A runny nose is the most common upper respiratory viral infection, which has accompanied us since ancient times.
The Ideal Environment for a Runny Nose
In the past, a runny nose was also called a cold, but there is actually no such disease as a “cold.” While exposure to cold can be a contributing factor, infection still requires contact with a virus. A common cold can be caused by nearly 200 different viruses, with rhinoviruses being the most frequent culprits.
In our climate, viral infections are almost inevitable. Looking at the globe, we can see that living in Estonia is only possible thanks to the Gulf Stream. This means that for most of the year, we have bad skiing weather, slightly warmer than Greenland but extremely humid. All of this creates ideal conditions for the spread of upper respiratory viral infections, including the common cold.
A Runny Nose Needs Attention
Adults in our latitude catch a cold 2-3 times a year, while children suffer from it 6-12 times annually. This adds up to as many as ten weeks of a runny nose. A runny nose itself is not a serious illness, but if left untreated, it can lead to several severe complications. For example, it can frequently cause middle ear infections in young children and sinusitis in older individuals. Therefore, it is important not to ignore a dripping or stuffy nose.
How to Prevent a Runny Nose?
The best remedy for a runny nose is always prevention. However, no one can guarantee that we will never catch a cold. Nonetheless, there are many things we can do to reduce the chances of getting sick. The prevention of a runny nose is similar to that of any viral illness:
- The most important and simplest preventive measure is frequent handwashing.
- Strengthening the immune system is crucial, as it enhances resistance to illnesses and is always beneficial.
- Maintaining good health is supported by a balanced diet, moderate physical activity, stress reduction, and an overall positive attitude.
Nasal Sprays Are Not Always the Best Choice
If you have caught a cold despite all precautions, it is important to act immediately. When dealing with a stuffy nose, people often reach for nasal sprays from the pharmacy shelf because they provide quick relief. While this can be effective, it is essential to remember that frequent and prolonged use of nasal sprays can lead to new issues—excessive dryness of the nasal mucosa and even dependency. Instead of the intended relief, mucosal damage may occur, making treatment difficult and demanding.
Fortunately, in recent years, natural alternatives such as moisturizing oils, essential oils, and seawater sprays have become increasingly popular. Oral cold tablets containing pseudoephedrine or its analogs have also found their place. The advantage of oral medications is that they do not dry out or harm the nasal mucosa.
Two of the Best Natural Remedies
At the beginning of the 20th century, an extract from the root of the black pelargonium (Pelargonium sidoides) began to gain popularity in Europe for treating colds and upper respiratory infections. This plant, native to South Africa, is even referred to as the “ginseng of the immune system.” The key active ingredient in black pelargonium root, umckalin, inhibits viral growth, prevents replication, and boosts the immune system’s ability to fight pathogens. It is widely used in Western Europe in cold and cough syrups.
Nature also offers a milder and safer alternative to pseudoephedrine—synephrine, which is derived exclusively from bitter orange. Synephrine helps reduce nasal swelling and secretion, thereby alleviating a runny nose and improving well-being during the cold season.
At the first signs of nasal itching and throat irritation, start treatment immediately!
