​”A chronic runny nose is treatable, and early management can greatly improve comfort and quality of life,” says Dr. K. K. Handa (Image: Freepik). A running nose can be very discomforting, and one can only imagine the woe if it goes on for a prolonged time. So when a person recently asked on Quora: “I have a runny nose almost every day for years. What should I do?” we spoke to Dr K. K. Handa, Chairman, ENT, Head and Neck Surgery at Medanta, Gurugram, about what might be causing it and when it can be a red flag.. Why does a runny nose last so long?. Dr Handa explains that the most common cause is allergy — especially to dust, pollution, pollen, or pet hair. In urban environments, constant exposure to irritants keeps the nasal lining inflamed.. Other possible reasons include:. Chronic sinusitis (long-standing sinus infection). Sensitivity to weather changes or strong smells. Continuous air conditioning exposure. Overuse of nasal decongestant sprays. Structural problems like a deviated septum or nasal polyps. “When the lining of the nose remains irritated for a long time, it continues to produce excess mucus,” he explains.. Allergy, sinusitis or non-allergic rhinitis?. Structural problems inside the nose, like a deviated septum or nasal polyps, or even long-standing sinus infections, might lead to years of a running nose (Image: Freepik). The pattern of symptoms can offer clues. Dr Handa explains the difference below:. Allergy: Frequent sneezing, itching in the nose, watery eyes, and clear discharge. Symptoms often worsen in dusty places or certain seasons.. Chronic sinusitis: Blocked nose, facial pressure, thick yellow or green discharge, reduced sense of smell, and symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks.. Non-allergic rhinitis: Persistent watery discharge without itching or sneezing. Triggers may include cold air, perfumes, smoke, or sudden temperature changes.. An ENT evaluation may be necessary for an accurate diagnosis.. Do pollution and AC play a role?. “Yes, absolutely,” he affirms, while explaining that constant exposure to pollution, construction dust, smoke, and vehicle fumes irritates the nasal lining. Prolonged air conditioning and sudden weather changes can also dry out the nose, causing it to overproduce mucus as a protective response. This explains why many people in cities struggle with chronic nasal discharge.. When should you see a doctor?. While most cases are not dangerous, medical attention is needed if:. Story continues below this ad. Symptoms last more than three months. Discharge becomes thick, yellow, or green with fever. There is facial pain or swelling. You lose your sense of smell. The discharge is blood-stained. Symptoms occur only on one side. It interferes with sleep or daily activities. Ignoring long-term symptoms can sometimes lead to complications.. “Prolonged use of air conditioning can also dry and irritate the nose, making it overproduce mucus,” says Dr Handa (Image: Gemini generated). Also Read | T  

 ​In a heartwarming conversation, Suniel Shetty opened up about his wife Mana, whom he married after a long wait owing to opposition from his family. “They didn’t want anything outside of the family. And they believed, different cultures won’t fit in,” he spoke about Mana, who converted to Hinduism from Islam on her marriage to Suniel in 1991.. Recollecting his father’s first meeting with Mana, Suniel said it was not pre-planned. “Once Mana came to drop me at the airport for my first film, as I was going away for 60 days. I never expected Dad to come and drop me off, too. He says, I am coming to the airport to drop you off! I had already committed to Mana. And then he met me. Saw me. He saw her. He went and spoke to her… took her home, and that was the day… and I think 60 days after that… she had to go home and spend time with him every day. So, somewhere it’s the father who understands.”. Suniel Shetty and Mana Shetty (Photo: Express Archives). Expressing opposition from his side of the family, Suniel shared that he had a close relationship with her parents. “For 9 years they said, you won’t be happy, she won’t be happy…We never discussed it. They said no. But I was very clear about one thing…if you want me to marry someone else, it’s not going to be possible because I don’t want to destroy two lives, including my own. I won’t get married. As a guy, for me, it was still okay. Tough for her because her parents had accepted me. Her mother and I were a house on fire. I learned so much in life from that lady – the art of giving, the art of living, CSR, public, and working with people. She’s the one who taught me everything.”