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Runny nose scratchy throat sneezing: Is it COVID, Allergies, the Flu or a Cold? Here’s How to Tell the Difference

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Is it COVID, Allergies, the Flu or a Cold? Here’s How to Tell the Difference

Sniffling and sneezing often come with spring. NewYork-Presbyterian experts explain how to know what’s causing your symptoms.

This spring brings some welcome changes: warmer weather and a semblance of normalcy as mask mandates lift and more people travel and gather. But with restrictions loosening and pollen counts rising, more people are also coming down with coughs, sore throats, stuffy noses, and itchy eyes. At this stage in the pandemic, it’s trickier than ever to know if your symptoms are caused by allergies, COVID-19, the common cold, or the flu.

Here, experts from NewYork-Presbyterian offer insights into each condition, key symptoms that can help you tell the difference between them, and advice on how to treat them.

What to Know: After a steep decline in COVID-19 cases following the Omicron surge in the winter, cases are rising again in the majority of states. This latest uptick is fueled by the Omicron subvariant BA.2, as the virus continues to circulate in New York and throughout the country.

Key Symptoms: Typical symptoms of COVID-19 include headache, sore throat, fever, congestion and runny nose, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, severe fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and a loss of taste and smell, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Dr. Judy Tung, section chief of Adult Internal Medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, says that Omicron presents with similar symptoms as the previous variants, though more people experience upper respiratory symptoms (sore throat and congestion) as opposed to lower respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath), and fewer people seem to lose their senses of taste and smell.

How to Treat It: If you have a mild case, it is important to rest and stay well hydrated, says Dr. Tung. Fever, vomiting, and diarrhea can lead to significant dehydration, which can make you feel worse. Take an over-the-counter fever reducer, such as acetaminophen, every six to eight hours to keep your temperature under 100 degrees. Breathing in the steam during a hot shower can help ease a sore throat and congestion. However, ensure that you are well hydrated and not running a high fever before you do this, advises Dr. Tung. Over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications can help, especially if stools are watery and episodes exceed eight to 10 a day. Always consult your physician to tailor your treatment plan.

If you have a more severe case of COVID-19, or are at risk for disease progression, ask your doctor about whether antiviral pills, intravenous antiviral drugs, and antibody treatments might be helpful options for you.

What to Know: As the spring weather changes and trees begin to spread their pollen, you may wonder whether your respiratory symptoms are caused by allergies. Allergies are due to an overreaction of the immune system that causes the body to defend itself against things like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander.

Key Symptoms: The most common symptoms for seasonal allergies are runny nose; sneezing; nasal congestion; watery or itchy eyes; itchy nose, mouth, or throat; fatigue; and sometimes swelling or puffiness around the nose and eyes, says Dr. David Gudis, an assistant attending otolaryngologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Allergies can persist for weeks while pollen counts are high.

Fevers and persistent coughing are uncommon symptoms for routine allergies. If it does trigger a cough, it is usually a dry one. Furthermore, nasal discharge is typically clear and watery when caused by allergies, but thicker or discolored if it’s in response to a virus, says Dr. Gudis.

How to Treat It: If your allergy is due to pollen, being inside may be helpful. If you use an inhaler to treat your allergies, it should be used when needed, whether you are at home or outside. Over-the-counter medications, such as oral antihistamines or nasal steroid sprays, can be used for temporary symptom relief, but ask a doctor about potential side effects if used for extended periods of time

What to Know: People are accustomed to dealing with runny noses and scratchy throats in the fall and winter, but people can also get the common cold in warm weather, says Dr. Tung. As with COVID-19, viruses that cause a cold can transfer through the air, and through physical contact.

Key Symptoms: The usual symptoms that come with the common cold are sore throat, congestion, runny nose, fever, and body aches. Sinus infections can be associated with the loss of smell and taste, but regular colds typically don’t affect those senses to the degree that can be seen in COVID-19.

How to Treat It: Drink fluids and get plenty of rest, says Dr. Tung. Over-the-counter pain relievers may make you feel better temporarily. When possible, open windows to ensure that shared space is well ventilated to avoid getting other members of the household sick.

