Stuffy or Runny Nose
Another common symptom of upper respiratory infection is nasal congestion. The nose can be congested in many ways, including having a stuffy nose and runny nose together. A stuffy and runny nose is typically associated with inflammation and swelling of nasal tissues in response to an infection, although the difference between them is usually clear. They can be caused by allergies and post-nasal drip.
Nasal congestion can be characterized by nose pressure, sometimes pain, itchy eyes, or a headache. It is usually caused by swelling of the mucous membranes that line the nose and sinuses. The mucous membranes become swollen in response to an attack on their body by a virus or bacteria—either one can cause cold-like symptoms, such as congestion and sneezing. The swelling can also be caused by allergic reactions to pollen or other irritants. A person’s immune system is responsible for dealing with these irritants—upper respiratory infections occur when it fails to do its job properly.
An upper respiratory infection may also cause nasal discharge—clear, white, or yellowish and thick in consistency. The eyes may also be affected by an upper respiratory infection. They may become irritated, red, and itchy.
