Runny nose and watery eyes: what to do?

Runny nose, watery eyes, fever, sneezing, coughing - unpleasant symptoms that everyone without exception has had to deal with. In one moment, life fades, plans collapse, a person is covered by a wave of severe discomfort. The suspicion immediately creeps in that some kind of inflammatory process is taking place. How to figure out what is happening and how to get rid of such an obsession?

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Why do my eyes water and my nose run?

Tears are produced by the 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 lacrimal ducts. The nasal cavity is connected to the eye by the nasal passages, through which tears enter the nose. This is confirmed by the fact that when we cry, fluid flows from the nose. If both a runny nose and lacrimation occur at the same time, it is a sure sign that inflammation has broken out in one of the two organs. What are the causes of this phenomenon? There are several possible types of inflammation:

• sinusitis - mucous membrane of the nose and paranasal sinuses;
• allergic rhinitis - mucous membrane caused by allergens;
• conjunctivitis - of the eye membrane:
• adenovirus infection;
• rhinovirus infection;
• cold or flu.

Risk factors

Risk factors for the development of watery eyes and runny nose include:

• respiratory viral cold;
• flu;
• injury to the nose or eye;
• dust, pollen, mold, medications that cause allergies;
• cold and damp;
• nasal polyps;
• immunodeficiency state;
• bronchial asthma;
• cystic fibrosis.

Pathogenesis

When viruses or bacteria enter the nose, the body's immune response occurs in the form of an increase in leukocytes and the production of mucus. The mucous membrane swells, the lumen of the nasal passages narrows, access to the paranasal sinuses is blocked, and difficulties with the discharge of sputum arise. Mucus accumulates, pressure on the eye sockets and forehead increases, and fluid is released through the eyes. In the case of allergic rhinitis, the inflammation development algorithm is the same, only the mechanism that triggers it is an allergy. With conjunctivitis, the conjunctiva of the eye - its mucous membrane - becomes inflamed. Most often, this is preceded by a viral infection or allergy entering the eye or moving from the nasopharynx.

Statistics

Any data on the number of people with a runny nose and watery eyes will be unreliable due to the fact that many people suffer the disease on their feet. Often, only in the case of severe flu or conjunctivitis, if it is impossible to work and a day off is required, do people consult a doctor. It is officially known that conjunctivitis accounts for a third of all eye pathologies. And allergic rhinitis affects up to 12% of people on the planet.

Watery eyes and other symptoms

Symptoms of the disease include a deterioration in general condition, sore throat, heavy head, and nasal congestion. The first signs of a cold are that the nose tickles, a runny nose appears, and the eyes water heavily. Liquid flows from the nose constantly, all this is accompanied by sneezing. Often, it is not just watery eyes and a runny nose, but also a fever, headache, weakness, and fatigue. The allergic nature of such manifestations is difficult to distinguish from another, except that it is seasonal: the eyes become red, itch, and there is a runny nose. As a rule, people experiencing such an effect of allergens understand what is happening to them due to the periodicity of manifestations at the same time of year. Conjunctivitis gives an equally pleasant picture - itchy eyelids, lacrimation, runny nose.

Runny nose and watery eyes during pregnancy

Unfortunately, pregnant women are susceptible to all the same diseases as other people, and even more so because of the weakened body. The expectant mother carries the fetus for nine months, so she covers different seasons, she is not isolated from other people, and therefore can easily catch any infection. In addition, a third of pregnant women experience such a phenomenon as a runny nose during pregnancy. It is caused by hormonal changes in the body. An increased level of the hormone estrogen causes swelling of the nasal mucosa. Some women have a runny nose and very watery eyes only in the first trimester of pregnancy, while others have to endure unpleasant symptoms until the end. The general condition does not worsen and the woman, as a rule, is able to distinguish these symptoms from colds or allergies. They do not pose any threat to her health and the future child.

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The child has watery eyes and a runny nose

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

If it is sinusitis, then it should be remembered that it is a consequence of a bacterial or viral infection, and therefore is accompanied by a high temperature, deterioration of the general condition. Rhinitis can be associated with the flowering of various plants, during which the eyes itch and water, but the symptoms can disappear just as suddenly as they appeared, while the temperature is normal. 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 capricious, easily hurt. Parents should take the child to the doctor, and not attribute bad behavior to a bad character, children are simply not yet able to adequately respond to unpleasant irritants.

