is Your Runny Nose Just aโ Cold,โฃ or Something More Serious? A Doctor Explains.
As winter descends, so to does the familiar wave of โseasonal illnesses – from the common cold and flu to sinusitis andโฃ bronchitis. And for many, the frist sign of troubleโค is a โฃrunny nose.But whenโค does a simple case ofโ the โฃsniffles warrant โคa trip to the doctor? Dr.โค William Berrebi, author ofโค The Great Family Guide for Symptoms and Diseases, breaks downโค how to assessโ your symptoms and determine the appropriate course of action.
While a runny nose is frequently enough a harmless and self-limiting โsymptom, especially during colder months, it can sometimesโข signal a more serious โฃunderlying condition. Understanding the different levels of concern can saveโค you unnecessary worry – or, crucially, ensure you get โthe medical attention you need. Here’s a guide,based on Dr. โขBerrebi’s expertise, to help you navigate a flowing nose and know โคwhen โคto seek professional help.
Low Urgency: โขIt’s Likely Just a cold orโฃ Allergies
If your nasal flowโข is mild and accompanied by typical โคcoldโ or โฃallergy symptoms, rest assured, it’s likely nothing to worry about. Dr. Berrebi advises, “If โคthe flow is light, due to a common cold or a seasonal allergy. In this case,use paper handkerchiefs and a saline โnasal spray.” โคOver-the-counter remedies and self-care measures are โusually sufficient. A โdoctor’s visit isn’t necessary.
Moderate Urgency: โWhen โto Schedule a โขDoctor’s Appointment
A persistent runny nose,lasting several days,or one accompanied by additional symptoms like headaches or โunusualโ fatigue,warrants a visit to your doctor. Dr.โ Berrebi explains this level of concern indicates a need to “Check โif it isโค a โคsinusitis or another infection.” This isn’t an emergency, butโ proactive evaluation can prevent complications.
High Urgency: seek Immediate Medical Attention
If you experience aโค heavy nasal flow combined with fever, facial pain, or a cough, it’s timeโค toโ see a doctor immediately. Dr. Berrebi stresses the importance of promptโ attention, stating,โ “consult a doctor immediately (during the day)โ to search for a severe โฃbacterial infection.” Potential diagnoses at this levelโ of severity include nasosinusian polyposis and, in rare cases, aโ malignant tumor of the rhinopharynx.
Source: The Great โFamily Guide for โฃSymptoms and Diseases โข- Dr.William Berrebi, ed. Marabout.