What to Know: The flu, like a cold and COVID-19, is a viral infection. Due in part to COVID-19 mitigation efforts, flu activity has been relatively low the last few years. The flu usually peaks between December and February, but it can continue into the spring. In fact, for the 2021-22 flu season, the CDC noted an uptick in March after seeing declining cases from mid-December through January.

Key Symptoms: Even though the flu and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses, says Dr. Ting Ting Wong, an attending physician and infectious disease specialist at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, they share a number of common symptoms: fever, fatigue, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to get tested, diagnose your illness, and begin treatment as soon as possible.

How to Treat It: The gold standard for treating the flu is an antiviral drug that your doctor might prescribe; it helps to lessen the severity of symptoms and shorten duration of the illness. But the best way to protect yourself is to get a flu shot every year before flu season begins, and as with all illnesses, to take care of your immune system by eating a healthy, balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.

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Is it a cold or allergies?

A runny, yet stuffy nose. An annoying cough. A scratchy throat. Something’s settling in, but at this time of year, is it a cold or seasonal allergies?

Since both the common cold virus and allergies can linger year-round, flare up more regularly during certain times of the year and share similar symptoms, it can be hard to know exactly what’s happening when the sniffling starts.

Some estimates show that people in the U.S. suffer from 1 billion colds each year. And when it comes to allergies, as many as 30% of adults and 40% of children have them.

So, how can you tell the difference between cold symptoms and seasonal allergy symptoms? Here’s what you need to know.

Allergies vs. colds: A side-by-side look at the common signs

While seasonal allergies and colds share some of the same symptoms, how your symptoms feel and how common they are can be unique. Here’s a side-by-side chart comparing allergy and cold symptoms that gives an overview of the similarities and differences.

SymptomsAllergiesCold
FeverNeverTemperature of at least 100°F
SneezingCommonCommon
Runny or stuffy noseCommonCommon
Itchy, watery eyesCommonRare
Itchy earsCommonNever
HeadacheCommonCommon
CoughDry (typically)Hacking
Circles under eyesTypicalNever
Muscle pain or body achesRareCommon
Sore throatRareCommon
TirednessCommonCommon

How you can tell the difference between cold and seasonal allergy symptoms

With both allergies and colds, it’s typical to have congestion or a runny nose, and to sneeze often. You may also feel tired and drowsy. But there are several other symptoms that don’t often overlap between allergies and a cold. Here are some of the telltale differences between cold symptoms and allergy symptoms.

If you have allergies, your symptoms will flare up at certain times throughout the year when the allergens you’re sensitive to are present. For example, if you have a tree pollen allergy, your symptoms will first appear in the early spring.

This also means that your symptoms can last for several weeks until that particular allergy season has ended. To put that into perspective, colds usually only last about a week.

Cold viruses are present all year, so you can catch one at any time. However, the winter cold season is when getting sick is more likely.

2. Allergies do not cause fevers

People often wonder if allergies can cause a fever. The answer is no. Allergies cannot cause a fever, though you could have an allergy flare-up at the same time you’re experiencing a fever from an infection. For example, since allergies tend to cause stuffy noses, they’re also considered risk factors for sinus infections. Sinus infections happen when mucus gets trapped in the sinuses, allowing bacteria or viruses to grow.

With a cold, your temperature can run warmer, but typically it will be less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

While coughing is often a symptom of both allergies and colds, the type of cough for each is different. A cold cough is wet and hacking, and typically produces mucus or phlegm that gets progressively thicker, often taking on a green or yellow tinge.

Allergies can cause a cough that feels like you have a tickle in your throat. That’s because allergens often irritate the lining of your nose, which triggers your nasal passages to create a watery mucus. This can drip out of your nose and down the back of your throat, creating that tickling sensation. This is referred to as post-nasal drip.

Allergies have a significant itch factor. If you’re experiencing itchy eyes, ears, nose or throat, it’s almost certainly allergies. That’s because the same allergens that can cause other symptoms, like sneezing and coughing, can also affect the lining of your eyes. This can lead to dry eyes, triggering redness, itching and burning.

