A red nose is a symptom characterized by redness on the nose and surrounding areas. It may be accompanied by other symptoms such as a swollen nose which depends on the underlying cause. A reddened nose is usually not a serious problem and will usually subside after a few hours or days. Extreme emotions such as prolonged crying, a cold or an allergic reaction are some of the common causes of a red nose that usually subside after a while.
A red nose that persists for a prolonged period usually signifies an underlying disorder which may require medical treatment. The different types of red noses can be classified according to their underlying cause. They include red noses that are caused by common causes and are usually temporary, those that are caused by diseases and those caused by more serious disorders.
Let us examine each of these types separately.
Common causes of swollen red nose that are often temporary include acne, emotional outbursts, eating spicy foods, side effect of certain medications or supplements such as niacin, and sunburn. Alcohol use over time, can lead to a condition known as rhinophyma which is described as a reddened, bulbous nose. While excessive consumption of alcohol may be one of the causes of rhinophyma, it is not the only one.
Certain disease may also cause a red nose including hay fever allergies, common cold, influenza, rosacea, carcinoid syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus. A red nose caused by these diseases may also be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever and chills. The set of symptoms presented will provide the doctor with helpful clues that will aid in the diagnosis of the underlying cause.
There are some causes of red nose that may be serious and potentially life threatening and may require emergency medical treatment. These serious causes include appendicitis, cholecystitis which is an inflammation of the gallbladder, encephalitis which is a fever and inflammation of the brain, pneumonia, kidney infection, meningitis and sepsis.
A look at the symptoms that characterize a red nose may reveal a nose that is reddened and has a bulbous appearance. There will be an appreciable thickening of the skin on the nose and surrounding areas which may take on a waxy, yellowish appearance. These are the symptoms of rhinophyma which is thought to be caused by rosacea, a skin condition that is chronic, incurable but treatable. Rosacea is characterized by reddish or pinkish patches on the nose and cheeks with many tiny, broken blood vessels being visible. This appearance is what one typically associates with alcoholics and heavy drinkers. Most people with rosacea aren’t even aware of their condition, often dismissing it as caused excessive exposure to the sun. It is a condition that is easily treatable.
Infections that cause a reddened nose are usually accompanied by symptoms such as fever, sore throat, headache, cough and body aches. Most infections that cause these symptoms will result in a swollen and reddened nose.
Apart from the characteristic signs of an infection, there are other symptoms that may accompany a red nose. These include a rash over the bridge of the nose and an increase in the number of oil glands. A runny nose along with sneezing and watery eyes may be symptomatic of hay fever, an allergic reaction to pollen and dust particles in the air. At times, the lymph nodes may be enlarged or you may experience redness in the face and chest accompanied by a flushed sensation. You may also feel dull and lethargic or experience severe abdominal cramps and vomiting.
All of these symptoms are cause for concern and should be reported to your doctor immediately.
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