Runny nose and watery eyes: what to do?

Runny nose, watery eyes, fever, sneezing, coughing are unpleasant symptoms that everyone has to face without exception. At one point, life fades, plans crumble, a wave of extreme discomfort surrounds the person. Suddenly, the suspicion that an inflammatory process is occurring is creeping in. How to understand what is happening, and how to get rid of this obsession?

[1], [2], [3]

Why are my eyes watered and a runny nose appeared?

Tears are produced by lacrimal glands and are designed to moisten the eyeball in order to protect it from various bacteria and foreign bodies. The outflow of fluid occurs through the tear ducts. The nasal cavity is connected to the eye by nasal passages, through which tears come into the nose. This is confirmed by the fact that when we cry, the liquid flows from the nose. If both runny nose and lachrymation occur at the same time, it is a sure sign that inflammation has flared in one of the two organs. What are the reasons for this phenomenon? There are several possible inflammations:

• sinusitis - the nasal mucosa and its paranasal sinuses;
• Allergic rhinitis - mucous membrane caused by allergens;
• conjunctivitis - eye shell:
• adenovirus infection;
• rhinovirus infection;
• cold or flu.

Risk factors

Risk factors for the development of tear and snot are:

• respiratory viral cold;
• flu;
• trauma to the nose or eyes;
• dust, pollen, mold, medicines that cause allergies;
• cold and damp;
• nasal polyps;
• immunodeficiency status;
• bronchial asthma;
• cystic fibrosis.

Pathogenesis

When viruses or bacteria get into the nose, the immune reaction of the body takes place in the form of an increase in leukocytes and the production of mucus. Mucous swelling, lumen of the nasal passages narrows, access to the paranasal sinuses is blocked, difficulties arise with the withdrawal of sputum. Mucus accumulates, pressure on the orbit and forehead increases, and fluid is released through the eyes. In the case of allergic rhinitis, the algorithm for the development of inflammation is the same, only the mechanism of its triggering becomes an allergy. With conjunctivitis, the conjunctiva of the eye becomes inflamed - its mucous membrane. Most often this is preceded by a drop in the eye or a transition from the nasopharynx of a viral infection or an allergy.

Statistics

Any data on the number of cases with a runny nose and watery eyes will be unreliable due to the fact that many people suffer from illness on their feet. Often, only in the case of severe influenza or conjunctivitis, if it is impossible to work and need a release, consult a doctor. It is officially known that conjunctivitis occupies a third of all eye pathologies. Up to 12% of the planet's people are susceptible to allergic rhinitis.

Tearing of the eyes and other symptoms

Symptoms of the disease are manifested in the deterioration of the general condition, sore throat, heavy head, nasal congestion. The first signs of a catarrhal disease are that it tickles in the nose, there is a runny nose and the eyes are very teary. The liquid pours from the nose constantly, all this is accompanied by sneezing. Often not only watery eyes and a runny nose, but also the temperature rises, the head hurts, it overcomes weakness and fatigue. The allergic nature of such manifestations is difficult to distinguish from the other, except that it is seasonal in nature: the eyes become red, itches and runny nose. As a rule, people experiencing such an effect of allergens, understand what is happening to them because of the frequency of manifestations at the same time of year. Conjunctivitis gives no less pleasant picture - itchy eyelids, tearing, runny nose.

Coryza and teary eyes in pregnancy

Unfortunately, pregnant women are susceptible to all those diseases that other people, and even more because of the weakening of the body. Nine months the future mother bears fruit, that's why she seizes different time seasons, she is not isolated from other people, which means she can easily catch any infection. In addition, a third of pregnant women experience a phenomenon such as a runny nose of pregnant women. It is caused by hormonal changes in the body. Elevated levels of the hormone estrogen causes edema of the nasal mucosa. Some women have a runny nose and are very teary eyes only in the first trimester of pregnancy, others have to endure unpleasant symptoms until the end. The general condition thus does not worsen and the woman, as a rule, is able to distinguish these signs from catarrhal or allergic. For her health and future child, they do not carry any threat.

[4], [5], [6], [7], [8]

The child has watery eyes and a runny nose

The child has watery eyes and a runny nose for no apparent reason, parents are worried, what is it? Possible causes are the same sinusitis or seasonal rhinitis.

