How Runny Noses and Colds Are Related?

Common cold is typically a form of viral infection which occurs within the nose and throat, that is, in the upper respiratory tract. Common colds generally involve a runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion. Other symptoms include coughing, headaches, sore throats etc.. Runny noses are a completely normal part of the usual symptoms of a common cold, and they get better with time and eventually stop as the condition of the cold improves. When the viruses which cause common cold first infect a person, and the germs get inside the sinuses and the nose, the nose creates clear mucus, which helps to wash away these germs. After a few days, the immune system of the body starts to fight back and eventually changes the mucus to a transparent or lighter color. If the mucus changes to a greenish color, there is no need for concern as this is completely normal and requires no antibiotics. It is just the bacteria in the mucus that does this. A runny nose can result from inflammation, infection, foreign body, and other abnormal processes. It can appear for a short period of time and heal quickly OR it could be chronic in nature and persist over a longer time period, such as in the case of a common cold.