The only ache you may feel with allergies is a headache from all that congestion. Allergies can cause a sore throat if there’s enough irritation from post-nasal drip and coughing, but if you’re experiencing a sore throat or mild body aches, they’re more likely a sign of a bad cold.

Can allergies cause chills? No. If you have chills, it’s more likely you have a cold, the flu or another infection (depending on your other symptoms).

The common cold, seasonal allergies and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 all affect your respiratory system, which means they have several symptoms in common. Some of those shared symptoms include:

  • Runny or stuffy nose (congestion)
  • Cough
  • Scratchy or sore throat
  • Headache
  • Tiredness

Coughs caused by allergies, RSV or COVID-19 are usually dry, but COVID-19 may cause persistent coughing that can leave you short of breath.

For a closer look at how to tell the difference between other types of conditions, check out these other helpful resources:

  • COVID-19 symptoms vs. flu symptoms
  • Cold symptoms vs. flu symptoms
  • Flu symptoms in kids
  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
  • Sinus infections vs. colds
  • Allergy vs. asthma in children
  • Allergy symptoms vs. COVID-19 symptoms

When you start feeling icky, some simple home remedies can provide temporary relief. For starters, try to get more rest. Both allergies and colds can cause tiredness, so listen to your body and take it easy.

Also, take advantage of saltwater to soothe irritated nasal passages and scratchy or sore throats.

For your nose, use a neti pot. A neti pot can be picked up at any local drugstore or online, and typically comes with packets to mix with warm, distilled water to create a saltwater solution to pour through your nasal passages.

For your throat, simply mix a quarter or half teaspoon of table salt into an 8-ounce glass of warm water. Take a sip and gargle for a few seconds like you would with mouthwash. Then spit and repeat until the solution is gone. You can do this a couple times a day.

Use over-the-counter medications to help relieve and manage symptoms

Cold medications

If you think you have a cold, and you’re experiencing a slight fever, headache or muscle aches, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) – as long as you’re not allergic to these medications. These medicines can help lower your temperature and provide some pain relief.

If your child is the one with cold symptoms, make sure you’ve spoken to their doctor about which medications are safe to administer, and follow pain reliever dosing instructions very carefully.

Warning: Do not give aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) to children or teenagers who have the flu, as it comes with a small risk of causing the potentially fatal Reye’s Syndrome.

Seasonal allergy medications

How do you find relief from seasonal allergies? Taking an oral antihistamine can be your first step.

Benadryl is a popular option, but it may cause drowsiness. (And for kids under age 6, it can sometimes cause hyperactivity.) But newer medications like Claritin, Allegra, Xyzal and Zyrtec – and lower-cost generic versions – have reduced this side effect.

There are also antihistamines available in the form of eye drops to help those itchy, watery eyes. One option is called Zatidor (ketotifen).

Can antihistamines work for cold symptoms, too? Technically, yes. Antihistamines help relieve congestion symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose, sneezing and itchy, teary eyes. So if you’re experiencing any of those symptoms during a cold, an antihistamine can help.

Medications to help with colds and allergies

Whether you’re experiencing cold or allergy symptoms, there are a couple treatments you can find at your local drug store:

  • Nasal spray (like Flonase and Nasacort) to bring down inflammation in your nose and sinuses.
  • Decongestants (like Sudafed) can relieve congestion when allergies are at their worst. But they can have other side effects, so they should only be used short-term when allergies are severe. Do not take if you have certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure or a heart condition.

Talk with a doctor or clinician to create a personalized treatment plan

If you aren’t sure if it’s a cold or allergies, or if your symptoms are severe or long-lasting, it’s best to connect with a care provider to get an official diagnosis and treatment plan.

If your allergy symptoms are left untreated, you could become more prone to getting sinus infections or other upper respiratory infections, or they may lead to poor asthma control.

