What to do about a runny nose and watery eyes? Many people who experience colds face this frustration: once they catch a cold, they suffer from a runny nose and watery eyes. However, self-medicating with over-the-counter cold remedies often fails to provide effective relief, which is quite troublesome for those suffering from colds.In reality, understanding the type of cold is key to selecting appropriate medication. Of course, besides colds, rhinitis can also cause a runny nose and watery eyes. Therefore, when experiencing these symptoms, it's best not to self-medicate blindly. Consulting a doctor and choosing medication based on the diagnosis is the most effective way to achieve recovery.
Runny nose and watery eyes are most commonly caused by wind-cold colds. Wind-cold colds develop rapidly, presenting with fever, chills (sometimes severe), no sweating, nasal congestion, clear nasal discharge, coughing, thin white phlegm, headache, body aches, loss of appetite, normal bowel movements and urination, and a thin white tongue coating.Wind-heat colds primarily manifest as high fever with minimal chills, nasal congestion with thick, cloudy discharge, heavy coughing, or yellow, viscous phlegm. Symptoms also include headache, thirst with a preference for drinks, redness, dryness, and itching in the throat, constipation, and dark urine. Examination may reveal swollen tonsils, pharyngeal congestion, a thin yellow or thick yellow coating on the tongue, a red tongue body, and a floating, rapid pulse.
What to do about runny nose and watery eyes?
1. For wind-cold colds, inducing sweating is key. Drink warm tea (not too strong) or ginger soup.
2. Eat lotus root starch, milk, congee, rice soup, fresh vegetables, and fruits.
3. Maintain a light diet during colds.
4. Ensure fresh indoor air and adequate ventilation.
Of course, for unpredictable seasonal weather, beyond knowing how to manage a runny nose and watery eyes and choosing treatments, preventing colds in daily life is equally crucial. A well-balanced diet and moderate exercise can be highly effective preventive measures.