If it is a sinusitis, then it should be remembered that it is a consequence of a bacterial or viral infection, and therefore accompanied by fever, deterioration of the general condition. Rhinitis can be associated with the flowering of various plants, during it the eyes are taunted and watery, but the symptoms can disappear as suddenly as they appeared, the temperature is normal at the same time. Conjunctivitis can also bring a lot of trouble to the child. The sensation of a foreign body in the eye, burning, tearfulness and runny nose makes them moody, easily vulnerable. Parents should lead the child to the doctor, and not write off bad behavior on a bad character, just children are not yet able to respond adequately to unpleasant irritants.

The baby has a runny nose and watery eyes

Viral conjunctivitis can cause the baby to develop a runny nose and tearfulness of the eyes, and the secretion of pus is a sign of the bacterial nature of the pathology. There are different kinds of conjunctivitis and even very young children are affected. Thus, adenovirus is accompanied by fever, herpetic - accompanied by the appearance of bubbles on the eyelids characteristic for herpes, streptococcal and gonococcal affects both eyes alternately, causes purulent discharge, photophobia. The latter are often subjected to exactly babies. They have a tear, eyes swell and poorly open. The eyes and the runny nose are tearing - such a picture may well indicate an allergic rhinitis. In favor of this diagnosis says itching (the child pulls the handles to the eyes and rubs them) and the damage of the two eyes at the same time. Similar symptoms are also characteristic of measles. This is a common virus infection in the world, at the moment there is an outbreak of the epidemic in our country. Infection occurs by a drip-air route, until 3 weeks it flows secretly, without letting itself know, then the eyes turn red, there is a runny nose, coughing, wheezing. The child does not sleep well and is capricious. Then there are rashes on the body, in the mouth. All this is accompanied by high fever, sometimes vomiting and convulsions. This disease is very contagious, but the patient gets immunity for the rest of his life.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of pathology occurs on the basis of anamnesis of the patient, a characteristic clinical picture, periodicity of painful manifestations, analyzes and, if necessary, instrumental diagnosis.

Any inflammation is reflected in blood tests, it is indicated by an increase in ESR, an increase in leukocytes. Suspicion of allergic rhinitis will be confirmed by allergens, which are skin tests for one or another allergen. Such tests are conducted in the period of absence of exacerbations. In addition, a large amount of eosinophils (more than 10% of the total number of leukocytes, in the flowering period of plants can reach 90%) is found in the smear from the nose.

Diagnosis of conjunctivitis requires a cytological analysis of scrapings or bacteriological examination of the smear for the presence of streptococci, staphylococci, pneumococci and other pathogens, the probability of infection with demodex is checked. When the allergic form of the disease takes conjunctival, sublingual tests.

With sinusitis, an x-ray is used to obtain an image of the paranasal sinuses in two projections, if necessary their ultrasound and CT. If there are complications, appoint CT or MRI of the brain. For the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, rhinoscopy of the walls of the nose using special mirrors is used. This method makes it possible to see traces of chronic course of pathology, the presence of polyps. Visualization of the eye, determination of the presence of the inflammatory process in the case of conjunctivitis is carried out by biomicroscopy of the eye. This procedure is carried out using a slit lamp.

[9], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14]

Differential diagnostics

Differential diagnosis of conjunctivitis is carried out with inflammation of the episcleral plate of the eye, its cornea, scleritis - damage to the shell of the eyeball, a bout of glaucoma, foreign body entry into the eye. Sinusitis is differentiated from trigeminal neuralgia, dental pain, hypertension and vasospasm due to headaches. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis are similar to manifestations of vasomotor, infectious and eosinophilic non-allergic rhinitis.

[15], [16], [17], [18], [19], [20], [21]

What to do if there is a runny nose and watery eyes? 

Treatment depends on the diagnosis. So, the scheme of therapy of conjunctivitis depends on the etiology of the disease. But in any case, the eyes are washed with medicinal solutions, drip their introduction, laying ophthalmic ointments, injections under the conjunctiva of the eye.

Sinusitis when accumulating in the nasal sinuses mucopurulent masses are subject to puncture treatment, sometimes one has to do more than one puncture of the paranasal sinuses. In other cases, drug therapy is provided.

Treatment of allergic rhinitis is reduced to the mitigation of its manifestations - a decrease in puffiness, tearfulness of the eyes, a runny nose. To do this, apply drops, sprays, other medications, and limit contact with the allergen, choose the right food, exclude from the diet products that create a cross allergy.

Medicinal treatment of lachrymation and runny nose

Before the treatment of conjunctivitis, local anesthesia is administered with novocaine, lidocaine or other means. The eyes are washed with a solution of furacilin, manganese-potassium hydroxide. Drip a 30% solution of sulfacetamide, at night lay ophthalmic ointment.