The baby has a runny nose and watery eyes

Viral conjunctivitis can cause a runny nose and watery eyes in an infant, and the discharge of pus is a sign of the bacterial nature of the pathology. There are different types of conjunctivitis, and even very young children are susceptible to them. Thus, adenovirus is accompanied by a high temperature, herpetic - by the appearance of blisters on the eyelids characteristic of herpes, streptococcal and gonococcal affects both eyes in turn, causing purulent discharge, photophobia. The latter is often suffered by infants. They develop watery eyes, swell and do not open well. Watery eyes and a runny nose - such a picture may well indicate allergic rhinitis. Itching (the child pulls his hands to his eyes and rubs them) and the affection of both eyes at the same time speak in favor of this diagnosis. Similar symptoms are characteristic of measles. This is a common viral infection in the world, and at the moment there is an outbreak of the epidemic in our country. The infection occurs by airborne droplets, it is latent for up to 3 weeks, without making itself known, then the eyes turn red, a runny nose, cough, and wheezing appear. The child sleeps poorly and is capricious. Then rashes appear on the body and in the mouth. All this is accompanied by high fever, sometimes vomiting and convulsions. This disease is very contagious, but those who have recovered from it acquire immunity for the rest of their life.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of the pathology is based on the patient's medical history, characteristic clinical picture, frequency of painful manifestations, tests and, if necessary, instrumental diagnostics.

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 allergy tests, which are skin tests for one or another allergen. Such tests are carried out during the period of absence of exacerbations. In addition, a large accumulation of eosinophils is found in a smear from the nose (over 10% of the total number of leukocytes, during the flowering period of plants it can reach 90%).

The diagnosis of conjunctivitis requires a cytological analysis of scrapings or a bacteriological examination of a smear for the presence of streptococci, staphylococci, pneumococci and other pathogens, and the probability of infection with demodex is checked. In the case of an allergic form of the disease, conjunctival and sublingual tests are taken.

In case of sinusitis, 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, CT or MRI of the brain is prescribed. To diagnose allergic rhinitis, rhinoscopy of the nasal walls is used using special mirrors. This method makes it possible to see traces of the chronic course of pathology, the presence of polyps. Visualization of the eye, determination of the presence of an inflammatory process in the case of conjunctivitis is carried out by biomicroscopy of the eye. This procedure is carried out using a slit lamp.

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Differential diagnostics

Differential diagnostics of conjunctivitis is carried out with inflammation of the episcleral plate of the eye, its cornea, scleritis - damage to the shell of the eyeball, an attack of glaucoma, getting a foreign body into the eye. Sinusitis is differentiated from trigeminal neuralgia, toothaches, hypertension and vascular spasms due to headaches. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis are similar to manifestations of vasomotor, infectious and eosinophilic non-allergic rhinitis.

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What should you do if you have a runny nose and watery eyes?

Treatment depends on the diagnosis. Thus, the treatment regimen for conjunctivitis depends on the etiology of the disease. But in any case, the eyes are washed with medicinal solutions, their drip administration is carried out, eye ointments are laid, injections are made under the conjunctiva of the eye.

Sinusitis with accumulation of mucopurulent masses in the nasal sinuses is subject to puncture treatment, sometimes it is necessary to do more than one puncture of the paranasal sinuses. In other cases, drug therapy is carried out.

Treatment of allergic rhinitis is reduced to alleviating its manifestations - reducing swelling, watery eyes, runny nose. For this purpose, drops, sprays, other medications are used, and also contact with the allergen is limited, proper nutrition is selected, and products that create cross-allergy are excluded from the diet.

Medicinal treatment of watery eyes and runny nose

Before treating conjunctivitis, local anesthesia is performed using novocaine, lidocaine or other agents. Eyes are washed with a solution of furacilin, potassium permanganate. A 30% solution of sulfacetamide is dripped, and eye ointment is applied at night.