Also, a common cold can turn severe. So if your cold has had you laid up longer than a day or two, get in touch with your doctor. You have a couple options:

  • Make a primary care appointment – Meet with your primary care doctor or a clinician who can diagnose and treat hundreds of conditions. They can also connect you with an allergist or an otolaryngologist (an ear, nose and throat doctor) if needed.
  • Start a Virtuwell visit – Don’t want to wait for an appointment? Virtuwell offers care for more than 60 common conditions 24/7. Just answer a few questions, and you’ll get your diagnosis and treatment plan from a board-certified nurse practitioner for $59 or less, depending on your insurance.

Sore throat and runny nose: causes, symptoms and treatment

Content

  • 1 Sore throat and runny nose: causes and effective treatments
    • 1.1 Sore throat and runny nose: causes, symptoms and treatment
      • 1.1.1 Causes sore throat and runny nose
    • 1.2 Symptoms of a scratchy throat and runny nose
    • 1.3 Treatment of a scratchy throat and runny nose at home
      • 1.3.1 Sore throat:
      • 1.3.2 Runny nose: 9 0010
    • 1.4 What to take for a runny nose and sore throat
    • 1.5 Prevention of a runny nose and sore throat
      • 1. 5.1 1. Practice good hand hygiene
      • 1.5.2 2. Drink more liquids
      • 1.5.3 3. Avoid contact with patients
      • 1.5.4 4. Ventilate the room and humidify the air
    • 1.6 Viral rhinitis: symptoms and treatment
    • 1.7 Allergic rhinitis: causes, symptoms and treatment
    • 1.8 Influenza: how to find out the symptoms, treatment and causes
      • 1.8.1 Causes of influenza
      • 1.8.2 Symptoms of influenza
      • 1.8.3 Treatment of influenza
      • 1.8.4 Prevention of influenza
    • treatment
      • 1.9.1 Causes
      • 1.9. 2 Symptoms
      • 1.9.3 Treatment
    • 1.10 Streptococcal disease: causes, symptoms and treatment
    • 1.11 How to recognize a runny nose and sore throat in children:
    • 1.12 Related videos: 9001 0
    • 1.13 Q&A:
        • 1.13.0.1 What are the causes of a sore throat and runny nose?
        • 1.13.0.2 What symptoms accompany a sore throat and runny nose?
        • 1. 13.0.3 How to treat sore throat and runny nose?
        • 1.13.0.4 Could a sore throat and runny nose be a sign of a more serious health problem?
        • 1.13.0.5 Can a sore throat and runny nose be caused by stress or lack of sleep?
        • 1.13.0.6 What can be done to prevent a sore throat and runny nose?

An article about the causes and methods of treatment of sore throat and runny nose. Find out how to get rid of unpleasant symptoms and boost your immunity.

A person may experience various symptoms when they have a cold or the flu. One of the most common symptoms is a sore throat, which may be accompanied by a runny nose. These symptoms can greatly affect the quality of life and limit our productivity. But what causes these unpleasant sensations?

A scratchy throat can be caused by many factors, including viruses, bacteria, allergens, and environmental irritants. When our airways come into contact with these irritants, it can cause a scratchy throat and runny nose. Headache, cough, and other symptoms of SARS and flu may also occur.

Fortunately, there are many treatments for a sore throat and runny nose. These may include taking medications, using folk remedies, and changing lifestyles. It is important to remember that each person is unique and what works for one may not necessarily work for another. It is best to consult with a specialist and find the appropriate treatment and prevention to prevent or reduce a sore throat and runny nose.

Sore throat and runny nose: causes, symptoms and treatment

Causes of sore throat and runny nose

Sore throat and runny nose can be caused by many factors. One of the most common causes is upper respiratory infections, which can be caused by both viruses and bacteria. Acute respiratory viral infections often lead to a sore throat and runny nose.

It should also be noted that a sore throat and runny nose can be symptoms of more serious conditions such as asthma or reactive airway changes.

