It is annoying and sometimes even disheartening to have a constantly runny nose. In some cases, rhinorrhea is due to seasonal changes and allergies, but in others it can be caused by a more serious condition, such as a cold, sinusitis or even the flu. Start treating yourself with simple home remedies and over-the-counter medications, looking for other symptoms that may indicate the cause. If they persist or get worse, see your doctor. By resting, staying hydrated and following the right advice, you will be able to clear your nose and get back to breathing normally.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using Natural Remedies
Step 1. Swallow or gently blow your nose to clear the mucus
Clearing mucus from your nose is the best way to keep it from dripping, so blow it gently with a tissue when you feel the need. If the secretions are abundant, divide the tissue in half, ball the two pieces and place them in each nostril. Breathe normally or through your mouth.
- If you can, blow your nose using a soothing and emollient tissue so it doesn't dry out the skin. If it gets irritated, apply a moisturizer.
- If you feel the mucus flowing down your throat, you won't be able to expel it using the handkerchief. Try swallowing it to get rid of the sensation of flowing liquid blocking your nose.
Step 2. Test the steam
To relieve pressure in the nasal passages and prevent it from continuing to leak, take a hot bath or shower taking advantage of the steam that forms gradually. You can also put a towel over your head and lean it over a pot or basin filled with hot water, or turn on the hot water tap in the shower and sit in the bathroom. Repeat this 2-4 times a day.
- You could also use a vaporizer or humidifier.
- To enhance the effect, add eucalyptus, camphor or mint oil. Pour a few drops into the basin of hot water or inside the shower before turning on the tap.
Step 3. Make a saline spray to clear the mucus
Mix 240ml of warm water, 3g of salt and a pinch of baking soda. Use a syringe, small spray bottle, or neti pot to apply the saline solution to your nostrils 3-4 times a day.
Be careful not to overdo it, otherwise there is a risk that the rhinorrhea will get worse
Step 4. Wet a washcloth with warm water and place it on your face to relieve pressure in the nasal passages
Dampen a cloth with hot water or hold it under the tap (always turning on the hot water) until it soaks. Squeeze it out so it doesn't drip and apply it to your face for 2-3 minutes.
You can also wet it and put it in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or until it warms up
Step 5. Treat sinus pain and congestion with acupressure
Applied to the areas around the nose, acupressure is able to relieve congestion and headaches due to rhinorrhea. Press lightly about ten times on each corner of the nose. Repeat the same operation in the area above the eyes.
Do this 2-3 times a day to decrease the pressure in the nasal passages
Step 6. Keep your head elevated when you lie down to relieve congestion
It is important to rest when the body is battling annoying symptoms, such as rhinorrhea. When you lie down, rest your head on a couple of pillows to encourage the natural flow of secretions from the nose.
This pose will also help you breathe better
Step 7. Drink plenty of water and warm liquids to help get the mucus out
Keeping yourself hydrated will allow nasal secretions to flow preventing your nose from continuing to run. Try to drink a glass of water almost every hour and consume hot liquids, such as herbal teas and soups, to relieve congestion.
Method 2 of 3: Eliminate Nasal Secretions with Medicines
Step 1. Use a nasal spray or solution to decrease the amount of mucus
These products help eliminate mucus that runs outward or down the throat. You can buy them at the pharmacy. Choose one that is suitable for runny nose or nasal congestion and use it 3-4 times a day, following the instructions carefully.
Do not apply the nasal spray for more than 5 days, otherwise it could lead to a flare-up of congestion
Step 2. Place a nasal patch to make breathing easier
Go to the pharmacy and buy some nasal patches to help relieve the symptoms of a stuffy nose. Try those specially formulated for colds and congestion and follow the instructions to position them correctly. Use them with the frequency indicated in the leaflet.
They are usually used at night, but if the rhinorrhea is quite severe you can also apply them during the day
Step 3. Use a decongestant to clear the nasal passages
Go to the pharmacy and ask for a decongestant medication (usually in tablets) to help dry out the secretions. It can be of great help if you are trying to relieve the symptoms of a stuffy nose or runny nose. Read the instructions to know how to use.
Only use it for 2-3 days. If you overdo it, it could lead to a flare-up of congestion
Step 4. Try an antihistamine if you think you have any allergies
If the rhinorrhea is allergic in nature, buy an antihistamine to relieve symptoms. Take it following the directions and read carefully the side effects: some antihistamines can make you drowsy.
The most common antihistamines are Allergan, Zyrtec and Fexallegra
Method 3 of 3: Treating the Core Pathology
Step 1. Treat sinusitis if you have a headache or feel pressure in your nasal passages
In some cases, sinusitis can cause rhinorrhea, especially if the secretions are thick and yellow or greenish in color. Other symptoms include congestion, watery discharge running down the throat, pain, swelling or pressure around the eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead. To treat sinusitis, try:
- Use the steam or apply a warm compress to the face.
- Use a saline or corticosteroid nasal spray to relieve inflammation.
- Take an over-the-counter decongestant medication for 2-3 days.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as aspirin, acetaminophen (Tachipirina), or ibuprofen (Moment or Brufen).
- See your doctor if your sinusitis doesn't go away within a week.
Step 2. Avoid substances that irritate the nose if you are allergic
Runny nose is a typical symptom of allergies and can be triggered by various irritants, such as pollen, pet hair, dust mites, or certain foods. Notice if your nose starts to run more when you are in contact with certain substances and, once identified, avoid them as much as possible or take an anti-allergic drug to reduce symptoms.
- Other symptoms of allergies include sneezing, widespread itching of the face, redness and swelling of the eyes.
- You can relieve allergic rhinorrhea by doing a nasal irrigation with a saline solution and reducing exposure to allergens. So, vacuum regularly and wash bedding and stuffed animals with hot water.
Step 3. Treat yourself with medication if you have cold symptoms
One of the most common causes of rhinorrhea is a cold, which is usually accompanied by fairly simple symptoms, including sore throat, cough, sneezing, and muscle aches. To treat colds, try:
- Take a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tachipirina).
- Apply a decongestant medication in drops or sprays for a maximum of 5 days.
- Take cough syrup to relieve sore throat and cough.
Step 4. See your doctor if you have flu symptoms
In the early stages, the flu can be accompanied by cold-like symptoms, including rhinorrhea, except that they develop suddenly. Others include fever above 38 ° C, body aches, chills and sweat, headache and congestion. If you think you have the flu, see your doctor as soon as possible and be careful not to pass it on to other people. So, wash your hands, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and avoid crowded places. To relieve symptoms, try:
- Rest and consume plenty of fluids.
- Take an antiviral drug, if prescribed by your doctor.
- Use a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tachipirina) or ibuprofen (Moment or Brufen), to relieve pain.