Sulfacetamide - 20% eye drops. Has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial and antibacterial action. Instilled into the lower conjunctival sac of each eye 2-3 drops up to 6 times a day. Contraindicated for people with hypersensitivity to sulfacetamide. This is associated with possible side effects - itching, swelling, redness.

In case of bacterial nature of pathology, gentamicin sulfate and erythromycin eye ointment are used. Viral conjunctivitis is treated with such means as idoxuridine, acyclovir, trifluridine. Allergic conjunctivitis requires vasoconstrictors, antihistamine drops and ointments, tear substitutes.

Idoxuridine is an eye drop in a bottle. For two to four days, the drops are instilled into the eyes every hour during the day and every two hours at night. Then for up to five more days - every two hours during the day and once at night. Not prescribed to pregnant women or simultaneously with corticosteroids. Allergy may occur.

Drug treatment of sinusitis includes the use of:

• vasoconstrictors (naphazoline, ephedrine);
• anti-inflammatory (fenspiride, ibuprofen, diclofenac, piroxicam, fluticosone);
• antibacterial (nasal sprays Isofra, Polydex; inhalation drug Bioparox, for oral administration Amoxicillin, Levofloxacin).

Ephedrine - 2-3% solutions are used for nasal instillation. Its long-term use is unacceptable. Contraindicated for hypertensive patients, those with heart disease, insomnia. It is well tolerated, but such phenomena as tremor and palpitations may be observed.

Bioparox is a local inhalation drug. It contains the broad-spectrum antibiotic fusafungine. It is available in a canister with a special nasal nozzle of 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 inhalation, the base of the canister is pressed. For adults and children over 12 years old, two doses in each nostril 4 times a day are enough, for children over 2.5 years old - one dose. The course of treatment is a week. It is not prescribed to small children, allergy sufferers, pregnant women only with the consent of a doctor. The drug can cause cough, nausea, urticaria.

For allergic rhinitis, the following medications are used:

• antihistamines: cetrin, loratadine, zodak, erius;
• hormonal: flicosanz, aldecin, benorin, nazarel;
• leukotriene antagonists involved in the development of allergies: acolate, singular;
• agents that prevent the penetration of allergens into the nasal cavity or block their action: prevalin, nazaval, cromosol, allergodil.

Cetrin - tablets, prescribed from 6 years old, half twice a day. After 12 years - a whole once a day for a week to a month. At the age of up to 6 years, syrup is prescribed. Contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women. Can cause tachycardia, gastritis, anorexia, depression.

Vitamins

Vitamins remain a powerful tool in increasing immunity in case of various infectious and bacterial lesions of the body. What will support us best, 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 doses) are suitable.

Physiotherapy treatment

Physiotherapy treatment increases the effectiveness of treating runny nose and watery eyes. Ultra- and magnetic therapy, UHF, phonophoresis are used for conjunctivitis. UHF and diadynamic currents are also used to treat sinusitis, and for rhinitis - light therapy of the nasal passages: laser and ultraviolet.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine contains many recipes that have evolved from many years of human observations of their health and the influence of various plants, foods and other factors on it. Black or green tea has long been used to treat eye inflammation. A tea bag is best suited for this purpose, but you can also brew a regular one, wrap it in gauze and apply it to the inflamed eyelids for a few minutes. Repeat the procedure several times a day. You can apply grated potatoes to the eyes. Honey dissolved in water (3 tablespoons per half a liter of boiling water) will help relieve inflammation. Rinse the eyes after cooling.

There are various folk methods of fighting sinusitis. Very popular because of its effectiveness is rinsing the nose with salt water using sea salt. Salt is dissolved in warm, but not hot water (2 teaspoons per glass) and using a special device that can be bought at a pharmacy, it is poured into each nostril one by one, with the head tilted over the container where the used solution will pour out. Another recipe is based on honey, soda and sunflower oil. Take these ingredients in equal parts, mix and, wetting a cotton swab, put it in the nostril that is on top while lying on your side. Lie like this for at least 20 minutes. Then turn over to the other side, do the same with the other nostril.

