Cold-induced rhinitis: What is it and how is it treated?

With the arrival of low temperatures, you may have noticed nasal congestion, sneezing or runny nose. Do you think you suffer from rhinitis due to the cold? Well, the truth is that with winter it is common for symptoms similar torespiratory allergies, such as those mentioned above, to appear. Although it is not a painful pathology, it is very annoying for patients as it means always having a handkerchief at hand.

This is due not only to the drop in temperatures, but also to the fact that there is poorer ventilation of spaces and humidity. In order to protect ourselves from the cold, we tend not to ventilate our homes properly, which only leads to an increase in allergens.

Symptoms of rhinitis

Before knowing the symptoms of rhinitis, it is important to know exactly what it is. It is a nasal discomfort whose origin may be due to very diverse factors, in addition to being very common in the general population and, moreover, in most cases, it develops in patients in a chronic form.

This pathology can be accompanied by other diseases such as asthma, otitis or sinusitis, and even allergic conjunctivitis can also arise.

To learn a little more about cold rhinitis, it is essential to know the main symptoms:

• Runny nose.

• Sneezing.

• Stuffy nose.

• Nasal itching.

Types of rhinitis

Although cold rhinitis is very frequent at this time of the year, the truth is that it can also occur at any time of the year. This disease can be classified in different ways according to the cause that provokes it:

• Allergic rhinitis. This disease is caused by certain substances that provoke a reaction in the immune system of people, for example, mites, pollen, pet hair, etc. To help improve respiratory allergies it is advisable to take natural supplements based on silicon, as it contributes to increase our body's defenses, among other benefits.

• Infectious rhinitis. In this case, it is usually caused by a virus infection, but also by bacteria or other microorganisms.

• Rhinitis caused by medication. Although it may seem strange, some medications such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, drugs for hypertension, antidepressants, contraceptives... can cause rhinitis.

• Hormonal rhinitis. Rhinitis symptoms may also arise due to hormones, either during pregnancy, menstruation or menopause.

• Idiopathic rhinitis when there is no known cause.

Treatment of rhinitis

If you suffer from this disease, you will be interested to know that the treatment of rhinitis will depend, to a great extent, on the reason why it is being generated. For example, in cases of allergic rhinitis, the most important thing is to try to avoid, as far as possible,the substance or factor that causes it. However, in the case of cold rhinitis, it is usually very difficult to avoid it.

On some occasions, the doctor may determine the need to administer drugs aimed at alleviating the symptoms, although this will depend on the individual characteristics of each patient and the intensity of the pathology. In certain situations, the doctor may prescribe corticosteroid sprays, antihistamines or drugs to decongest the nasal passages. However, this type of medication carries a series of side effects, so it is advisable to opt for natural remedies that do not harm our organism.

In the case of allergic rhinitis, a possible solution may be immunotherapy when the causative agent is identified. However, the effects may require months of treatment, or even years.

Tips for relieving rhinitis

If you want to alleviate the symptoms or try to avoid cold rhinitis or any other type of rhinitis, it is important that you take into account the following tips. Take note!

• Ventilate the home even in winter to prevent allergens from concentrating in the house. It is not necessary to keep the windows open for more than 5 or 10 minutes.

• Keep your home free of dust and dust mites.

• Drink at least 1.5-2 liters of water a day, as hydration is essential to control symptoms.

• Wash your nostrils to avoid a stuffy nose.

• If you have allergies and know what causes them, try to avoid them whenever possible. For example, if you have an olive tree allergy, try not to be in areas with a lot of olive trees.

• Wipe your nose gently and regularly, so you won't have so much mucus and you will avoid irritants.

Home remedies to relieve rhinitis

As we explained above, rhinitis due to cold or any other cause is not a painful disease, but it is very annoying. Therefore, we want to help you alleviate the symptoms with the following home remedies:

• Seawater. Thanks to this type of saline solution you will get rid of mucus from the nasal passages.

• Steam. It prevents irritation of the nasal passages and, at the same time, allows them to be clear. In this way, you will be able to forget about other symptoms of rhinitis such as sneezing or runny nose.

• Ginger. It works as a natural antihistamine that also has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Turmeric. Helps with the symptoms of allergic rhinitis as it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant power.

• Garlic. Its quercetin content makes it a fantastic antihistamine, besides having excellent antibacterial and antibiotic properties.

• Apple cider vinegar. It also works as an antibiotic and antihistamine.

• Nettle. In alternative medicine it has been used as an antihistamine and anti-inflammatory.

• Probiotics. Its properties contribute to support the immune system so if you take it frequently you will reduce the symptoms of rhinitis.

• Vitamin C. Helps to alleviate allergy symptoms and also to take care of the immune system.

• G7 Original, helps to improve the symptoms of respiratory allergies.

Now you know that with the drop in temperatures it is quite common to have rhinitis due to cold, but also due to other causes that we have detailed above. Remember the importance of home ventilation despite the low temperatures, in fact, it is enough to open the windows 10 minutes to purify the air. Also, do not forget to wash your nose and use home remedies to alleviate the symptoms.