To stop a runny nose, it’s crucial that you know whats causing it.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
What Causes a Runny Nose?
If you have a virus, your mucus can be thick and yellow.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
Things like steam and warm drinks can clear your nasal passages, help them drain, and relieve pressure.
Fluid helps yourimmune systemwork better by making it easier for nutrients to get to your body’s cells.
Hot Shower
A hot shower works like steam inhalation.
A steamy bathroom is safer for children than other ways to breathe in steam.
A shower is less likely to lead to accidental spills of very hot water that can burn.
However, children should always be supervised when in a bathroom where there is running hot water.
Rest
A runny nose is often a sign that your body is fighting an infection.
you’re gonna wanna get plenty of rest to help your immune system do its job.
You may even find a daytime nap helpful.
Humidifier
Humidifiersadd moisture to the air.
This can help loosen mucus and make it easier for the fluid to drain out of your nose.
Humidifiers are convenient because you’re able to run them in your bedroom while youre asleep.
Neti Pot
Anetipotis a container that can be used to help clear nasal passages.
It washes out (irrigates) mucus and flushes the sinuses.
You should only use distilled, sterile, or boiled and cooled water for a neti pot.
This helps the water pass through the delicate nasal tissues.
Ask a pharmacist to help you find salt that can be used for this purpose.
For example, allergy medicines wont necessarily help if you have a viral infection.
Nasal Sprays
Nasal sprays may help with a runny nose.
The bang out you choose will depend on the cause and your preference.
You might need to try a few kinds before you find one that works.
However, anticholinergics are only available by prescription.
Some OTC products are also available at higher prescription strength.
Often a runny nose doesn’t require treatment.
However, you might find relief from some at-home measures like steam, warm compress, and warm drinks.
Nasal sprays and OTC medications can also help.
You may have allergies that you could manage with a proper diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unfortunately, there is no single way to stop a runny nose completely.
Blowing your nose, steam inhalation, or taking decongestants or antihistamines may help.
Often runny noses are most profuse in the early stages of an illness.
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