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How to Stop a Runny Nose at Home

Written by Resurchify | Updated on: July 14, 2022

How to Stop a Runny Nose at Home

A runny nose is characterized by the continual flow of fluid from the nostrils. Congestion and inflammation of the linings of the nasal passages and sinuses produce this, usually caused by a viral illness known as the common cold. Allergies or a sinus infection cause the swelling of the inner linings of the nose and sinuses. In addition, virus-induced inflammation causes fluid to leak from blood vessels into the nose and nose lining. The lining of the nose expands, as a result, restricting airflow and resulting in a runny nose.

Some safe and natural home treatments for the runny nose can relieve this highly uncomfortable condition and allow the fluid to be expelled comfortably. If you have other symptoms like a fever, cough, sore throat, and a runny nose, see a doctor find out what's causing it. Determine the cause of a runny nose because the cause of a runny nose determines the probable remedy. If it's related to allergies, you can take an antihistamine, and if it's due to a cold or illness, steam and decongestants can be used. If it's caused to clogging, blow your nose and try to get rid of the irritant. Most of the time, it's due to a lack of sleep.

A runny nose isn't usually a cause for concern on its own. However, if you don't have any additional symptoms, there are various natural self-care solutions for managing a runny nose at home that doesn't include a prescription.

Let's look at some at-home remedies that can help with a runny nose.

Drink Hot Tea

Herbs that are mild decongestants can be found in several teas. For example, try non-caffeinated chamomile, ginger, or mint tea instead of traditional black or red tea. In addition, these herbs include anti-inflammatory and antihistamine qualities, which might help you clear your nose. Don't look for a bubble tea shop to satisfy your tea cravings. Instead of iced tea, a cup of hot tea is recommended.

Cold drinks are less effective than hot drinks. The heat and steam can help open up your airways and relieve congestion. The heat can also help to relieve nasal and throat discomfort.

Gently Blow your Nose

Always have tissues on hand if you have a runny nose. When you can, blow your nose to clear the mucus, but not too hard. You can drive germ-carrying phlegm and mucus back into your ear passages by blowing too hard, leading to an ear infection. To avoid this, clean one nostril at a time by putting a finger over one and gently blowing through the other.

It's critical not to sneeze your mucous back into your nostrils. When feasible, you should eject the germ-carrying mucus and phlegm. If you keep it in, it can breed and transmit germs to other parts of your skull. In addition, inflammation of the throat can result from postnasal drip (mucus pouring back into the nose).

Menthol Lozenges or Menthol Rubs

It's time to pull out your grandfather's Axe Oil from his back pocket! While your coffee shop uncles prefer Axe Oil, various menthol rub products are available. Vicks, Tiger Balm, and various other products can be found in your local convenience shop or drugstore. A lozenge is an attractive choice if your skin is sensitive to oils and rubs. However, it would be best if you were warned that menthol does not help with nasal congestion. Instead, they work by activating menthol receptors in the nose, making you feel like you're breathing easier.

Other cold symptoms such as cough and sore throat, which often accompany runny noses, can be relieved with menthol rubs and lozenges. Avoid applying menthol rubs directly in or on your nose when using them. Because the skin surrounding your nose is delicate, these rubs may irritate it. Instead, dab a small quantity on your upper lip or below your nose.

Facial Steam

A facial steam is commonly used to open pores and clear pimples and acne, but it can also clear blocked nasal airways. Steaming your face can help thin mucus and offer much-needed moisture for healing. This unclogs your nose and allows you to breathe more easily.

  • Make your own facial steam with a bowl of boiling water and a towel.
  • You can make it by clean heating water in a clean pot on the stove for just long enough to produce steam.
  • Cover your head with the towel and place it over the bowl of hot water.
  • For around 20 to 30 minutes, keep your head there.
  • To cleanse your nose and obtain speedier relief, inhale the steam from the bowl.

Steam inhalation is one of the most efficient treatments for a stuffy nose, but it also helps with other respiratory problems, including influenza and sinusitis. To make things easier, fill a steamer halfway with hot water. Next, fold a towel over your head and breathe in the steam, ensuring there is no space for it to getaway. At first, try living slowly in and out, then repeat the process until you can breathe freely. You can also experiment with the different types of steam you want to use. For example, two to three times a day, inhale the smoke of antimicrobial herbs like thyme and peppermint, or two to three times a day, inhale the steam of carom seed (ajwain) with water. Take precautions to avoid burning your face. Maintain an 8–10-inch distance between your nose and the water/solution.

Drink a Lot of Water

When coping with a runny nose, staying hydrated and drinking fluids will assist if you also have nasal congestion symptoms. This causes mucus in your sinuses to become too thin to a runny consistency, making it easier to remove. Otherwise, it may be thick and sticky, aggravating congestion in your nostrils. Drinks that dehydrate rather than hydrate should be avoided. This includes liquids such as coffee and alcoholic beverages.