. So, what changed? “Time is the biggest healer. My parents saw the fact that their son was sincere; they didn’t know if it would last with her, but when they realised that a girl had given up everything for their son, what better partner could they look for? I wasn’t doing anything to them. I said, I won’t get married. Neither of us will get married. So, we are not hurting you at all. I believed in her completely,” shared Suniel in a conversation with Raj Shamani on his podcast.. Describing Mana’s qualities, Suniel shared that she has always been about “giving”. “She was only giving, and even today, she is only about giving. I don’t bother about anything in the house. For even minute things, right from whether my nails have been cut or my toothpaste is over, or my brush needs a change, she’s aware of it. It’s unbelievable. It’s insane. And she was like that, that time also. Not only me…whether it is Ahaan, Athiya, whether it is my mom or dad…dad and she were a house on fire… she is like a child, back then she was like a child…she is very expressive….we come from a family which is reserved…she is very physical…so she became physical with dad, mom, the chirpiness, the energy of hers, spontaneously responding, appreciating everything, i think probably  

 ​For some, co-sleeping with a pet strengthens the bond and brings emotional benefits (Source: Freepik). Many pet parents will admit there’s nothing quite as comforting as falling asleep beside their furry companion.. Whether it’s your dog curled at your feet or your beloved cat nestled by your side, the emotional bond shared in those quiet moments can feel deeply reassuring. For some, bedtime snuggles with pets are an established routine — an unspoken ritual that strengthens the human-animal connection.. But, as pets increasingly become part of the family, it’s worth exploring: should you let your pet sleep next to you?. Can regularly sleeping with a pet affect the quality or duration of a human’s sleep?. Dr Deepraj Prajapati, senior veterinarian at RD Pet Hospital, Ambedkar Nagar, tells indianexpress.com, “Yes, sharing a bed with a pet can have both positive and negative effects on sleep, depending on the individual and the pet. Many people report feeling more secure and comforted when their pet sleeps nearby, which can support relaxation and help ease anxiety before bed.”. However, he adds, pets have different sleep cycles than humans. “They may move, scratch, or make noises during the night, which can occasionally disrupt sleep. Larger dogs or very active pets might shift positions or jump on and off the bed, making it harder for light sleepers to stay asleep,” Dr Prajapati notes.. It comes down to what works for each pet-parent dynamic. For some, co-sleeping with a pet strengthens the bond and brings emotional benefits, while for others, having a separate sleeping space may result in better rest.. Are there any health or hygiene risks associated with letting a pet sleep in the same bed?. Dr Prajapati states, “For most healthy adults, sleeping with a well-groomed, regularly dewormed, and vaccinated pet generally poses minimal risk. That said, individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems may need to be more cautious. Pet dander can aggravate respiratory symptoms, and occasional exposure to outdoor allergens or parasites brought in on fur can contribute to irritation.”. Story continues below this ad. The expert suggests that basic hygiene practices, such as regular baths, flea and tick prevention, and keeping paws clean, can greatly reduce risk. It’s also advisable to avoid letting pets lick the face or sleep too close to pillows if there are health concerns. Ultimately, those with medical conditions should speak with their doctor before deciding to co-sleep with pets.. Could allowing a pet to sleep in your bed reinforce clingy or territorial behaviour?. While sleeping in the same bed doesn’t automatically lead to clinginess or behavioural issues, Dr Prajapati notes, it can become a challenge if the pet begins to see the bed as their personal space or starts showing signs of separation anxiety. “Some pets may also become possessive or protective of the bed, especially if their sleeping arrangement is  

