A runny nose can cause a persistent cough as mucus drains from the sinuses and adheres to the back of the throat, leading to irritation and discomfort. Drinking water, gargling with salt water, and avoiding dairy products can help alleviate symptoms. Allergies, colds, and irritants can also cause a runny nose and cough, and antihistamines and decongestants may provide relief.
A runny nose and cough can irritate the throat, disturb sleep, and generally make the sufferer feel miserable. Frequently, a runny nose is the cause of a persistent cough as mucus drains from the sinuses and adheres to the back of the throat. The cough reflex is the body’s attempt to clear this mucus, but more often it just serves to further irritate the throat.
Mucus is produced by the sinuses to help regulate humidity in the air and to trap particles such as dust, preventing them from entering the lungs. Normally, relatively small amounts of mucus are produced that go unnoticed. When the sinuses become irritated enough, however, they will overproduce, and the excess can lead to a runny nose.
When the sinuses overlap, excess mucus drains from the sinuses, flowing out of the nostrils or down the back of the throat. Mucus that adheres to the back of the throat will cause irritation and discomfort. A sore or scratchy throat is often responsible for coughing. Coughing can cause further irritation and discomfort, potentially leading to infection.
Irritants in the air such as allergens, dust or smoke can increase the production of mucus in the sinuses. Colds, flu, and even spicy foods can produce similar results. Pregnancy and changes in hormone levels can also cause a runny nose and cough.
Combating these issues will largely depend on the source of the irritation, but some treatments work well regardless of the source. Drinking plenty of water replenishes fluid lost in sinus secretions while helping flush the throat by clearing it of mucus. Gargling with salt water is also effective at clearing mucus and helps fight infection. Cough drops or hard candy will help coat the throat and protect it from further irritation.
Dairy products should be avoided by people suffering from runny nose and cough. The milk will thicken the mucus. Thicker mucus will not drain easily, increasing sinus pain and pressure and making it significantly more difficult to clear from the throat.
If an allergic reaction is causing your runny nose and cough, an over-the-counter antihistamine will help relieve symptoms. Decongestants might also be helpful in reducing swelling in the sinuses, and of course, avoiding the irritants responsible should provide immediate relief. As sinus swelling and drainage decreases, post nasal drip slows and stops, also relieving coughing.
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