Make Sure you get Enough Sleep

When it comes to sleep, it's critical to get plenty of it when you're not feeling well so your body can mend. According to studies, your body creates new immune system cells while you sleep. In addition, during sleep, proteins known as cytokines are created and released, which are vital in the fight against infection and inflammation. This means that getting enough sleep can help your immune system stay healthy. Resting also allows you to take a break from blowing your nose.

Shower in a Hot Tub

Have you ever noticed that having a shower may make you feel like a new person when you have a cold? This is because inhaling the steam helps mucus drain, which relieves sinus pain and pressure. This can help you breathe normally again, even only for a short while.

You can also get the steamy shower feeling by inhaling vapor from a sink full of hot water. Pour hot water through the bathroom sink, cover your head with a towel, and place your head over the sink, being careful not to get too near to the sink and risk burning your skin. It's OK to repeat this process numerous times a day.

Warm Compress

Warm compresses are historically thought to be one of the finest cures for nasal congestion since they assist in freeing up the nasal passages and relieving a stuffy nose. First, soak a cloth in warm water and wring off the excess moisture. After that, drape the towel over your nose and then your brow. Repeat at regular intervals; the damp towel's warmth will provide significant comfort and aid in relieving nasal inflammation.

Ginger is one of the finest remedies for a stuffy nose because of its anti-inflammatory effects. You can drink it with your tea or just a mug of lukewarm water to use as a compressor. Ginger is a sure-fire winner when cleaning your congested nasal passages. To make the compress, slice a ginger root and boil it in two cups of water for 15 minutes. Next, soak a clean washcloth in the brew and gently press it against your face for 15 minutes.

Humidifier

Inhaling warm steam from a humidifier, according to a 2019 study, considerably reduces mucus buildup caused by allergic rhinitis. In a 2015 study of persons with the common cold, steam inhalation was highly beneficial. It cut the time to recover from illness by about a week compared to no steam inhalation. Humidifiers wet otherwise dry air by converting water into vapor. Moisture helps thin and remove mucus and soothe sore sinuses when you breathe it in.

If you decide to use a humidifier, clean it according to the manufacturer's directions regularly. Otherwise, it may serve as a breeding ground for germs like mold and bacteria, exacerbating sinus problems.

Neti Pot

Nasal irrigation (also known as nasal lavage) with a neti pot is a frequent treatment for sinus problems. This includes issues with a runny nose and pain. Small teapot-like vessels with a spout are known as neti pots. You fill the pot with warm saline or saltwater solution, then pour it through one nostril and out the other. This thoroughly cleans out your sinuses.

A neti pot kit is available at your local pharmacy, retailer, or online. Make careful to follow your neti pot's instructions to the letter. In rare cases, improper usage of neti pots might aggravate runny noses. Instead of tap water, make sure to use sterile and distilled water.

Eating Spicy Foods

Spicy meals might aggravate a runny nose. On the other hand, spicy foods may aid if you're suffering from nasal congestion. Give it a shot if you can handle a little heat in your cuisine. If you're not used to the heat, start with a fair bit of spicy seasoning to see if it helps. Cayenne pepper, ghost pepper, habanero, wasabi, horseradish, and ginger are excellent choices. In addition to providing a warming sensation when consumed, these spices dilate the body's passages and can help with sinus problems.

What Causes a Runny Nose?

Four different things can cause runny noses. We investigate each of them to see how they influence you.

Colds are Very Prevalent

A common cold, often known as an upper respiratory infection, is one of the most prevalent reasons for doctor visits (URI). Though the term 'common cold' implies being contracted by exposure to cold temperatures, this is inaccurate. More than 200 different viruses cause upper respiratory infections.

The common cold can be transmitted through the air (for example, by breathing respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing) or by close human contact (e.g., touching the nose or mouth by hand or another object exposed to the virus). As a result, entire houses and offices might be infected in a short amount of time. A crowded and cramped environment is ideal for spreading the common cold.

Allergies

Allergies can also cause runny noses. This happens when exposed to allergens or irritants that trigger an allergic reaction. Dust, pollen, animal fur, and even some foods can be allergens. Pollen allergies affect persons who are allergic to it on a seasonal basis. For example, when flowering plants, trees, weeds, and grasses begin to produce pollen in the spring and summer, you might expect a runny nose.

Your immune system reacts to these allergen particles as an invading threat to your health, resulting in allergic responses. These particles might irritate the nasal passage as well. Allergies frequently produce clear nasal secretions. In rare situations, though, they may turn yellow and purulent.

Hormonal Changes

Inflammation and expansion of the nasal blood artery might be caused by hormonal changes or imbalance. Hormonal rhinitis is the name for this condition. Hormonal imbalances or alterations can immediately impact the membranes of your nasal passage. As a result, your nose will produce more mucus than usual, resulting in a horrible runny nose.

In pregnant women, hormonal rhinitis is a common symptom. This is owing to the significant hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. For example, a runny nose and nasal congestion affect 39 percent of pregnant women. Hormonal rhinitis can also be caused by menopause, puberty, or contraceptive use.

