Remedies for Runny Nose in Cold Weather and Seasonal Changes

Cold weather refers to low-temperature conditions, typically characterized by chilly winds, frost, or snow. Geographical factors like proximity to the poles, altitude, and local climate patterns influence it. Usually, winters are considered best when compared to summer. One can experience many benefits from winter, but this weather change brings some health issues to a few.

Cold weather can significantly impact health, especially for vulnerable populations such as older adults, children, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. Here are the main ways cold weather affects health, along with tips to mitigate risks:

Common health impacts during cold weather:

1. Respiratory illnesses
2. Cold air can irritate airways, triggering conditions like asthma or bronchitis.
3. Increased spread of viruses like the flu and colds due to more indoor interactions.

• Frostbite and hypothermia
• Frostbite – Freezing of skin and underlying tissues, usually in extremities like fingers, toes, ears, and nose.
• Hypothermia – Dangerous drop in body temperature (below 95°F/35°C), leading to confusion, slurred speech, and potential death if untreated.
• Heart strain
• Cold weather increases blood pressure as the body works harder to stay warm, potentially causing heart strain.
• Shoveling snow or other outdoor exertion can trigger heart attacks, particularly in individuals with underlying heart conditions.
• Joint pain
• Cold, damp weather may worsen symptoms of arthritis or joint discomfort, though the exact cause is debated.
• Mental health:
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression linked to reduced sunlight during colder months.

Preventive measures :

Preventive measures—which are quite easy and don’t require medication administration —can help you avoid health risks associated with cold weather.

Stay warm:

• Cover your body by wearing winter clothing
• Keep your home warm and maintain an indoor temperature of at least 18°C (64°F).

Boost immunity:

• Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support immune function.
• Wash hands frequently to reduce the spread of germs.
• Do indoor yoga/exercise/meditation to calm your body and mind.

Note: If you are not vaccinated, get a vaccine for flu and other respiratory illnesses.

Dealing with a runny nose, especially during cold weather or seasonal changes, can be frustrating. Here are some remedies to help relieve the discomfort:

Runny nose remedies

1. Stay hydrated
   Drink plenty of fluids (water, herbal teas, broths) to keep mucus thin and help it drain more easily.
2. Use a saline nasal spray
   Saline sprays or rinses can help clear mucus and soothe nasal passages.
3. Steam inhalation
   To loosen mucus and relieve nasal congestion, inhale steam from a bowl of hot water or take a warm shower.
4. Apply warm compresses
   Place a warm compress over your sinuses to reduce discomfort and improve drainage.
5. Honey and warm drinks
   Adding honey to warm water, tea, or lemon water can soothe the throat and help with nasal irritation.
6. Ginger or turmeric tea
   Both are anti-inflammatory and can help reduce nasal inflammation and discomfort.
7. Humidify the air
   Use a humidifier to add moisture to dry indoor air, which can help soothe your nasal passages.
8. Eucalyptus oil
   Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam, or use it in a diffuser.

Consult a healthcare professional if your symptoms last more than 10 days, your nasal discharge is yellow or green with facial pain, or you have high fever and other severe symptoms. He will prescribe the best runny nose medicine after examining you thoroughly. Don’t take random drugs for runny nose; doing this can make your condition severe. If you experience coughing with a runny nose, inform your doctor about it so he can recommend coughing medicine. Some commonly prescribed medicines for flowing or runny nose include Flomist nasal spray 100 metered dose 50 mcg, Duonase nasal spray 150 mcg 50 mcg (70 doses), Seroflo rotacaps 50 mcg 500, etc.

Lifestyle tips

1. Avoid irritants
   Avoid smoke, strong perfumes, or allergens that can worsen symptoms.
2. Take a proper rest

A strong immune system can speed up recovery.

• Boost your diet
  To support immunity, include foods rich in vitamin C (like oranges, kiwi, and bell peppers) and zinc (like nuts, seeds, and beans).

• Layer up in cold weather.
  Protect your face and nose with a scarf to minimize irritation from cold air.

Where to buy medicine for a runny nose?

Medicine for runny nose can be purchased from a chemist’s shop or online pharmacy. For affordable medicine purchases, check Premiumrxdrugs (one of the leading online pharmacies offering authentic medicines and healthcare products at your doorstep).