A runny nose can be caused by a variety of factors, including a cold or virus, allergies such as allergic rhinitis (hay fever), medications, airborne chemicals, and changes in the environment. You should know which factor caused your runny nose to preempt future occurrences.
A runny nose can be temporarily controlled—for a few minutes or mere seconds—by blowing your nose. This short term relief can be quite distracting since you are given reprieve, but is quickly taken back. Here are ways that would give you longer relief from a runny nose; these approaches may even stop it completely:
- Determine the Cause
By determining the cause of your runny nose, you would know what plan of action to perform. If you have a cold or virus, the symptom would most likely be short term and you can resort to symptomatic relief. If it is determined to be allergic in nature, you should take steps to avoid the potential allergens. You can also take prescription allergy medications on a daily basis to reduce the symptoms. Meanwhile, if you have a runny nose that has lasted several weeks, you should consult a doctor. You may need allergy testing and examination to rule out nasal polyps.
- Irrigate Your Nasal Passages
You can use a salt water solution to irrigate your nasal passages. It would help clear out nasal secretions and remove some of the irritants that may have caused your runny nose. Nonprescription saline nasal sprays can be purchased at local drugstores. However, if you want to create your own, simply add a half teaspoon of table salt to a cup of water. Just be sure to use the right ingredients, or you might end up flooding your room with goo.
Draw the solution into an eyedropper and put a few drops into the back of your nose. Take deep breaths and repeat several times to distribute the saline water all over your nasal passages. After which you can blow your nose to remove any residual element, such as water or nasal secretions.
- Increase the Humidity of Air
The air you breathe should be humid, since moisture avoids further irritation of the already inflamed nasal passages. Purchase a humidifier for your home. This device not only keeps your nasal passages moist, but it can also ward off cold and flu viruses.
- Take an Antihistamine
Sniffling and swallowing or gentle blowing is normally the simplest treatment for a runny nose. However, if the condition has become persistent and watery, over-the-counter antihistamines can be helpful. Also, when allergies caused your runny nose, it is best to use such medication. Antihistamines can provide some relief for a runny nose from other causes as well, which makes them quite versatile.
Remember to read the label before taking any antihistamine. Most antihistamines sold at drugstores induce drowsiness and some can interact with other medications and alcohol. Do not take a dosage if you are about to operate a machine or drive. Also, it is not advisable to take antihistamines for extended periods of time; they slow down the flow of mucus, which could cause germs to stay in the nasal passages longer. Do not give antihistamines to children unless prescribed by a doctor.
- Use Drugstore Nasal Sprays for a Limited Period Only
A drugstore nasal spray such as Afrin is quite effective, but after several days of usage it can bring about a rebound effect. This effect may cause the symptoms to worsen. It is best to only use drugstore nasal sprays at night, and not longer than three days.
Short Term Solution for a Runny Nose
For temporary runny noses that have yet to become serious, such as those caused by simple allergies or changing environmental conditions, here is an effective five-step approach without the need for drugs:
- Put pressure at least 10 times on the corner of your nose, the place you would likely pinch if you encountered something with an unpleasant smell. Make sure to have your nose almost closed each time you put pressure on it.
- Put pressure at least 10 times on the area just below your tear glands. Make sure to clean your hands to avoid irritating the eyes.
- Put pressure at least 10 times on the area just behind your nose.
- Massage your earlobe for about ten seconds.
- Repeat numbers three and four for the other side.
If you have a more serious case of runny nose, such as one accompanied by a fever, you better see a doctor and have the original source of virus treated.
Tips for the Short Term Solution
- Perform a circular motion for the pressure or massage exerted on any part of the head. Do not force the movement, just comfortably perform the advised action around the area.
- Do not push the cartilage of the nose. You may hurt yourself instead of alleviating the discomfort.
- Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, tea, and orange juice.
- Inhale steam from a shower or kettle. Exposing yourself to this will help break the congestion up. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes to work. Do not inhale steam like a dog searching for its bone; you will only end up looking silly.
- Eat and drink plenty of hot soup. Chicken noodles is the preferred choice. Do not force yourself to eat a really hot soup, or you will only get an unpleasantly numbing burn on your tongue.
The Unconventional Approach
This approach might seem scary, but it has been proven effective.
Gather some baking soda and salt. Pour lukewarm water in a glass and put a spoon full of baking soda and a pinch of salt in it. Now the scary part: put the glass to your nose and snort it up using both nostrils until it runs down your throat and you spit it out. Do not worry; nobody will accuse you of snorting something fishy, just make sure to state your condition.
The baking soda will keep the water from irritating or burning your nose; meanwhile, the salt would help dry your sinus (one of the hollow cavities in the skull connected with the nasal cavities). Remember not to put use much salt or it would burn your nose.
A runny nose can really be distracting and the discomfort it brings can be frustrating. It can affect your appetite and ruin your mood. Treating it quickly and knowingly will greatly improve the way you go about your day, that’s for sure!
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