Stuffy Nose and Runny Nose from COVID-19: Causes and Relief Options

COVID-19 Congestion and Runny Nose: Causes and Solutions

Nasal congestion and runny nose have emerged as ubiquitous symptoms in the era of the Omicron variant. Even for mild or moderate cases, a stuffed up or drippy nose can prove irritating and uncomfortable during COVID-19 illness. What causes these nasal symptoms with COVID, and what can you safely do at home for relief?

Why COVID Causes Congestion and Runny Nose

There are a few key reasons why nasal congestion and runny nose are so common with COVID-19 infection:

• Inflammation - The virus triggers widespread inflammation, including swelling of nasal passages and increased mucus production.
• Immune response - Your body mounts an immune reaction to fight off the virus, releasing histamines and other chemicals that stuff up the nose.
• Viral replication - High viral load from rapid replication directly irritates nasal tissues.
• Virus properties - The spike protein of the Omicron variant may have a particular affinity for upper respiratory cells.

Managing Mild COVID Congestion at Home

For mild to moderate nasal congestion without breathing difficulties, there are a number of home remedies you can try for some relief without medication:

• Rest and hydrate - Drink plenty of fluids and get extra sleep to support healing.
• Humidify air - Use a humidifier or take steamy showers to ease congestion.
• Apply warm compresses - Place warm, damp washcloths over the nose and cheeks to promote drainage.
• Use saline spray - Saltwater nasal sprays keep passages moisturized.
• Try nasal strips - Adhesive strips can help open congested nasal airways.
• Utilize essential oils - Menthol, eucalyptus, and peppermint oils may help decongest.
• Adjust sleep position - Use extra pillows to sleep propped up to aid breathing and drainage.

Medications for Severe COVID Nasal Congestion

For more stubborn nasal stuffiness, congestion-clearing medications may be used cautiously for short-term symptom relief:

• Oral decongestants - Pseudophedrine or phenylephrine tablets can temporarily open nasal passages but should be avoided by those with certain medical conditions like heart disease or high blood pressure.
• Nasal decongestant sprays - Oxymetazoline or phenylephrine nasal sprays offer fast relief but should not be used for more than 3 days due to "rebound" effects.
• Antihistamines - Antihistamine pills or nasal sprays like diphenhydramine, loratadine, or azelastine can curb excessive mucus production caused by histamine release.
• Steroid nasal spray - Prescription corticosteroid nasal sprays like fluticasone or mometasone help reduce inflammation but take several days to work.

Talk to your doctor before taking any new medications, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking other drugs. Seek medical advice quickly if you experience any difficulty breathing.

Relieving a Runny Nose During COVID-19

A runny nose, or rhinorrhea, is another pesky upper respiratory symptom of COVID-19. Here are some methods to manage a drippy nose:

• Blow gently - To clear mucus, blow your nose softly into tissues one nostril at a time.
• Use saline spray - Saline rinses can thin out mucus while moisturizing nasal passages.
• Try dilute iodine - A few drops of diluted povidone-iodine in each nostril may curb virus replication and symptoms.
• Drink fluids - Staying well hydrated helps thin nasal secretions.
• Add humidity - Dry air exacerbates a runny nose, so use a humidifier or vaporizer.
• Avoid irritants - Steer clear of smoke, strong scents, and other nasal irritants.
• Take antihistamines - Reduce runny nose due to histamine release with antihistamines like diphenhydramine or cetirizine.
• Use decongestants cautiously - Oral pseudoephedrine or oxymetazoline nasal spray may help, but only for a few days.

Runny nose and congestion from COVID usually improve within 1-2 weeks. Seek medical attention if you have difficulty breathing, high fever, or your symptoms worsen or dont get better with conservative treatment.

When to Call the Doctor

While stuffy or runny nose is mostly manageable on your own, contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain or pressure
• Severe headache or facial pain
• Fever over 104F
• Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
• Symptoms lasting more than 10 days
• Wheezing or trouble sleeping due to congestion

Calling your doctor allows them to assess for complications like sinusitis, prescription decongestants, oxygen support, or other medical care as needed. Seek emergency care for breathing difficulties, oxygen levels below 92%, or other concerning symptoms.

Preventing COVID Congestion When Possible

While you cant always avoid getting COVID-19, some proactive measures may help lower your odds of severe nasal congestion or runny nose if infected:

• Get vaccinated and boosted
• Improve indoor ventilation
• Wear high quality N95 masks in public
• Practice social distancing
• Increase hand hygiene practices
• Take protective vitamins like vitamin D
• Avoid contact with sick people
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces

Preventing underlying medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity may also minimize COVID severity and nasal symptoms if you do get sick.

When Congestion May Be More Than COVID

While post-viral nasal congestion and runny nose are typical with COVID, keep an eye out for the following possible signs of another health issue:

• Symptoms lasting >2 weeks after acute infection
• Thick, recurring yellow/green nasal discharge
• Facial pain or toothache
• Recurring fever or fatigue
• Severe headaches
• Vision changes
• Swollen eyes or eyelids

See your doctor if your congestion seems unusual or severe for COVID-19. You may need to be evaluated for chronic sinusitis, allergies, nasal polyps, or another underlying respiratory condition.

When to Seek Emergency Care

While nasal issues from COVID are typically mild, call 911 or go to an emergency room if you have:

• Trouble breathing or severe shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Bluish lips, face, hands or feet
• Confusion or inability to wake up
• Severe headache or neck stiffness

Rapid breathing, wheezing, oxygen levels below 92%, respiratory failure, or symptoms of heart attack require immediate emergency care. Don't delay seeking help for any severely concerning symptoms.

The Bottom Line

Stuffy, runny nose and nasal congestion frequently accompany COVID-19 infections. While irritating, these upper respiratory symptoms are usually manageable at home with conservative remedies and OTC medications. Avoid severe nasal congestion by getting vaccinated, preventing COVID exposure, and promptly contacting your doctor if symptoms dont improve or you experience difficulty breathing. With proper self-care and monitoring, nasal issues shouldnt pose major problems for otherwise mild or moderate COVID-19 illness.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.