The coryza is almost always a sign of flu or a cold, but when it arises very frequently it can also indicate a respiratory allergy to dust, animal hair or to another allergen that is able to move in the air, for example.
Although it is almost always a temporary situation, the coryza can cause a lot of discomfort and therefore, if it lasts more than 1 week to disappear it is very important to consult an otorhinolaryngologist to identify the cause and initiate the most appropriate treatment.
Check out a simple home remedy to dry the coryza faster.
1. Flu and cold
Flu and cold usually cause coryza in most people, accompanied by other symptoms such as sneezing, headache, cough, sore throat, and even a low fever. This type of coryza can take up to 10 days to disappear and is not cause for concern, disappearing as soon as the body is able to fight the virus.
- What to do : To recover faster from an influenza or cold you should rest, drink about 2 liters of water a day, make adequate food and avoid abrupt changes in temperature. Check out other tips for treating colds and flu, as well as some home remedies to relieve the symptoms.
2. Respiratory allergy
Allergic reactions of the respiratory system usually cause inflammation of the tissues of the nose and, therefore, very often cause the appearance of coryza. Although it may be confused as a sign of a cold, in these cases, the coryza is often accompanied by other symptoms such as watery eyes, sneezing, and a feeling of heaviness in the region around the nose.
In addition, when it is caused by an allergy, coryza usually appears around the same time of year, especially in the spring, because it is when there is a greater amount of allergens in the air, such as pollen, dust or dog hair.
- What to do : When allergies are suspected, you should try to find out the cause and then try to avoid it in order to reduce the symptoms. However, if the cause can not be identified, the otolaryngologist may advise the use of antihistamines and decongestants to reduce body response and decrease coryza and other allergy symptoms. See the most used remedies and other care you should have.
3. Sinusitis
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses that causes the onset of coryza, but usually the nasal discharge has a yellow or greenish color, indicating an infection. In addition to coryza, other typical symptoms of sinusitis may include fever, headache, a feeling of heaviness in the face, and pain near the eyes that worsens whenever you lie down or tilt your head forward.
- What to do : You should usually treat nasal sprays and anti-flu remedies to reduce headaches and fever, for example. However, if it is being caused by an infection, the sinusitis may need to be treated with an antibiotic, so it is very important to consult an otorhinolaryngologist. See more about sinusitis, what remedies are used and how to do the home treatment.
4. Rhinitis
Rhinitis is an inflammation of the lining of the nose that causes a constant coryza sensation, which takes a long time to disappear. Although the symptoms are very similar to those of an allergy, including sneezing and watery eyes, they are not caused by the immune system and therefore the treatment should be different. Learn more about identifying rhinitis.
- What to do : nasal decongestants are usually used prescribed by the otorhinolist or an allergist, but nasal washings may also be recommended to remove excess mucus. Check out how to do the nasal wash at home.
5. Nasal polyps
Although it is a much rarer cause, the presence of polyps inside the nose can also cause constant coryza. Polyps are small benign tumors that usually do not cause any symptoms, but when they grow they can cause coryza, as well as changes in taste or snoring when sleeping, for example.
- What to do : There is usually no need for any type of treatment, but if the symptoms have been constant and do not improve, your doctor may advise you to use corticosteroid sprays to reduce inflammation of the polyps. If these sprays do not work, it may be necessary to remove the polyps with minor surgery.
