Everyone must have experienced a cold. Colds themselves have many different causes and characteristics.
For example, in some people, a cold may last only a short time. However, for some other people, colds may last a long time. The color of the snot that comes out can also vary.
In many cases, the mucus may appear thick and white, yellowish, or slightly green in color. However, sometimes the snot looks clear and runny like water and comes out constantly.
Below, we’ll explore some of the causes of runny nose like water and when to be on the alert.
1. Flu
illustration of a woman having a cold (pexels.com/Andrea Piacquadio)
Flu is one of the most common causes of colds. There are more than 200 types of viruses that can cause the flu. Most of the time, the flu clears up on its own without treatment.
Explained site Buoy Health, viruses can cause inflammation of the sinuses, which may lead to a runny nose and congestion. The liquid that comes out tends to be thicker and more colorful and can cause facial pain. However, sometimes liquids can be clear and runny like water.
To treat it, try rinsing your nose with water to clear the mucus. Using a decongestant also helps relieve congestion. Antibiotics are not needed to treat a cold—they are not effective against viruses.
2. Allergies
illustration of a person having an allergic reaction (unsplash.com/Brittany Colette)
Allergies can affect many parts of the body. Allergies that affect the nose are called allergic rhinitis. Page explained HealthlineIn allergic rhinitis, the immune system overreacts to something that is usually harmless, such as pollen, mold or pet dander.
This causes inflammation of the nasal passages and increased mucus production. The mucus caused by allergic rhinitis is often runny and clear. This can last as long as the allergy trigger is present in your environment.
Besides a runny nose, other symptoms of allergic rhinitis include:
- Sneeze.
- Nasal congestion.
- Itching, which affects the eyes, nose and throat.
- Red or watery eyes.
- The eyelids appear swollen.
- Cough.
- Irritability, especially in children.
Also Read: 7 Viruses that Easily Breed in Tropical Regions like Indonesia
Continue reading the article below
Editor’s picks
3. Viral infection
virus illustration (pixabay.com/PublicDomainPictures)
Viral infections can attack the nose and throat tissue. The nose reacts by producing more mucus to help trap and clear virus particles. This can cause the nose to constantly produce clear and runny mucus.
Some of the common symptoms of a respiratory viral infection include:
- Runny nose.
- Cough.
- Sneeze.
- Fever.
- Fatigue.
- Sore throat.
- Body aches and pains.
Explained Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the type and frequency of symptoms can depend on the virus causing the infection. For example, a cold caused by the common cold can last anywhere from 10 to 14 days.
4. Non allergic rhinitis
nonallergic rhinitis illustration (freepik.com/pvproductions)
Snot is a form of nasal defense mechanism that tries to protect the body from triggers, whether it’s allergens or viruses. Tiny hair-like cells in the lining of the sinuses and nose move mucus to capture and clear these invaders.
Nonallergic rhinitis is a broad term used to describe any type of rhinitis that is not caused by allergies. This distinction is important, because allergies involve the immune system, while nonallergic rhinitis does not.
Quoted from Buoy Healthif you have allergy-like symptoms, but the allergy test shows a negative result, you most likely have non-allergic rhinitis.
There are many causes of nonallergic rhinitis. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Cold weather.
- Sport.
- Medication side effects.
- Hormonal changes.
- Eat spicy food.
- Pollution or smoke.
5. Rhinitis of pregnancy
illustration of pregnant women (pixabay.com/Regina Zulauf)
Women who are pregnant may experience a runny nose without any previous history of infections, allergies, or other nasal conditions. Apart from a runny nose, other symptoms of pregnancy rhinitis can include a stuffy nose and sneezing.
It is believed that hormonal changes, such as estrogen and progesterone, can cause pregnancy rhinitis. These changes can cause an increase in blood flow in the nose, resulting in inflammation and excess mucus.
According to reports in Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences As of 2016, symptoms of rhinitis of pregnancy can begin at any time during pregnancy, but symptoms are more commonly reported during the third trimester. Symptoms usually disappear soon after delivery.
6. Spicy food
spicy food illustration (pixabay.com/ewhity)
Eating spicy food is very likely to give you a runny nose if you have gustatory rhinitis, a form of nonallergic rhinitis. Common triggers include black pepper, curry, garlic, hot sauce, salsa, ginger and chili powder.
Scientists are still trying to figure out why certain foods give some people colds. To be sure, it’s not really an immune response. This is more likely related to stimulation of the trigeminal nerve and possibly related to parasympathetic response, which is involved in digestion.
According to an inside study Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery As of 2012, surgery may be necessary if the condition significantly affects quality of life.
Also Read: 7 Benefits of Dried Ginger Powder for the Body, Able to Ward Off Colds