 ​PV Sindhu shares a glimpse of her workout (Photo: BAI/Venkata Datta/PV Sindhu/Instagram Stories). Badminton champion PV Sindhu finally returned to India with her staff amid the Middle East conflict, and along the way shared a workout view with her husband in tow. “Guess who is in good spirits?” her husband and businessman Venkata Datta Sai shared in an Instagram Story, which she reposted with the caption, “Nothing like a good workout”.. Sindhu is seen cycling on a stationary bike.. Sindhu reassured her fans and followers of her safety by reposting her sports scientist and performance expert, Dr Wayne Lombard’s Instagram Story, which read, “We have finally been able to get out of the UAE and head back to India after an interesting three days to say the least. Probably the most nervous I have been getting on a flight. Thankyou to everyone who kept on checking in on how we were doing.”. Taking a cue from her workout fixture, we asked an expert about how low-impact cardiovascular exercise is helpful.. Cycling on a stationary bike is a low-impact cardiovascular exercise that helps engage the lower body while improving endurance, said consultant dietitian and fitness expert Garima Goyal.. According to Goyal, stationary cycling primarily targets the quadriceps, hamstrings and glutes while also supporting cardiovascular fitness. “For athletes and regular exercisers alike, it is an effective way to maintain conditioning without placing excessive strain on the joints. After travel, especially long flights or extended sitting, gentle cardio like cycling can help improve blood circulation, reduce stiffness and re-energise the body.”. Travel disruptions can often affect sleep patterns, hydration levels, and overall energy. “Light workouts in such situations help reset the body’s rhythm. Exercise stimulates blood flow, supports lymphatic circulation and can help counter the sluggishness that often follows prolonged inactivity during travel,” Goyal shared.. PV Sindhu was seen working out on a stationary bike (Photo: Venkata Datta/Instagram Stories/PV Sindhu/Instagram Stories). Another benefit of cycling is its role in stress relief. Physical movement releases endorphins, which can improve mood and mental clarity. Goyal noted that this is particularly useful after demanding travel schedules, where fatigue and jet lag may affect both physical and mental performance.. Story continues below this ad. PV Sindhu reposted her staff’s Instagram Story update about her return to India from UAE (Photo: Dr Wayne Lombard/PV Sindhu/Instagram Stories). Even a short, moderate workout after travel can help maintain momentum and prevent long breaks from turning into extended inactivity.. Also Read | Zareen Khan shows off her strength with 70-pound goblet squats: ‘Oh my God!’. Maintaining that rhythm is often what keeps athletes and fitness enthusiasts on track with their overall training goals, said Goyal.. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on inform  

 ​Social media continues to surprise us every day in more ways than one. This time, it is content creator Bobbiejo Floyd claiming that the ears, forehead, chin, and mouth are the same size. “How old were you when you realised your ears, your forehead, and your chin to mouth are the same size?” she shared on Instagram.. So, we asked experts to fact-check.. Dr Rinky Kapoor, consultant dermatologist, cosmetic dermatologist and dermato-surgeon at The Esthetic Clinics, denied the claim and said that while it may apply to some due to their facial features, it may not be the same for everyone. “One needs to understand that every face has a unique buildup and is often different in size or facial features. The idea that all these parts are the same size is a myth,” said Dr Kapoor.. According to the expert, your facial features are unique and shaped by genetics, age, and environmental factors.. Genes play a role (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock). Dr Maneendra, consultant and HOD critical care department, Gleneagles Hospitals, Lakdi Ka Pul, Hyderabad, quashed the claim and noted that there is no scientific evidence to suggest that the ears, forehead, chin, and mouth are the same size in a person; “their proportions vary significantly in a person as these are influenced by genetics and developmental factors.”. Also Read | Know Your Body: Why does hitting the ‘funny bone’ in the elbow hurt so much?. “Ears, forehead, chin, and mouth are not the same size, as these structures are anatomically distinct and serve different functions. Their proportions are determined by genetics, skeletal development, and facial growth patterns,” stressed Dr Maneendra.. View this post on Instagram. For instance, the ears develop from six distinct embryonic hillocks, while the forehead is shaped by growth of the cranial bones. “The chin is unique to humans, shaped by mandibular development, and the mouth adapts to functional needs like speech and eating. These variations contribute to individual facial uniqueness, which may not be the same size for all,” said Dr Maneendra.. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.