Sulfacetamide - 20% eye drops. It has a wide range of antimicrobial and antibacterial actions. Buried in the lower conjunctival sac of each eye for 2-3 drops up to 6 times a day. Contraindicated in people with hypersensitivity to sulfacetamides. With this associated possible adverse reactions - itching, swelling, redness.

In the bacterial nature of the pathology, gentamycin sulfate, erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is used. Viral conjunctivitis is treated with such drugs as idoxuridine, acyclovir, trifluridine. Allergic requires vasoconstrictive, antihistamine drops and ointments, douches.

Idoxuridine is the eye drop in the vial. From two to four days, the eyes are buried every hour during the day and every two hours at night. Then, until 5 days - in the daytime in 2 hours and once at night. Not prescribed for pregnant women and concomitantly with corticosteroids. Allergies may occur.

Medical treatment of sinusitis includes the use of:

• vasoconstrictor (naphazoline, ephedrine);
• anti-inflammatory (fenspiride, ibuprofen, diclofenac, piroxicam, fluticosone);
• antibacterial (nasal sprays isofra, polidex, inhalation preparation bioparox, for oral administration amoxicillin, levofloxacin).

Ephedrine - apply 2-3% solution for instillation of the nose. Prolonged use of it is unacceptable. Contraindicated in hypertensive patients, with heart disease, insomnia. It is transferred well, but such phenomena as tremor, palpitation can be observed.

Bioparox is a local medicament for inhalations. In its composition contains a broad-spectrum antibiotic fusafungin. Produced in a cylinder, has a special nozzle for the nose, different colors for children (transparent) and adults (yellow). Before the procedure, the nose is cleared, one nostril is clamped, and the nozzle is inserted into the other. During inspiration, the base of the can is pressed. For adults and children over 12 years, two doses in each nostril 4 times a day, children after 2.5 years - a single dose. The course of treatment is a week. It is not prescribed to young children, allergic people, pregnant women only with the consent of the doctor. The drug can cause cough, nausea, hives.

At an allergic rhinitis apply preparations:

• antihistamines: cetrin, loratodine, zodak, erius;
• hormonal: flicosanze, aldecin, benorin, nazarel;
• antagonists of leukotrienes, involved in the occurrence of allergies: acolat, singular;
• means that prevent the penetration of allergens into the nasal cavity or blocking their action: prevalin, nazaval, kromosol, allergodil.

Cetrin - tablets, are prescribed from 6 years to a half twice a day. After 12 years - once a day for a period of weeks to months. At the age of 6 years, a syrup is prescribed. Contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women. It is able to cause tachycardia, gastritis, anorexia, depression.

Vitamins

Vitamins remain a powerful tool in increasing immunity in the case of various infectious and bacterial lesions of the body. What will best support us, strengthen the immune system? For this purpose, vitamin A (100,000 IU per day for a month), vitamin C (2000-6000 mg, divided into several methods) is suitable.

Physiotherapeutic treatment

Physiotherapy improves the effectiveness of catarrh and lacrimation of the eyes. With conjunctivitis apply ultra- and magnetotherapy, UHF, phonophoresis. To treat sinusitis, UHF and diadynamic currents are also used, and for rhinitis - light therapy of nasal passages: laser and ultraviolet.

Alternative treatment

Alternative treatment contains many recipes, formed from years of human observation of their health and the impact on it of various plants, food and other factors. In treating the eyes from inflammation, black or green tea has long been used. The tea bag is best for this purpose, but you can brew the usual one by wrapping it in a gauze, applying it for several minutes to the sore eyelids. The procedure should be repeated several times a day. You can put a potato on your eyes. It will help to remove the inflammation of honey, dissolved in water (3 tablespoons per liter of boiling water). After cooling, rinse the eyes.

Various alternative methods of dealing with sinusitis are various. Very popular because of its effectiveness washing the nose with salt water using sea salt. In warm, but not hot water (2 teaspoons per glass) salt dissolves and with the help of a special device that can be bought at the pharmacy, alternately poured into each nostril, the head is tilted above the container where the used solution will pour. Another recipe based on honey, soda and sunflower oil. Take these ingredients in equal parts, mix and, moistening the cotton swab, lay in the position lying on its side in the nostril that is on top. So lie for at least 20 minutes. Then turn over on the other side, do the same with the other nostril.

[22], [23], [24], [25], [26], [27]

Herbal Treatment

To treat conjunctivitis with herbs suitable sheepskin, flowers and berries elder, chamomile, fennel seeds, yarrow. From these herbs are prepared broths for washing the eyes.

