A runny nose can be annoying, distracting, and frustrating to deal with. Although it is sometimes caused by seasonal changes or allergies, a runny nose can also be a symptom of more serious illnesses, such as a cold, sinusitis, or even the flu. What are the ways to get rid of a runny nose?
Start by treating a runny nose with simple home remedies and over-the-counter medications, and look for other symptoms that may indicate a specific cause.
If symptoms persist or worsen, see a doctor. With so much rest, hydration, and the right tips and tricks, you can clean your nose and breathe freely again.
Applying acupressure to the area around your nose may be able to relieve congestion and headache from a runny nose.
Press down 10 times on each corner of your nose, using very light pressure.
Do the same for the area directly above your eyes.
Do this 2-3 times a day for sinus relief.
Removing mucus from your nose is the best way to prevent it from stopping running, so gently blow your nose into a tissue when you need to.
If your nose is very runny, tear a tissue in half, roll the pieces into two small balls, and place one in each nostril. Breathe normally or through your mouth.
If you can, blow your nose with moisturizing wipes so that you don't dry out the delicate skin under your nose. If skin irritation, apply some moisturizing lotion.
To relieve pressure on your nose and help it stop running, take a hot bath or shower and let the room submerge in steam.
You can also place a towel over your head and lean on a pot or bowl of hot water, or take a hot bath and sit in your bathroom without actually entering.
Do this 2-4 times daily.
You can also use a vaporizer or moisturizer for the same effect.
You can add eucalyptus oil, eucalyptus spirit, or peppermint oil. Pour a little hot water into a bowl of hot water or pour a little around the shower before you turn it on.
Dip a washcloth in warm water or run it under the sink until it is saturated. Squeeze it until it's wet, then apply it to your face for 2-3 minutes.
You can also wet the cloth, then heat it in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or until warm.
Rest is important when your body is fighting off uncomfortable symptoms like a runny nose. When you are lying down, rest your head up on two pillows to encourage the fluids in your nose to drain naturally. This position will also help you breathe more easily.
Keeping your body hydrated encourages the fluid in your nose to drain, which helps your nose to stop running.
Try to drink a glass of water about every hour and mix hot liquids such as herbal tea or even soup to soothe your nose more.
Mix 1 cup (240 ml) of warm water, 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) of salt, and a pinch of baking soda.
Use a syringe, small spray bottle, or neti pot to apply the saline spray to the inside of your nose 3-4 times a day.
Be careful not to overuse the saline spray, which can make a runny nose worse.
Saline sprays and washes are available at pharmacies and can help clear the mucus from your nose that is causing it to runny. Choose a gentle one for nasal congestion or a runny nose and use it 3-4 times a day, carefully following the instructions.
Avoid using the nasal spray for more than 5 days, as this may cause the congestion to return.
Find nasal strips at the drugstore to clear your nose and help relieve congestion.
Try strips made specifically for colds and congestion, and follow the directions on the box to apply the strip over the bridge of your nose.
Use as directed on the package.
Nasal strips are usually used at night, but if your runny nose is particularly bad, you can use them during the day as well.
Ask your pharmacist about a decongestant, usually a pill, that will shrink and dry out your nasal passages.
This can be of great help when you are trying to get rid of a blocked or runny nose. Check the packaging to see how often you can take the medicine.
Only use a decongestant for 2-3 days. If overused, decongestants can cause congestion to return more intensely.
If you think your runny nose might be caused by an allergy, get an antihistamine product at a pharmacy to relieve your symptoms.
Take it according to the directions on the package, and read the side effects carefully as well - some antihistamines can make you sleepy.
Common antihistamines include Benadryl, Zyrtec, and Allegra.
A nasal steroid spray, such as Flonase or Nasacort, can help treat a runny nose caused by allergies.
Treat a sinus infection if you have a headache or pressure bulge
A sinus infection can sometimes cause a runny nose, especially if the fluid is thick and yellow or greenish. Other symptoms include:
Congestion.
Drainage of fluid in the back of the throat.
the pain.
Swelling.
Pressure around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead.
Do a home steam treatment or apply a warm compress to your face.
Use saline nasal sprays or nasal corticosteroids, which can treat inflammation.
Take an over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant for 2-3 days.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as aspirin, acetaminophen (such as Tylenol), or ibuprofen (such as Advil).
See a doctor if the infection does not go away within a week or so.
A runny nose is a common symptom of allergies, which can be caused by irritants, such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, or foods.
Notice if your nose starts to runny due to certain substances and avoid them as much as possible, or take allergy medications to reduce symptoms.
Other allergic symptoms include
You can also get rid of a runny nose caused by allergies by using a saline solution for the nose and reduce exposure to allergens by frequent sweeping and washing the bedding and stuffed toys in hot water.
One of the most common causes of a runny nose is the common cold. These symptoms are relatively easy to recognize, including sore throat, coughing, sneezing, and body aches.
To treat a cold, try
Take a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (such as Tylenol)
Use decongestant drops or sprays for up to 5 days.
Take cough syrup to relieve a sore throat or cough.
The flu can have symptoms similar to the common cold at first, including a runny nose, with the distinction that it will appear much more suddenly than a cold.
Other symptoms include
If you think you have the flu, see a doctor as soon as possible and be careful not to pass it on to others by washing your hands, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding crowded places.
Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
Take an antiviral medicine if your doctor prescribes it for you.
Using pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil) to relieve pain.
If you have a runny nose, sit in your bathroom and let the shower run until the steam begins to relieve pressure in your nose. If your nose is still dropping, use a nasal wash or saline spray, which can help clear the mucus that is causing your runny nose.
Runny nose can be annoying, especially for kids during night. Thanks for suggestions