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Herbal treatment

For the treatment of conjunctivitis, herbs include sheep's tongue, elder flowers and berries, chamomile, fennel seeds, and yarrow. These herbs are used to prepare decoctions for washing the eyes.

Sinusitis of bacterial origin is successfully treated with Kalanchoe juice, as it contains phytoncides - bactericidal substances. Its juice should be diluted with water in equal parts, not earlier than the nasal discharge acquires a thick consistency and a yellowish tint. Abundant warm drinks based on herbs such as marigold, linden, elder flowers, belladonna will contribute to a faster recovery.

You can try to treat allergic rhinitis using aloe, dandelion, and celery juice, but only after you have made sure that you are not allergic to them.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies, which can be purchased in drugstores, will help get rid of a runny nose and watery eyes. Here are some of them.

Agnus cosmoplex S is a torpedo-shaped suppository with a specific odor, used to treat inflammatory diseases, including rhinitis and sinusitis. Its action is based on the ability of plants and minerals included in its composition to strengthen the immune system and restore impaired functions. A single dose for children over 12 years old and adults is 1 suppository rectally three times a day, with an improvement in the condition - only in the morning and evening. The course of treatment is up to two weeks. Contraindicated in leukemia, tuberculosis, AIDS, cancer. Do not use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Side effects are possible in the form of allergies, nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness.

Allergin-ARN® - Effective in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis and rhinitis. Available in granules. The drug is not used for children under 3 years of age, in the period from 3 to 6 years the dose is determined based on the calculation of a granule per year of life. After this age, a single dose is 6 pieces. During the day, you can take 2-3 doses 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 for pregnant women, during lactation, people with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

Gaimorin - granules, used for acute sinusitis, sinusitis. As part of complex therapy, 5 granules under the tongue 3 to 6 times a day are enough until the condition improves, then you can switch to a single use for 2-3 months. The effect on children and pregnant women has not been studied, so it is not recommended to take. Allergy may occur.

Mucosa compositum is an injection liquid used to treat inflammation of the mucous membranes of various organs, including the eyes (conjunctivitis). If necessary, the medicine can be taken orally. Children under one year are given a sixth of the ampoule, 1-3 years - a fourth, 3-6 - half, the rest - a full one. An acute condition requires daily injection for 2-3 days, otherwise - 1-3 times a week for up to five days. No contraindications or side effects have been identified.

Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment may be necessary if conservative treatment of chronic sinusitis is ineffective and in case of serious complications of its acute forms. Polyps and curvature of the nasal septum are removed surgically, thereby eliminating the causes of runny nose and lacrimation. In case of intracranial and orbital complications, the nasal sinuses are opened. There is a possibility of surgical intervention in case of eye and nose injuries.

Consequences and complications

Depending on the cause of the runny nose and watery eyes, if the problem is not treated correctly or ignored, quite serious consequences and complications are possible. Thus, sinusitis can turn into an intracranial abscess, mild meningitis, optic neuritis, phlegmon or abscess of the eye sockets, etc.

Allergic rhinitis is associated with the development of bronchial asthma, chronic fatigue, depression, sleep apnea, skin rashes, insomnia, and loss of appetite.

Conjunctivitis can reduce visual acuity, enlarge lymph nodes, and cause headaches. It can be complicated by other ophthalmological diseases: blepharitis - inflammation of the eyelids, keratitis - damage to the cornea, dry eye syndrome

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How to prevent runny nose and watery eyes?

Prevention of infectious diseases that cause these symptoms consists of observing sanitary and hygienic standards. It is necessary to wash your hands after public transport, before eating, use individual towels, disposable handkerchiefs. It is important not to spread the infection during its outbreak, but to isolate yourself for some time. Strengthening the immune system plays a major role in preventive measures. To do this, it is necessary to saturate the body with vitamins and minerals, eat healthy food, harden yourself, walk a lot in the fresh air, play sports, moderate physical work, give up smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Forecast

With timely treatment, the prognosis of pathologies causing runny nose and tears is favorable. But it is possible for the process to flow into the chronic phase in case of incorrect or untimely treatment. Severe complications, even leading to fatal outcomes, are not excluded. These include the penetration of a pathogenic infection into the cranial cavity in sinusitis.

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