What causes a runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion?

Generally, symptoms such as nasal soreness, sneezing, and runny nose may be caused by inhaling irritants, allergic rhinitis, medication side effects, the common cold, or vasomotor rhinitis. Appropriate management depends on the specific situation.

1. Inhalation of irritants: Inhaling irritating chemical gases, smoke, or dust can stimulate the nasal mucosa, leading to symptoms like nasal soreness, sneezing, and runny nose. It is recommended to leave the environment containing irritants as soon as possible to reduce bodily irritation.

2. Allergic rhinitis: This may occur when the body comes into contact with allergens, triggering an overreaction of the immune system and the release of chemicals such as histamine, resulting in inflammatory reactions in the nasal mucosa. It is recommended to reduce outdoor activities during pollen season and maintain indoor cleanliness to minimize dust mites.

3. Medication side effects: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, a type of antihypertensive medication, may cause symptoms such as dry cough, runny nose, and nasal congestion after administration. It is recommended to switch to another type of antihypertensive medication under a doctor's guidance. Nasal symptoms usually gradually subside after discontinuation or switching of the medication.

4. Common cold: Colds are mostly caused by viral infections. When a virus invades the upper respiratory tract, it multiplies in areas such as the nasal mucosa, triggering an inflammatory response that causes symptoms like nasal soreness, sneezing, and runny nose. Treatment with medications such as Ganmaoling granules, Amoxicillin capsules, or Azithromycin tablets should be conducted under a doctor's guidance.

5. Vasomotor rhinitis: This condition is typically caused by dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. Factors such as emotional fluctuations, mental stress, fatigue, and endocrine disorders can lead to abnormal vascular constriction and dilation in the nasal mucosa, causing symptoms such as nasal soreness, sneezing, and runny nose. It is recommended to use medications such as ephedrine nasal drops or oxymetazoline nasal drops under a doctor's guidance.

When experiencing nasal soreness, sneezing, or a runny nose, it is advisable to drink plenty of warm water and avoid consuming spicy or irritating foods to prevent worsening of nasal mucosal congestion.