Runny nose/rhinorrhea refers to fluid discharge from the nose. In many cases, a runny nose can be accompanied by sneezing. This can have several causes. The first and main reason for this is allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis refers to a set of nasal symptoms and also some eye-related symptoms that result from an overreaction of the immune system to inhaled allergens such as dust mites, pollen, mold, pet dander, etc. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion , itchy, watery and red eyes. Secondly, runny nose and sneezing can also result from exposure to dry air and pollution. Other causes include colds and flu. Common cold refers to a viral infection of the nose and throat that occurs due to infection with rhinoviruses, although other viruses such as adenovirus and respiratory syncytial virus can also be the cause. It initially causes a thin runny nose (in later stages the discharge tends to become thick and yellow or green), sneezing, nasal congestion, sore throat, headache, body aches and low-grade fever. Flu is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. It results in a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. Other symptoms include nasal congestion, coughing, headache, fatigue, fever and muscle aches. Another cause of runny nose and sneezing can be non-allergic rhinitis (vasomotor rhinitis). This condition involves inflammation in the nose and the symptoms are similar to those of allergic rhinitis, but allergies are not the cause, as with allergic rhinitis. Some of the known causes of non-allergic rhinitis are cold air, air pollution, spicy food, stress, use of certain medications (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen) and perfumes. Another cause may be sinusitis (inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, i.e. air-filled spaces in the skull). In addition to the above, this may be the result of COVID-19 (an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus). Depending on the cause behind runny nose and sneezing, other symptoms may also occur, such as nasal congestion, coughing, itchy, watery, red eyes, post-nasal discharge or PND, which refers to the dripping of discharge from the back of the nose into the throat , headache, fatigue and fever.
Homeopathic treatment
The homeopathic mode of treatment has a wide scope in treating cases of runny nose with sneezing. Homeopathic medicines work to correct the underlying cause behind it and provide wonderful results. These are natural remedies that treat this condition without side effects. Besides runny nose and sneezing, they also help manage associated symptoms such as itching in the nose, itchy and watery red eyes, decreased sense of smell, headache, runny nose and coughing. Homeopathic medicines for the treatment of such cases are selected based on the characteristic symptoms in each individual case. Therefore, it is advised to take any homeopathic medicine under the supervision of a homeopathic doctor and in any case avoid self-medication. In severe cases, in cases accompanied by high fever and when this complaint arises from serious causes such as COVID-19, it is advised to seek help from the conventional mode of treatment as homeopathy has limitations in helping such cases.
Homeopathic medicines for runny nose and sneezing
1. Natrum Mur – Top recommended medicine
Natrum Mur is the best homeopathic medicine for treating cases of runny nose and sneezing. In some cases where this is necessary, there may be a change between runny nose and nasal congestion. The sneezing fits become worse in the morning when you get up, together with watery discharge from the nose. There is irritation in the nose and watery discharge from the eyes. In some cases, headaches may occur. In addition to the above complaints, there may be a loss of smell and taste. Coughing may occur due to a tickling sensation in the throat.
2. Arsenic album – For runny nose and sneezing with a burning nose
Arsenic Album is the other prominently indicated medicine to help cases of sneezing and runny nose. In cases where this medicine is necessary, the discharge causes a burning sensation in the nose. The runny nose causes irritation on the upper lip. There is itching in the nose. The nasal complaints become worse in the open air. Staying indoors provides relief from complaints. The nose feels congested with a fluid runny nose. Weakness can be felt together with the above complaints. In addition, there may be hoarseness of the voice.
3. Allium Cepa – For runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes
This medicine is of great help in treating cases of runny nose, sneezing and watery discharge from the eyes. A burning sensation is felt through the runny nose in the nostrils and upper lip. Headache may be accompanied by a runny nose. A lump sensation is felt at the root of the nose. The nose feels blocked. There may be hoarseness of the voice and coughing. Along with the above, itching is felt in the eyes. A burning sensation in the eyes with an urge to rub the eyes may also be felt. The eyes turn red.
4. Sabadilla – For runny nose, sneezing and forehead pain
Sabadilla is a well indicated medicine for cases of runny nose, sneezing and pain in the forehead. Itching or tickling occurs in the nostrils with an urge to rub the nose. The nose feels full. Sneezing is quite intense. Sneezing is followed by tears in the eyes. Eyes turn red. A runny nose is made worse by the smell of strong odors. There is nasal congestion in one or the other nostril.
5. Monkshood – For runny nose, sneezing due to sudden exposure to cold air
Monkshood is a leading medicine for treating runny nose and sneezing due to sudden exposure to cold air. Hot water comes out of the nose. The nose is red and swollen. Pain is felt at the root of the nose. A runny nose is accompanied by a headache. Sensitivity to smell is present in addition to the above complaints.
6. Gelsemium – For runny nose, sneezing when weak
This medicine can be used if runny nose and sneezing are accompanied by weakness. Nasal discharge causes redness and pain at the edges of the nostrils. Sneezing is worse in the morning, when this medicine is needed. A tingling sensation is felt in the nose. Fullness is felt at the root of the nose. In addition to the above complaints, there may be a dull headache and fever.
7. Arsenic Iodatum – For thin, burning watery nasal discharge when sneezing
This medicine works well when thin, burning, watery discharge drips from the nose along with sneezing. The burning discharge causes redness of the upper lip. There is irritation in the nose that causes a constant urge to sneeze. In addition to the above, there may sometimes be post-nasal discharge (the dripping of fluid from the back of the nose into the throat).
8. Euphrasia – For runny nose, sneezing and watery red eyes
Euphrasia is a very valuable medicine for treating cases of runny nose, sneezing and watery, red eyes. Tearing from the eyes causes a noticeable burning in the eyes. A gritty, sandy feeling may also be felt in the eyes. Warmth and tenderness are also felt in the nose. Cough with mucus may occur in the morning. The nose may feel blocked at night.