

What to do if the runny nose is caused by an allergy?

Avoid allergens (dust, animal dander, pollen).

Regularly ventilate the premises and carry out wet cleaning.

Rinse the nose with sea water.

Use antihistamines as directed by your doctor.

Use corticosteroid nasal spray as directed by your doctor.

In more severe cases, specific immunotherapy is possible – a long-term treatment that reduces the body's sensitivity to the allergen.

Error 3: the visit to the ENT specialist is postponed

The third most common mistake is to hope that it will "go away on its own", even if the runny nose is already beyond the limits of a cold. The longer the symptoms persist, the greater the risk of developing chronic inflammation, worsening the sense of smell, sleep and quality of life in general.

Although most often runny noses are transient, there are situations when they signal the need to consult a specialist. It is recommended to do this if the runny nose lasts longer than 10-14 days, severe pain appears in the face or forehead, there is constant nasal congestion or the sense of smell suddenly worsens. Attention should also be paid if symptoms return after an apparent recovery.

If the runny nose and sinus complaints persist for more than three months, this may indicate chronic rhinosinusitis. In such situations, the task of the ENT specialist is to accurately determine the cause and offer targeted treatment to prevent the chronicity of the disease.

A runny nose in itself is not a serious illness, but long-lasting symptoms indicate that a change in approach is necessary. Remember three essential principles: use nasal drops for a short time, recognize signs of allergy in time and do not hesitate to consult a doctor. This will help to avoid chronic complaints and more complicated treatment.