Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
Nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose are common symptoms of a cold caused by a virus. The viruses that cause colds induce inflammation that increases the leakage of fluid from the blood vessels into the lining of the nose and even into the nose.
This causes swelling of the lining of the nose, obstructing the
flow of air, and a runny nose.
Symptoms of hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, are caused by
allergens. Allergens are tiny particles that cause cells in the lining of the
nose and the airways of the lungs to release histamine and
other chemicals. Histamine and these other chemicals are responsible for the
leakage of fluid, runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion, as well as the
itching of the eyes.
Cold symptoms usually resolve in one to two weeks whether treated or not. Antibiotics have
no effect on viruses, which are the cause of colds. However, bacterial infections that can follow viral
infections, for example, infections of the ears and sinuses, may be treated with
antibiotics. For the temporary relief of cold symptoms, plenty of oral fluids
such as broth, chicken soup, and tea with lemon and honey and humidification of
room air are safe remedies for people of all ages. Saline (salt and water)
sprays and mists can also safely provide soothing moisture to dry, irritated
nasal passages. In infants and young children, saline nose drops and clearing
the nose with a nasal syringe can temporarily relieve nasal obstruction.
Allowing infants and young children to sleep
upright in car seats also improves the drainage of nasal
secretions.
For short-term relief of nasal congestion in older children and adults, nasal
decongestants can be used. Nasal decongestants are chemicals (for example,
pseudoephedrine, oxymetazoline, etc.) that narrow the blood vessels in
the nose, thereby preventing fluid from leaking and the lining from swelling. As
a result, the lining shrinks and the nasal passages open. Nasal decongestants
can be used topically within the nose (nasal spray, solution, or mist) or can
be taken
orally (tablets, caplets, or gelcaps). Topical nasal decongestants act
faster than the oral decongestants but have a shorter
duration of action. Thus, more frequent dosing will be
necessary. Oral nasal decongestants frequently are combined
with an antihistamine, a cough suppressant, or an analgesic
in treating cold/flu/allergy symptoms.
The first step in preventing and relieving symptoms of allergy is to avoid the allergens.
If avoiding allergens is not feasible or does not adequately control the allergic
symptoms, antihistamines are commonly used to block the
effect of histamines. Some of the antihistamines that are available OTC
(diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine,
etc.) are called "first generation" antihistamines. These antihistamines have been in use longer, are less expensive, and are more sedating (more prone to cause drowsiness) than the newer "second generation" antihistamines (fexofenidine, loratidine, etc.), which have minimal sedative effects. OTC antihistamines frequently are combined
with a nasal decongestant and sometimes also with a cough
suppressant or an analgesic. Generally, antihistamine
preparations are not effective for cold symptoms.
The following are examples of products in the nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose category:
Saline solutions as nose sprays or mists: Nasal Moist
Solution, Pediamist, Afrin Moisturizing Saline Mist,
and Afrin Menthol Moisturizing Saline Mist
Topical nasal decongestants as nasal sprays, mists and
drops: Afrin Regular Nasal Spray, Afrin Nose Drops,
Duration 12 hour Nasal Spray, Neo-Synephrine Nasal Sprays,
and Vicks Vapor Inhaler. Note: Decongestant nasal sprays can lead to a rebound worsening of nasal congestion and become habit-forming, especially if overused.
Oral nasal decongestant: The only OTC decongestants available in oral form are phenylephrine (such as Sudafed PE) and pseudoephedrine ( Contac Non-Drowsy, Sudafed, Neo-synephrine). Medicines that contain pseudoephedrine are limited to being sold behind the counter, even though you may not need a prescription to buy them.
Sinus infection (sinusitis) signs and symptoms include headache, fever, and facial tenderness, pressure, or pain. Treatments of sinus infections are generally with antibiotics and at times, home remedies.
Herpes simplex infections are common and when they appear around the mouth and lips, people often refer to them as "cold sores" and "fever blisters." Canker sores are different than cold sores. Air droplets can spread the virus, as can direct contact with the fluid from the blisters. Cold sore treatment include over-the-counter medication as well as prescription medications.
The common cold (viral upper respiratory tract infection) is a contagious illness that may be caused by various viruses. Symptoms include a stuffy nose, headache, cough, sore throat, and maybe a fever. Antibiotics have no effect upon the common cold, and there is no evidence that zinc and vitamin C are effective treatments.
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
Influenza (flu) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. The flu may be prevented with an annual influenza vaccination.
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