Dealing with a runny nose is annoying, annoying, and frustrating. Although sometimes caused by allergies or seasonal changes, a runny nose can also be a symptom of a more serious illness, such as a sinus infection, cold, and even the flu. Start by treating a runny nose using home remedies and over-the-counter medications, while watching for other symptoms that may point to a specific cause. Go to the doctor if the symptoms do not go away or get worse. By getting plenty of rest, drinking adequate amounts of fluids, and using the right tips and tricks, you can clear your nose and breathe easier again.
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Method 1 of 3: Using Natural Home Remedies
Step 1. Treat painful and blocked sinuses with mild acupressure
Applying acupressure on the area around the nose can relieve headaches and nasal congestion caused by a runny nose.
Press each corner of the nose 10 times (with very light pressure). Do the same for the area above the eyes. Do this action as much as two to three times a day to relieve sinuses.
Step 2. Inhale, swallow, or expel mucus by gently blowing your nose
Getting mucus out of your nose is the best way to stop a runny nose. If you need to, blow your nose gently and collect the mucus in a tissue. If your nose is bleeding badly, tear the tissue in half, and crush it into two small balls. Next, place the ball in each nostril. Breathe normally, or through your mouth.
If possible, Blow your nose with a moisturizing tissue so that the sensitive skin under the nose does not dry out. If the skin is irritated, apply a small amount of moisturizing lotion.
You may also feel mucus in the back of your throat that you cannot expel by blowing your nose. Try swallowing it to get rid of the uncomfortable feeling of the blockage.
Step 3. Try doing steam therapy at home
To relieve and stop the pressure on your nose, take a warm bath or shower, and leave the bathroom full of steam. You can also place a towel over your head, and crouch over a bowl or pot of hot water. Or, run hot water in the shower and sit in the shower without getting into the tub. Do this two to four times a day.
- You can also use a vaporizer or humidifier for the same effect.
- To make it more effective, add eucalyptus oil, camphor, or peppermint oil. Pour a little oil into a bowl filled with hot water, or splash it around the shower before you turn it on.
Step 4. Place a warm, wet washcloth on your face to relieve the pressure on your nose
Dip the washcloth in warm water, or run warm water over the washcloth until it's soaking wet. Squeeze out the excess water, then place the washcloth on your face for 2 to 3 minutes.
Alternatively, wet a washcloth, then heat it in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds, or until warm
Step 5. Keep your head elevated when you lie down to relieve nasal congestion
Rest is important when the body is struggling to fight off annoying symptoms such as a runny nose. When you rest lying down, elevate your head by propping it up with several pillows to allow the fluid in your nose to drain naturally.
This position also allows you to breathe easily
Step 6. Drink plenty of water and warm fluids to help expel mucus
Keeping the body hydrated will encourage the discharge of fluids so that the nose is not runny anymore. Try to drink a glass of water every hour or so, and also drink hot liquids such as herbal teas or even soups to make your nose feel better.
Step 7. Make a saline solution to clear mucus
Mix 1 cup (250 ml) warm water, teaspoon (3 grams) salt, and a little baking soda. Use a bulb syringe, small spray bottle, or neti pot to drain the saline solution into your nose 3 to 4 times a day.
Be careful not to overuse the saline solution because it can make a runny nose worse
Method 2 of 3: Clear a Runny Nose with Medicine
Step 1. Use a nasal spray and wash to remove mucus
Nasal sprays and saline washes can be purchased at pharmacies, and can be used to remove mucus that keeps running out of the nose. Choose a solution that is gentle and designed for runny and stuffy noses. Use 3-4 times a day and follow the directions carefully.
Do not use the nasal spray for more than 5 days because it can make your nose run again
Step 2. Place the nasal tape under your nose so you can breathe easily
Purchase this patch at the pharmacy to clear your nose and clear congestion. Choose a tape specifically designed for colds and nasal congestion, and follow the directions on the package when you apply it to the bridge of the nose. Use as often as possible, but always follow the directions on the package.
Nasal pads are usually used at night. However, if your nose continues to discharge a lot of mucus, you can also use it during the day
Step 3. Use a decongestant to dry the nasal passages
Go to the drugstore and buy a decongestant (usually in pill form) that can dry and constrict the nasal passages. This remedy is especially useful if you are trying hard to get rid of a runny or stuffy nose. Check the product packaging for the dosage.
Use a decongestant only for 2 to 3 days. If used excessively, decongestants can make the nose become blocked again, even with more severe conditions
Step 4. Try taking an antihistamine if you think your runny nose is due to allergies
If your runny nose is caused by allergies, use an antihistamine product to relieve the symptoms. Take the medicine according to the directions on the package, and read the side effects carefully. Remember, some antihistamines can cause drowsiness.
Commonly used antihistamines include Zyrtec, Benadryl, and Allegra
Method 3 of 3: Treating the Underlying Cause
Step 1. Treat a sinus infection if you have a headache or a swollen nose
Sometimes a sinus infection can cause a runny nose, especially if the discharge is yellow or green. Other symptoms that can appear include nasal congestion, mucus running down the back of the throat, and pain, swelling, or pressure around the cheeks, nose, eyes, or forehead. Try doing the following things to treat sinus infections:
- Do steam therapy yourself at home or apply a warm compress to your face.
- Using a nasal spray of saline solution or nasal corticosteroids, which can treat inflammation.
- Take a decongestant without a doctor's prescription for two to three days.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), or ibuprofen (Advil).
- Go to the doctor if the infection does not go away for a week or more.
Step 2. Avoid nasal irritants if you have allergies
A runny nose is a common symptom of allergies, which can be caused by several irritants, such as pet dander, pollen, dust mites, or food. Observe if your nose produces more mucus when you are around certain objects. As much as possible avoid these objects, or take anti-allergic drugs to reduce symptoms.
- Other allergy symptoms include sneezing, itching around the face, and swollen or red eyes.
- You can also treat runny nose caused by allergies by running saline solution into your nose and reducing allergens (allergies) by vacuuming regularly, and washing sheets and dolls in hot water.
Step 3. Take cold medicine if you experience other cold symptoms
The common cold is one of the most common causes of a runny nose. Symptoms are relatively easy to identify, such as sore throat, sneezing, coughing, and body aches. Do some of the things below to treat the common cold:
- Taking pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (such as Tylenol).
- Use decongestant drops or spray for up to 5 days.
- Take cough syrup to relieve a cough or sore throat.
Step 4. Go to the doctor if you have flu-like symptoms
The flu can have symptoms similar to the common cold at first (including a runny nose). The difference is, flu symptoms come on suddenly, not like a cold. Other symptoms that appear include fever with a body temperature of more than 38 °C, muscle aches, headache, chills and sweating, and nasal congestion. If you think you have the flu, go to the doctor immediately and be careful not to pass it on to other people. Prevent this by washing your hands, covering your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and not going to crowded places. Do the following things to relieve the symptoms:
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
- Take antiviral medication if prescribed by a doctor.
- Take pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to relieve pain.
