Runny Nose? It Might Be Senile Rhinitis, Not a Cold
1A persistent runny nose in older age may be senile rhinitis, not a simple cold.
2Declining nasal mucosa function and sensitive nerves cause sudden mucus flow.
3Symptoms fluctuate, so identifying and managing triggers is highly important.
📖 Easy Explanation
🔍 Background
Many seniors suffer from a non-stop runny nose during meals or when temperature differences are high. Often mistaken for a cold, it is highly likely to be 'senile rhinitis' caused by aging.
📌 Key Points
Senile rhinitis is a natural phenomenon caused by aging nasal mucosa. The movement of 'cilia', which clean debris in the nose, slows down, causing mucus to pool and suddenly pour out or drip down the throat. Also, sensitive nerves can trigger sudden runny noses when eating hot or spicy food.
💡 Why It Matters
A constant runny nose can make outings or meals uncomfortable, significantly lowering the quality of life. If cold medicine doesn't help, it's best to visit a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
🔮 What's Next
Since symptoms fluctuate between good and bad days, identifying personal triggers like cold wind or specific foods will greatly help in managing the condition.
📚 Glossary
노인성 비염 (Noinseong biyeom)Senile rhinitis; a condition where aging nasal mucosa loses function, causing a persistent runny nose.
후비루 (Hubiru)Postnasal drip; a symptom where mucus secreted from the nose or mucosa drips down the back of the throat instead of flowing out.
섬모 (Seommo)Cilia; hair-like microscopic structures on the surface of the nasal mucosa that push mucus and debris outward.