  • Upper respiratory infections (viruses, bacteria)
  • Allergies
  • Contact with irritants (smoke, dust)
  • Weather changes
  • Dry indoor air

CausesSymptoms

Upper respiratory infections Sore throat, runny nose, cough, chest pain
Allergies Runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, red and irritated eyes
Contact with irritants Sore throat, cough, eye irritation runny nose

Sore throat

  1. If a lump is felt, the person may experience discomfort and a desire to constantly cough;
  2. Tickling is often accompanied by pain in the abdomen or chest;
  3. Increased dryness in the throat, redness, sometimes swelling of the facial tissues
  4. A scratchy throat can be caused by a disease associated with the walls of the throat, such as pharyngitis. Another reason may be an allergy to certain foods or external factors.

Runny nose

  • A person with a runny nose may experience nasal congestion, inability to breathe through the nose, sneezing, and mucus buildup in the sinus area;
  • Nasal discharge may be clear, yellow or green depending on the cause of the runny nose;
  • Hypersensitivity to odors and respiratory irritation.

If you experience one or more of the symptoms of a sore throat and/or runny nose, you should immediately contact a general practitioner or otolaryngologist for examination and much-needed treatment.

Treatment of sore throat and runny nose at home

Sore throat:

A sore throat can be caused by a variety of things, from a cold to an allergic reaction. If it is not a serious condition, then you can try treating it at home. One effective method is a hot drink, which helps reduce itching and soothe the throat.

  • Hot tea with honey and lemon helps reduce inflammation in the throat and improve general condition.
  • Hot milk with honey softens the throat and improves the quality of sleep.
  • Warm tomato juice is good for a healthy throat and kick-starts our immune processes to help eliminate infection.

Smoking should also be avoided as it worsens the health of the throat. If a sore throat is accompanied by a painful condition, fever or abdominal pain, then you should consult a doctor.

Runny nose:

Runny nose usually causes discomfort, difficulty in breathing and is often accompanied by a constant desire to blow out the nose. Home treatments can help improve the condition and reduce discomfort:

  • Using a saline nasal rinse helps clear debris from the nasal passages and reduce swelling.
  • Wearing a moist, warm nose warmer, warmer pad, or mustard patch on the chest helps improve circulation to the nose and cures a runny nose.
  • Refreshing masks labeled “urgent renewal” or “refresh” can be used to perfectly refresh the nasal mucosa and help ease breathing.

If symptoms worsen, such as difficulty breathing, runny nose and headache, seek medical attention as it could be a sign of a serious illness.

What to take for a runny nose and sore throat

A cold or flu often causes unpleasant symptoms such as a runny nose and sore throat. To alleviate the condition and speed up recovery, it is recommended to take various drugs.

To combat the common cold, you can use vasoconstrictor drops or sprays that reduce swelling of the mucous membrane. It is also helpful to take medicines containing vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and helps fight infection.

Special products such as sprays and drops containing sea water or herbal extracts can be used to moisten the throat and nose. Their action is aimed at reducing dryness and irritation in the throat and nose.

It is important to remember that self-medication can lead to complications and worsen the condition. If you have severe symptoms, you should seek medical attention and follow the doctor’s recommendations.

Prevention of runny nose and sore throat

1. Practice good hand hygiene

Good hand hygiene is very important to avoid infection and to protect against a runny nose and sore throat. You touch surfaces many times a day that can be contaminated with viruses and bacteria, so wash your hands before eating, after using public transport and public places, and after returning home.

2. Drink plenty of fluids

Keeping your nose and throat moist is important to prevent a runny nose and a scratchy throat. One way to do this is to drink more fluids. During the day, our mucous membranes lose moisture, so drink enough water, warm teas or juices to reduce the risk of a viral infection.

3. Avoid contact with sick people

Viruses and bacteria are transmitted through coughs and sneezes. If a family member or co-worker has symptoms of a runny nose and sore throat, try to avoid close contact, use a face mask, and disinfect shared surfaces such as doorknobs, keyboards, etc.

4. Ventilate the room and humidify the air

Viruses and bacteria can also live in the room, so do not forget to ventilate the room regularly. During heating, the air in the room is dry, and this can cause a runny nose and sore throat. Use a humidifier or just leave a bowl of water open to help make the air more humid.

Viral rhinitis: symptoms and treatment

Viral rhinitis is a disease caused by viruses and is accompanied by runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat and cough. This type of runny nose often occurs as a result of contact with sick people, as well as hypothermia or a weakened immune system.

