How to Remedy a Runny Nose

A runny nose can be quite annoying and frustrating. It can occur due to seasonal changes or allergies, but it could also be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as a cold, sinusitis, or even the flu. Start treating a runny nose with home remedies and over-the-counter medications, while keeping an eye out for any additional symptoms that could help identify the cause. Seek medical advice if the symptoms persist or worsen. With plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and some home treatments, you can clear your nose and breathe normally again.

Blow your nose, swallow, or gently sniff to clear mucus from your nose. Expelling the mucus from your nose is the most effective way to stop the runny nose. Gently blow your nose into a tissue when necessary. If the runny nose doesn't stop, you can tear the tissue in half, roll each piece into small balls, and place one in each nostril. Breathe normally or through your mouth.

• If possible, blow your nose into a damp tissue to prevent drying out the sensitive skin under your nose. If irritation occurs, apply a small amount of moisturizing lotion.
• You may also feel mucus in your throat that you can't blow out. Try swallowing to alleviate the runny nose and nasal congestion.

Try using a home steam therapy. To relieve pressure in your nose and stop a runny nose, take a hot shower or soak in a hot bath, allowing the steam to fill the room. You can also wrap a towel around your head and lean over a pot or bowl of hot water, or simply turn on the hot water in the shower and sit in the bathroom without standing under the water. Perform this 2-4 times a day.

• You can also use a vaporizer or humidifier to achieve similar effects.
• For enhanced results, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil, camphor alcohol, or peppermint oil to the water. Pour a small amount into a bowl or hot water, or sprinkle a bit around the showerhead before turning on the water.

Make your own saline spray to rinse out mucus. Mix one cup (240 ml) of warm water with ½ teaspoon (3 g) of salt and a pinch of baking soda. Use a syringe, small spray bottle, or neti pot to spray the saline solution into your nostrils 3-4 times a day.

• Be careful not to overuse the saline solution, as this may worsen your runny nose.

Apply a warm, damp washcloth to your face to reduce pressure in your nose. Soak a cloth in warm water or hold it under warm running water until it’s fully wet. Wring out the excess water so that the cloth is just damp, then place it on your face for about 2-3 minutes.

• You can also wet the cloth, then microwave it for about 30-45 seconds or until it’s warm.

Relieve sinus pain and congestion by gently pressing pressure points. Pressure point therapy on the nose area can help reduce nasal congestion and headaches caused by a runny nose. Gently press 10 times on each corner of your nose. Do the same on the area above your eyes.

• Perform this technique 2-3 times a day to relieve sinus pain.

Elevate your head when lying down to relieve nasal congestion. Rest is crucial when your body is fighting symptoms like a runny nose. When resting, prop your head up with several pillows to help mucus drain naturally from your nose.

• This position will also help you breathe more easily.

Drink plenty of fluids to help mucus drain. Staying hydrated helps loosen mucus in your nose, making it easier to expel and preventing a runny nose. Try to drink a glass of water every hour, and consider hot beverages like herbal tea or even soup to soothe your nasal passages.

Use a saline nasal rinse or spray to clear mucus. Nasal spray and saline solutions are available at pharmacies and are effective in removing mucus from your nasal passages. Choose a gentle formula designed to treat nasal congestion and a runny nose, and use it 3-4 times a day as directed.

• Avoid using nasal spray for more than 5 days, as it may cause your congestion to return.

Apply nasal strips beneath your nose to breathe more easily. Nasal strips, available at pharmacies, help clear nasal passages and reduce congestion. Consider using strips specifically designed for colds and nasal congestion. Place the strip across the bridge of your nose following the instructions on the packaging. Use as directed.

• Nasal strips are typically used at night, but if your runny nose is severe, you can also use them during the day.

Take decongestant medication to dry out your nasal passages. Decongestant medications, available at pharmacies, often come in pill form and work by constricting blood vessels, helping dry up your nasal passages. This can be especially helpful when dealing with a runny and congested nose. Follow the dosage instructions on the packaging.

• Do not use decongestant medication for more than 2-3 days. Overuse can worsen your congestion and make it harder to breathe.

Try antihistamines if you suspect an allergy. If you think your runny nose is due to allergies, you can purchase antihistamines at the pharmacy to alleviate symptoms. Follow the instructions on the packaging and be aware of potential side effects—some antihistamines can cause drowsiness.

• Common antihistamines include Benadryl, Zyrtec, and Allegra.

Treat Sinusitis if you're experiencing headaches or swelling. Sinusitis can sometimes cause a runny nose, especially when mucus is thick and yellow or green. Other symptoms include congestion, post-nasal drip, pain, swelling, or pressure around the eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead. To treat sinusitis, try:

• Using steam therapy at home or applying warm compresses to your face.
• Using saline nasal sprays or corticosteroid nasal sprays for inflammation.
• Taking over-the-counter decongestants for 2-3 days.
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), or ibuprofen (Advil).
• Visiting your doctor if symptoms persist for more than a week.

Avoid nasal irritants if you have allergies. A runny nose is a common symptom of allergies, which can be triggered by allergens such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, or certain foods. Pay attention to whether your symptoms worsen around certain allergens and avoid them as much as possible. You may also take antihistamines to alleviate symptoms.

• Other symptoms may include sneezing, itching around the face, and red or swollen eyes.
• You can also treat an allergy-related runny nose with saline nasal rinses and reduce exposure to allergens by vacuuming frequently, washing bedding, and cleaning stuffed toys in hot water.

Take cold medication if you're experiencing cold symptoms. One of the most common causes of a runny nose is the common cold. Symptoms are easy to recognize and include a sore throat, cough, sneezing, and body aches. To treat a cold, you can try:

• Taking pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).
• Using nasal drops or decongestant nasal sprays for a maximum of 5 days.
• Taking cough syrup to relieve cough or sore throat.

See a doctor if you experience flu-like symptoms. The flu can present similarly to the common cold, including a runny nose, but the onset is much more sudden. Other symptoms include a fever above 38°C, muscle aches, chills, sweating, headaches, and nasal congestion. If you suspect you have the flu, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Be mindful not to spread the virus to others by washing your hands, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding crowded places. To ease symptoms, try:

• Resting and drinking plenty of fluids.
• Taking antiviral medication as prescribed by your doctor.
• Using pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil).