How to Stop a Runny Nose Due to Allergies

Is pollen, dust, or pet hair causing you discomfort? If you're allergic to these common allergens, you may experience a runny nose. It can be either a painful sensation or just mild irritation. If treated properly, you can stop the runny nose, dry the swollen mucus membranes caused by histamine, and restore your nose to its normal state. Once the runny nose issue is addressed, you can follow steps to protect yourself from future allergic reactions.

Take Antihistamines. As the name implies, antihistamines help prevent your body from releasing histamine, the substance responsible for a runny nose. These medications dry up the mucus in your nostrils. You can take over-the-counter antihistamines containing ingredients such as loratadine or diphenhydramine. Common antihistamine brands include Allegra, Claritin, Zyrtec, Benadryl, Phenergan, and Clarinex.

• Benadryl may cause drowsiness, while Claritin is the least sedating. Be cautious when using sedating medications.

Visit a Doctor. Your doctor may prescribe allergy medications. These could include antihistamines, corticosteroids (nasal sprays), decongestants, leukotriene inhibitors, or allergy shots. Shots are sometimes administered if you're unable to avoid allergens like pollen. The goal is to help your body build tolerance to specific allergens.

• Be aware that high-dose antihistamines are stronger than regular ones and come with more intense side effects, such as anxiety, diarrhea, high blood pressure, and drowsiness.
• Research indicates that daily use of corticosteroid nasal sprays can be highly effective in alleviating allergic rhinitis symptoms. Some nasal sprays, like Flonase and Nasacort, are available without a prescription.
• Don’t misuse decongestant nasal sprays. Stopping their use can lead to a blocked nose, creating dependency on the spray.
• Consult a doctor if you have severe allergy symptoms, persistent wheezing or coughing, or if your symptoms do not respond to treatments.

Clear Your Nose. Use a saline nasal spray. These sprays help keep the nasal lining moist and can effectively clear allergens from the nose. They are available without a prescription.

• Some people prefer making their own saline solution. Simply add a bit of salt to 240 ml of water, with 3 grams of salt and 1 gram of baking soda. Boil the mixture. Once it boils, pour it into a bowl. Cover your head with a towel and lean over the bowl, keeping a safe distance to avoid burns from the steam. Inhale the steam deeply. Adding some eucalyptus oil or balm may also help soothe your sinuses.

Use a Neti Pot. Fill the pot with 240 ml of warm distilled water, filtered water, or water that has been boiled and cooled. It's best to avoid using tap water unless it has been boiled and cooled. Distilled water is recommended. You may also use your homemade saline solution or purchase a non-prescription saline product.

• While standing near a sink, tilt your head to one side. Place the spout of the neti pot in one nostril and pour half of the solution into it, allowing it to flow out from the other nostril. Repeat with the other nostril. Be sure to clean and sanitize the neti pot after use.

Stay Hydrated. Although drinking warm water may not immediately stop your nose from running, it’s important to stay hydrated when experiencing allergy symptoms. Frequent sneezing and medications with dehydrating side effects can dry out the nasal membranes. Drinking a 470 ml glass of water every few hours helps restore hydration and balance.

Try Herbal Remedies. A few herbal remedies at home may have antihistamine properties.

• Mustard Oil. Mustard oil contains antihistamine properties. Heat a bit of mustard in a pan with some water. Once the mixture is liquid enough to pour into an eye dropper, place a small amount into one nostril and inhale deeply. Due to mustard’s strong smell, it can help clear your nasal passages.
• Turmeric. This herb has long been valued in Indian culture for both its use as a spice and its medicinal properties. Soak a small amount of turmeric powder in pure flaxseed oil, which you can buy at organic food stores. Heat the turmeric-coated flaxseed oil on the stove until it smolders gently. Inhale the smoke from the turmeric slowly.

Use a humidifier. Purchase one or two humidifiers to improve air quality. There are various types to choose from. Although it may sound unusual, allergies often hinder the natural humidifying process in your nose. When you first come into contact with an allergen, your body releases histamine, causing excessive nasal discharge and dryness. Later, when airborne particles, such as pollen (the initial allergen trigger), enter the dry nasal environment, your body responds by producing more mucus to flush them out and restore balance. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, helping to rehydrate your nasal membranes.

• The ideal humidity level for your home should be between 30% and 50%. If it's lower, it can dry out your nose; if it's higher, your room may feel stuffy, and mold and bacteria could thrive.
• Humidifiers are not powerful enough to cover your entire home. Place them in rooms you use the most for optimal effect. However, if you are not in a humidified environment, your nasal membranes will start to dry out.

Identify your allergy triggers. A doctor can conduct allergy tests to help pinpoint and even identify the exact allergens responsible for your symptoms. Sometimes, tests might not provide conclusive results or may reveal multiple allergies. The more you know about your allergies, the better. Once you understand the general causes behind your runny nose, you can begin to avoid contact with these allergens.

Avoid allergen sources. Irritants and allergens in the environment, such as pollen, pet dander, dust, and smoke, can dry out your nasal passages and start the cycle of a runny nose. Consider using an air purifier to eliminate airborne allergens, but be aware that avoiding all allergens is nearly impossible unless you seclude yourself in an airtight container.

• One of the most common airborne allergens in the United States is ragweed pollen, with over 17 species. Although completely avoiding ragweed exposure is nearly impossible, you can identify areas where it is most concentrated in your environment and try to steer clear of them.
• Avoid going outside during peak pollen times, such as early mornings, and steer clear of windows when pollen levels are high.
• Reduce dust mites in your home by limiting carpets, blankets, and stuffed animals. Use dust-mite-proof covers on your mattresses and pillows.

Wear a mask. This may be the most effective way to protect yourself from allergens causing a runny nose. If the particles don’t enter your nose, they won’t trigger symptoms. If you need to go outside during allergy season, wrap a scarf around your nose and mouth. A mask may even provide better protection.

Wash your hands regularly. This will help prevent the spread of allergens. Use soap and water, as any soap will effectively remove allergens rather than bacteria. Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds. Rinse thoroughly and dry your hands with a clean towel.

Clean your face after allergen exposure. If you're allergic to pet dander, wash your face after petting a dog. If you suffer from pollen allergies, wash your face when you return home after being outdoors. This will help minimize further exposure to allergens.