Treatment of viral rhinitis mainly consists in relieving symptoms and strengthening immunity. To do this, you can use various drugs: nasal drops, antihistamines, antiviral drugs, antitussives, etc. It is also recommended to perform procedures to moisturize and cleanse the nasal passages.

However, it is important to remember that a viral rhinitis can accompany other diseases, such as influenza or SARS, which requires additional diagnosis and treatment in general.

Allergic rhinitis: causes, symptoms and treatment

Allergic rhinitis is the body’s reaction to allergens such as pollen, dust, lint and other impurities in the air. It is manifested by excessive secretion of mucus in the nose and frequent sniffing.

Cause of allergic rhinitis may be genetic factors, hypersensitivity to allergens, damage to the nasal mucosa, respiratory tract infections, etc.

Allergic rhinitis symptoms include a runny nose, itching and sneezing, nasal congestion and tears in the eyes, as well as deterioration in general health .

Treatment of allergic rhinitis may include the use of antihistamines, hormonal nasal drops, flush tree, and other methods. It is important to prevent contact with allergens and establish a lifestyle that promotes immunity and a healthy lifestyle.

Flu symptoms, treatment and causes

Flu causes

Flu is an illness caused by viruses. The main culprit is the influenza virus, which can mutate and produce new strains. It is resistant to the environment and is transmitted from person to person by airborne droplets. The flu can lead to serious complications and even death in some cases.

Flu symptoms

A person who has the flu may develop symptoms within 1 to 4 days. These may include headache, sore throat, cough, weakness, loss of appetite, runny nose, and body aches. Some people may develop a high fever and even diarrhea.

Influenza treatment

Influenza treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms and preventing complications. The doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs, which can help shorten the duration of the illness. Drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and taking an antipyretic such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help reduce symptoms.

Flu Prevention

Preventive measures include getting vaccinated, washing your hands regularly, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza infection. You can also avoid getting the flu by avoiding close contact with sick people, avoiding touching your face with your hands and liquids, and washing your hands often.

Angina: causes, symptoms and treatment

Causes

Angina occurs when exposed to a variety of pathogenic microorganisms, but most often it is caused by streptococcus (streptococcus). This is a bacterium that enters the body through the oral cavity and disrupts weak immunity.

Angina can also appear due to hypothermia, poor ecology, stress, malnutrition and disturbance of the internal microflora.

Symptoms

The main symptom of angina is severe sore throat when swallowing, often accompanied by redness or swelling of the pharynx, tongue and other parts of the oral cavity. There is an increase in body temperature up to 38-39degrees, weakness, headache, malaise, fatigue.

In some cases, a rash on the skin, soreness of the lymph nodes, swelling of the tonsils may occur.

Treatment

Treatment of angina is recommended to start as early as possible. It includes taking antibiotics and non-narcotic pain and antipyretic drugs, gargling with antiseptics, applying copious heat to the throat, for example, using compresses.

It is important to keep calm and drink properly. You should definitely listen to the advice of your doctor, who will diagnose and prescribe treatment depending on the form and severity of the disease.

Streptococcal disease: causes, symptoms and treatment

Streptococcal disease is caused by group A streptococci bacteria that are spread through coughing, sneezing and contact with infected objects. The disease can manifest itself in the form of tonsillitis, pharyngitis, scarlet fever, pneumonia, sepsis and other conditions.

Symptoms of streptococcal disease may include initial onset of sore throat, pain when swallowing, runny nose, cough, headache, fever, nausea, and other symptoms. In the case of scarlet fever, the skin becomes rash and the tongue may become red and swollen.

Treatment for streptococcal disease may include antibiotics, pain and fever medications, and topical sore throat medications. It is important not to skip medications and follow all the doctor’s recommendations to avoid complications and transmission of the infection to other people.

  • To prevent streptococcal disease, it is recommended that you wash your hands, do not share personal items (eg, towels, toothbrushes), and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • If symptoms of streptococcal disease appear, a doctor should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment.

