Have you ever noticed it, whenever you get cold automatically your eyes will become watery. This condition is really annoying and most of us wonder why this happens. Further, dive into this blog to know why you get watery eyes when you have a cold.
What is the common cold?
Before knowing why you get watery eyes, you just need to understand what causes a cold. The actual cause of the common cold is rhinoviruses, also there are more viruses like adenovirus which can also be the culprit. These viruses will affect the respiratory tract and eventually, you will face symptoms like runny nose, cough, sore throat, and watery eyes, whenever facing such issues consider visiting the General Medicine Hospital Coimbatore.
Why do individuals get watery eyes?
Your entire nasal passage will become inflamed when you are unwell. Even tear ducts will also be affected by this inflammation, which is connected to the nasal cavity. Tears can’t function properly when these ducts are blocked, automatically you will get watery eyes.
Even your immune system plays a major role, simply when your immune system finds a virus, histamines will be released to combat the infection. Your blood flow will be increased by these histamines causing inflammation, further, your nasal passage will also be swollen and increase tear production.
What causes an eye cold?
As we mentioned above, adenovirus is one of the most common causes of eye cold. Even this adenovirus can cause head and chest colds. So make frequent handwashing a habit to prevent yourself. Further, watery eyes and colds will worsen at nighttimes due to lying down, which will increase nasal congestion and pressure on the tear ducts.
We can say that, frequent colds don’t cause long-term eye damage, but persistent sinus infections can result in problems like watery eyes. Doctors usually diagnose an eye cold based on your symptoms, medical history, and an examination of your eyes. Even in certain cases, doctors will gather some of the discharge from your eyes to conduct a test.
Apart from understanding the causes, it is also crucial to know when an individual should return to work or school. Simply said, it is a contagious disease, so mostly in schools they won’t allow your kid until they get completely cured. Likewise, in your workplace, you need to maintain the same thing that is you can return to your work when you get completely cured.
What is nasal congestion and its effects?
To understand better why you get eye watering during cold, you need to understand more about your nasal passages. These passages are lined with mucous membranes that can be inflamed and produce more mucus during the cold. Due to the congestion, the tear ducts will get more pressure, preventing tears from draining into the nasal cavity and causing watery eyes.
Tears are not just about crying, they are also crucial for healthy eyes. There are three types of tears, the first one is basal which helps to maintain your eye lubricated, the second one is reflex which is responsible for irritants, and the last one is emotional which happens when you are under strong emotions.
So whenever you get cold, your body will release reflex tears in response to irritation in your nasal passage and eyes, which leads to watery eyes.
What are sinus infections and watery eyes?
A mild cold can occasionally develop into a sinus infection or sinusitis.When your sinus gets inflamed or infected, it will cause more pressure on the tear ducts, worsening the watery eyes issue. Unlike the common cold, sinusitis requires some specialized treatment, so it is better to be aware of these potential complications.
Allergy Vs cold:
Often we will be confused about whether we have a cold or allergy because both conditions cause watery eyes and runny nose. Usually, allergies are caused by dust, pollen, or pet dander, but viruses are the main triggers for colds. While allergies only cause itching in the nose and eyes, while in cold along with that you will get body pain and a sore throat. Knowing the condition helps you to choose an appropriate treatment.
How do watery eyes affect your daily life?
Watery eyes will highly disturb you when you are trying to focus at work. Your vision will get blurred with watery eyes, which will make you feel self-conscious, and you will feel that you are sick. The best ways to save yourself from these symptoms include always carrying tissues with you, using eye drops, and taking breaks to rest your eyes.
Further, if you are trying to manage your symptoms make potential lifestyle adjustments. Consuming more fluids assists in thinning the mucus, making it easier for your body to expel it. Try using a humidifier to keep the air moist, reducing irritation in your nasal passages and eyes. Also, getting sufficient rest helps you to combat the virus effectively.
How to prevent and treat watery eyes with a cold?
Preventing the cold in the first place is the finest way to avoid watery eyes caused by cold. Frequently wash your hands, try to avoid close contact with affected individuals, and follow a healthy lifestyle to enhance your immune system. Further, getting sufficient sleep, following a balanced diet rich in vitamins, and notably staying hydrated can make a visible difference.
Several remedies are out there to treat watery eyes due to cold. While decongestants highly help to reduce nasal swelling and allow tears to drain more effectively. If you are looking for sudden relief, try placing a warm, damp cloth over your eyes can soothe irritations.
When to consult a doctor?
Also, you need to understand that watery eyes during cold is not always a concerning condition, there are certain times when you should get medical help. Whenever you start to experience pain around your eyes, changes in vision, or if the symptom stays for a long time that is more than a week, it’s time to consult the Best Eye Hospital In Coimbatore. Notably, continuous watery eyes can indicate a serious problem that requires medical treatment.
Final Thoughts:
In conclusion, we can say that an individual with a cold get watery eyes due to nasal congestion and your body’s immune response. It may be annoying, but watery eyes are one of the body’s natural defense mechanisms. So, understanding why it happens and how to cope with it can help you to get an appropriate treatment. Also, never forget to get medical help when you notice your symptoms are getting worse.