Cold Air

The cold weather is not a concern. All year long, we get to bask in the scorching heat of the tropics. To combat the intense heat, we utilize air conditioning. However, this has the same drawbacks as frigid climates. The dryness of cold air will cause your nasal membranes to dry out. When you have a dry nose, your body increases mucus production. This is a method of balancing the fluids in your nose tube. When you're in a cold environment, your nose always gets a little wet and runny.

Signs and Symptoms of a Runny Nose

You may believe that your nose is simply reacting to dusty or cold conditions. On the other hand, a runny nose is usually an indication that your nasal canal is swollen and irritated. These symptoms may linger for a few days or even weeks if left untreated. The following are some symptoms of a runny nose:

  • Excessive mucus production
  • Nasal discharge
  • Difficulty breathing 
  • Nasal congestion
  • Increased pressure in the nasal canals causes a headache or facial pain.
  • Mucus pouring back into your throat causes a sore throat or cough (postnasal drip)

In some extreme cases, blowing your nose too hard can cause nose bleeding, and chronic postnasal drip can lead to a sore throat or laryngitis.

How to Treat a Runny Nose

Antihistamines are a typical treatment for a runny nose. When you have a runny nose, your body produces substances known as histamines. This chemical is secreted when your body tries to fight infections or allergies. Antihistamines work to prevent the effects of histamines, which are responsible for inflammation.

Sneezing, runny nose, and coughing can be relieved with antihistamines. Antihistamines are available over the counter at convenience stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies. Over-the-counter antihistamines include Clarinase, Zyrtec, Clarityn, and Telfast, which can be purchased without a doctor's prescription. However, it's worth noting that some antihistamines can make you drowsy, so taking them before bedtime may be a wise option.

Decongestants are another sort of over-the-counter drug. Decongestants can help with nasal congestion and obstructed passages. Nasal sprays, medicinal oils, and even humidifiers can be used as decongestants. Having a runny nose is a frustrating experience. You may become impatient and upset because of the discomfort, inconvenience, and lack of sleep.

What can you do to make it more bearable? Here are a few methods for dealing with a runny nose.

To clean your nose, use facial tissues that are softer on your skin.

When it comes to blowing your nose, the fabric you use might make a big difference. Your nose's skin is susceptible and prone to inflammation. As a result, it's critical to select textiles that are soft and mild. We suggest you to use paper towels, handkerchiefs, and cloth. Instead, use facial tissues. Try face tissues with lotion or softeners in them to make them gentler on your skin. You might be tempted to use damp tissues to blow your nose now. Wet is moisture, and moisture equals relief from a plugged nose, right? No, no, and no. Wet tissues often contain alcohol, which can dry out your nose and make your symptoms worse.

Before going to bed, use the treatments.

Your body requires adequate rest to recover itself but obtaining enough sleep while suffering from a runny nose can be challenging. In addition, you're likely to be awake at night due to the discomfort and difficulties breathing. As a result, using the cures suggested right before bedtime might be a good idea. To relieve congestion, try to remove your mucus as much as possible before going to bed. After that, you could find it simpler to fall asleep. It's recommended to stay at home and rest if you have a runny nose. You'll also be protecting others from contracting your cold. Please make every effort to get enough sleep so that your body can recover its strength.

The transmission of germs can be slowed by practicing essential hygiene habits.

It's critical to take care of oneself so that you can improve. It's also crucial to ensure that you don't spread your germs to those around you. Be careful and do everything you can to prevent germs from spreading by practicing good hygiene. Make it a habit to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly soap and lather. Clean between your fingers, between your toes, beneath your nails, around your wrists, and on the back of your hand. A thorough hand washing should take about 20 seconds as a rule of thumb. Carry hand sanitizer with you if you want to go the additional mile.

Sneezing and coughing? Rather than covering your mouth with your hands, consider covering it with the crease of your elbow. You don't use your elbow crease as often as you do your hands. Make sure you dispose of tissues correctly if you're always prepared with tissues on hand. First, make sure your tissues aren't lying around. Immediately toss it away after blowing or wiping your nose. Do not return it to your pockets.

To prevent the spread of germs, you might want to consider wearing a face mask.

A doctor's prescription is unmatched.

These home cures are said to help you feel better. Some of these may suit you better than others.

However, if you feel a bacterial or viral infection is causing your runny nose, you should consult a doctor. Home cures and over-the-counter medications may not be effective in combating the virus or bacteria causing the runny nose. They may alleviate symptoms, but they do not address the underlying cause.

Conclusion

You can try a variety of home remedies to obtain relief from a runny nose without resorting to medication. None of these treatments are intended to cure or eliminate the underlying cause of a runny nose, such as colds, viral infections, or allergies. These methods will only provide you with respite. If you're suffering from colds, viruses, or allergies or experiencing other troubling symptoms, get more immediate therapy.


         

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