How to recognize a runny nose and sore throat in children:

Children often encounter problems with a runny nose and sore throat. These two symptoms can cause a lot of discomfort, not only in children but also in adults.

Sore throat may also be an important indicator. This can happen due to various reasons, such as an infection or an allergy to dust. Complaints of sore throat may indicate a sore throat.

To recognize these symptoms in a child, it makes sense to pay attention to his behavior. If he coughs or winces from a sore throat, this may indicate a problem. If his nose is constantly stuffy, it is worth seeing a doctor to make sure that the problem has not become more serious. In any case, contacting a medical specialist is a reasonable step if you suspect a runny nose or sore throat.

  • Conclusion: Knowing the symptoms of runny nose and sore throat in children is important for early detection and treatment of the problem. Look for signs of nasal congestion, copious mucus in the nose, itchy nose, and sore throat. If you suspect these symptoms, see your doctor.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What could be the causes of a sore throat and runny nose?

Sore throat and runny nose can be caused by various factors such as viruses, bacteria, allergens, cold air, gas, dry indoor air and other factors.

What are the symptoms associated with a sore throat and runny nose?

Symptoms of a scratchy throat may include pain or irritation in the throat, feeling of a lump in the throat, difficulty swallowing, coughing, and fever. Symptoms of a runny nose may include sneezing, nasal congestion, nasal discharge, and itchy nose.

How to treat sore throat and runny nose?

Treatment for sore throat and runny nose depends on the cause. If the scratchy throat is caused by a viral infection, then you need to stay hydrated, rest, and take medication to relieve pain and fever. If the cause of a runny nose is an allergy, then you need to avoid contact with allergens, take antihistamines and rinse your nose with special solutions.

Could a sore throat and runny nose be a sign of a more serious health problem?

Yes, a sore throat and runny nose can be associated with more serious health problems such as sinusitis, bronchitis or even pneumonia. If symptoms persist, it is best to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Can a sore throat and runny nose be caused by stress or lack of sleep?

Yes, stress can affect the body’s immune system and cause a sore throat and runny nose. Lack of sleep can also weaken the immune system and make the body more vulnerable to viruses and bacteria.

What can be done to prevent a sore throat and runny nose?

Prevent a sore throat and runny nose by practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding contact with infected people, using paper collars when visiting public places, ventilating the room regularly, and avoiding contact with allergens.

Runny nose, cough, sore throat: causes, treatment and prevention

  1. Home
  2. Services
  3. Therapist

Many people do not consider such symptoms of viral diseases as cough, runny nose, perspiration and sore throat as a serious reason to see a doctor. They independently diagnose and prescribe treatment. However, such therapy often aggravates the situation – from the acute form, the viral infection rapidly flows into the chronic stage. After all, antibiotic treatment for some types of acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections is completely contraindicated!

Do not ignore the symptoms of acute colds, trying to improve the condition by self-medication! This is fraught with serious complications for the body! Right now, if you have a cough, runny nose and sore throat, make an appointment with a therapist. In Kaliningrad, you can do this in the Edcar network of clinics – let a good specialist diagnose you and prescribe effective therapy. Otherwise, a mild cold can easily develop into bronchitis, pneumonia, a chronic form of laryngitis or tonsillitis.


Causes of the “cold”, symptoms, complications

ARVI and acute respiratory infections are the most common diseases that affect both adults and children, especially in winter and spring. Most often, they are transmitted by airborne droplets. However, in the “people” they are called colds, which is not quite the right name. The occurrence of symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose and cough is not always associated with hypothermia. More often, the virus penetrates through the mucous membranes from one person to another, and the peak of its activity occurs in the cold season. ARVI is a viral infection that affects every adult one to three times a year, and even more often children.

Symptoms of acute colds are:

  • runny nose with copious mucus;
  • unpleasant itching and sore throat;
  • dry or wet cough;
  • headache;
  • general weakness;
  • increased body temperature;
  • loss of appetite.