Sinusitis of bacterial nature is successfully treated with Kalanchoe juice, it contains phytoncides - bactericidal substances. Apply its juice to be diluted with water in equal parts, not earlier than the discharge from the nose will acquire a thick consistency and a yellowish hue. A plentiful warm drink based on such herbs as marigolds, linden, elderberry flowers, belladonna contribute to faster recovery.

Treat allergic rhinitis you can try using aloe juice, dandelions, celery, but only after you are convinced of the absence of allergies to them.

Homeopathy

Get rid of the common cold and the allocation of tears from the eyes will help homeopathic remedies, which can be purchased in pharmacy chains. Here are some of them.

Agnus cosmoplex C - a torpedo-like suppository with a specific odor, is used to treat inflammatory diseases, including rhinitis and sinusitis. Its action is based on the ability of plants and minerals in its composition, to strengthen immunity and restore impaired functions. A single dose for children after 12 years and adults - 1 suppository rectally three times a day, with an improvement in the condition - only in the morning and in the evening. The course of treatment is up to two weeks. Contraindicated in leukemia, tuberculosis, AIDS, oncological diseases. It is not applied during pregnancy and feeding of the child. Side effects are possible in the form of allergies, nausea, dyspnea, dizziness.

Alergin-ARN® - Effective in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis and rhinitis. Produced in granules. Up to 3 years, the drug is not used, in the interval of 3-6 years the dose is determined from the calculation of the pellet per year of life. After this age, a one-time admission is 6 pieces. During the day, you can exercise 2-3 meals half an hour before meals or 1.5 hours after. Duration of treatment is from 3 to 8 weeks. An allergic reaction is possible. Contraindicated in pregnancy, during lactation, people with increased sensitivity to the components of the drug.

Gaimorin - granules, are used for acute sinusitis, sinusitis. As a part of the complex therapy, 5 granules under the tongue are enough 3 to 6 times a day until the condition improves, then you can switch to a one-time application within 2-3 months. Action on children and women in the situation is not studied, therefore, it is not recommended to take. Allergy is possible.

Mukoza compositum is a liquid for injections used to treat inflammation of the mucous membranes of various organs, including the eye (conjunctivitis). If necessary, the drug can be taken orally. Children up to one year are given the sixth part of the ampoule, 1-3 years - the fourth, 3-6 - half, the rest - complete. The acute condition requires a daily injection for 2-3 days, in another case - 1-3 times a week for up to five. There were no contraindications and side effects.

Surgery

Surgical treatment may be necessary in case of ineffectiveness of treatment of chronic sinusitis by conservative methods and with serious complications of acute forms of it. In an operative way eliminate polyps, curvature of nasal septums, thereby removing the causes of a runny nose and watery eyes. With intracranial and orbital complications, the nasal sinuses are opened. There is a likelihood of prompt surgery and eye and nose injuries.

Consequences and complications

Depending on the cause of the common cold and watery eyes, if there is a wrong treatment or ignoring the problem, serious consequences and complications are possible. So, sinusitis can turn into an intracranial abscess, mild meningitis, optic neuritis, phlegmon or abscess of the eyeballs, etc.

Allergic rhinitis is associated with the occurrence of bronchial asthma, a chronic feeling of fatigue, depression, sleep apnea, rashes on the skin, insomnia, loss of appetite.

Conjunctivitis can reduce visual acuity, increase lymph nodes, cause headaches. It can be complicated by other ophthalmologic diseases: blepharitis - eyelid inflammation, keratitis - corneal damage, dry eye syndrome

[28], [29], [30], [31], [32], [33], [34]

How to prevent a runny nose and tear?

Prevention of infectious diseases that cause these symptoms, is the observance of sanitary and hygienic standards. It is necessary to wash hands after public transport, before meals, use individual towels, disposable handkerchiefs. It is important not to spread the infection during its outbreak, but to be isolated for a while. A major role in preventive measures is the strengthening of immunity. To do this, you need to saturate the body with vitamins and minerals, eat healthy food, temper, walk a lot in the fresh air, exercise, moderate physical labor, stop smoking and excessive drinking.

Forecast

With timely treatment, the prognosis of pathologies that cause runny nose and tears is favorable. But it is possible to transfer the process to the chronic phase in case of incorrect or untimely treatment. Severe complications leading to even fatal outcomes are not ruled out. These include the penetration of a pathogenic infection into the cavity of the cranium with sinusitis.

[35], [36]