Brief Answer:
Viral infection likely.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for trusting us with your health concern.
The runny nose, sneezing and congestion are indicative of upper respiratory tract infection.
In this changing season the cause is most likely viral so treatment with antibiotics is not needed but you should do saline gargles. To make a good warm saline preparation you should add 5 grams table salt to 250 ml of water and make it XXXXXXX warm.
Then do gargles after every meal or after you eat anything during day time.
Cover yourself with sufficient warm clothes all the time and avoid open cold air exposure as this could aggravate the problem.
You can also take low doses of decongestant medicines like half tablet of Sinarest as required for congestion.
Keep well hydrated with plenty of warm fluids and especially fruit juices.

For running nose you may apply 2 drops of saline nasal drops to each nostril twice a day for relief.

Eat plenty of fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables. Eat high protein diet like cereals, pulses, chicken, lean meat, eggs.

In case there is sputum production with cough, considerable pain in the throat, high grade fever or the symptoms persist for more than 4-5 days then do consult your physician for a local physical examination of your throat to rule out any bacterial infection. Antibiotic treatment may be needed in such a case.

Please feel free to discuss further. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal

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Brief Answer:
Due to viral infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
The mild itching without a cough is due to viral infection or irritation. The above said measures and lozenges or ginger ale can help you. Antibiotics are not needed.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

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