Influenza is considered the most common viral infection. It is characterized by all of the above symptoms, with the exception of a runny nose, which may not be. However, in addition there is a strong ache in the body. The temperature rises suddenly, sharply, up to 40 degrees. The patient feels severe weakness, lethargy. Influenza is dangerous with complications that usually develop in the absence of drug treatment or improperly selected therapy. Complications of influenza are pneumonia, inflammatory processes in the nasal appendages, various types of otitis, meningitis. The flu is very dangerous for people whose immunity is reduced. These are the elderly and children, patients with diabetes and HIV-infected.

ARVI is characterized by chills, fever up to 39 degrees, broken state of the body. The cough is usually dry at first. Then the mucus starts to come out. It keeps for 2-3 weeks. Even longer cough can disturb in the absence of proper treatment of the disease. Complications are – sinusitis, sinusitis, pneumonia. In general, complications in SARS occur in advanced cases – when a person self-medicates or is not treated at all. Competent therapy eliminates the risk of their development, does not require much time.

When complications begin to develop, the body signals a sudden deterioration in well-being and a repeated increase in body temperature. It is dangerous if an untreated acute respiratory disease makes itself felt:

  • shortness of breath;
  • bloody sputum on coughing;
  • unbearable pain in the chest area;
  • skin rash;
  • eye sensitivity to light;
  • confusion.

It is difficult not to notice the development of complications in acute respiratory diseases. However, eliminating the consequences of lack of treatment or illiterate therapy is much more difficult and longer in time than preventing them. A timely appeal to a therapist with a cough, runny nose, sore throat, will not allow the disease to adversely affect health in general. But it will save you from many problems in the future.


Diagnosis and treatment

It is not difficult for a general practitioner to make a diagnosis for acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections or influenza. The clinical picture is usually clear and understandable. The therapist in Kaliningrad listens to the patient’s complaints, listens to his chest, prescribes the delivery of laboratory tests of urine and blood. With the development of complications, the patient is sent for x-rays of the upper respiratory tract, paranasal sinuses. In some cases, a bacteriological analysis of sputum is required. These studies make it possible to exclude the risk of developing serious pathologies of the ENT organs, and if they are present, to adjust the treatment.

In the treatment of SARS, influenza, our therapist recommends:

  • stay at home, and preferably bed rest, at least for the first few days;
  • drink a lot of liquid at room temperature – water, fruit drinks, compotes, juices, but not coffee or tea;
  • of antipyretics, it is recommended to take only paracetamol or products based on it;
  • drink vitamins.

Medicines for influenza should only be prescribed by a doctor to relieve symptoms of influenza and improve the condition. Antibiotics are not prescribed for uncomplicated forms of acute respiratory infections, since they do not have a detrimental effect on the virus.


Prevention

To protect yourself from a viral infection, it is enough to follow a few simple rules:

  • during the cold season, when the peak of the spread of the virus is observed, it is necessary to avoid public places where a lot of people accumulate;
  • after walking, visiting public places, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water several times in the middle of the day;
  • diversify the diet with foods rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals;
  • take vitamin complexes in winter and spring;
  • with weak immunity, drink immunomodulating agents – tinctures of Eleutherococcus, ginseng, propolis;
  • spend a lot of time outdoors;
  • ventilate the room as often as possible;
  • exercise moderate physical activity – walking, morning exercises, light running, swimming;
  • temper and strengthen the body, before the onset of the disease.

Vaccination is an effective preventive measure for influenza. However, you need to be vaccinated in advance, and not during an epidemic. Vaccination is especially recommended for people with reduced immunity, school-age children, the elderly, those who, due to their professional activities, are constantly among a large crowd of people. It is very important to be vaccinated for those who suffer from chronic diseases of the ENT organs, cardiovascular pathologies, diabetes mellitus, and kidney diseases. This will help to avoid dangerous complications after the flu in the season of exacerbation!

If you feel the onset of an acute respiratory illness – sore throat, runny nose, cough, body aches and weakness, you should contact a general practitioner as soon as possible. Do not let the disease take its course, without attaching importance to it! For a certain group of people, even a common cold can cause serious complications. We will be glad to see you at Edcar at any time convenient for you.

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