Dear doctor;

I rarely get common colds but for almost two weeks now, I have been dripping. I thought it would naturally go with a few dosage of septrin tabs from over the counter but it hasn’t. Should I be worried? Sharon, Nyarutarama.

Dear Sharon,

It the most common cause for common cold is allergic rhinitis, which occurs due to allergy to some substance present in the atmosphere or consumed or applied over the body. At times, the septum in middle of nose may be deviated causing recurrent cold. However, since you have symptoms only for two weeks, it could be due to other causes of inflammation of the nose. Exposure to smoke or fumes, eating very hot, spicy food, sexual arousal, these can also cause cold. Viral infections commonly cause cold which persists for a week or so and then subside spontaneously. It can be caused even by physical or mental stress.

There is nothing to worry if symptoms are mild. However, if the cold is troublesome and associated with headaches, redness of eyes and nose, one can take anti allergy medicines for relief. Inhaling steam is also useful.