What is a runny nose? A runny nose is caused by an excess of drainage from the nasal passages and nose. The drainage ranges from clear fluid to thicker mucous. Sometimes we get runny noses from exercising, or being in extremely cold or hot temperatures.
Seasonal allergies are a cause of runny noses as well. Seasonal allergies are caused by an allergic response to something resulting in itchy eyes, stuffy and runny nose.
Unfortunately, there are a few more culprits for runny nose. Often times the cause of a runny nose is a cold or flu. When that’s the case, along with other not-so-pleasant cold and flu symptoms, a runny nose can add to the discomfort and frustration.
Why do you get a runny nose during a cold or flu? Cold and flu causes upper respiratory symptoms such as sinus pressure and runny nose. When infections, such as influenza and common cold, enter the body, they irritate the nasal and sinus lining. The nasal tissues become inflamed and create excess mucous. This mucous acts to trap the virus and bacteria and expel it by flushing out of the nose and sinuses.
A runny nose can be frustrating and uncomfortable, so if you’re struggling with this issue we have 10 remedies and ways to stop a runny nose in its tracks!
1. Hot Tea
Hot teas, preferably ones that contain anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory herbs, help decongest airways. And the heat and steam inhaled from the hot beverage helps to open up the nasal passages. Some great examples are chamomile, mint, and ginger tea. Not only do hot teas aid in decongestion, but they help soothe sore throats, too, which can be common with influenza and colds.
2. Facial Steam
Possibly even more effective to stopping runny nose on a larger scale, is facial steam. Studies show that facial steam reduces illness recovery by one week! If you’re confused about how facial steam can help stop a runny nose, I’ll give you some easy steps to follow!
– Heat a pot of water on the stove until steam forms. Don’t wait until it boils.
– Remove the pot of water from heat, and place your face over it at a safe distance, but where you can still inhale the steam.
– Cover your head with a clean towel and breathe in the steam, taking deep breaths. Do this for about 15 minutes at a time.
– Directly afterwards, blow your nose. The steam allows the nasal passages to decongest making it easier to remove the mucous effectively.
3. Get Plenty of Rest
Resting is important in fighting virus and infection, that causes runny noses. Getting plenty of rest allows the body to strengthen its immune system. This results in overcoming influenza or common cold, and getting rid of that runny nose!
4. Saline Nasal Spray
Saline solution in saline nasal sprays, help to soothe the inflamed mucous membranes in the nose. Saline nasal spray is fairly inexpensive, and relieves symptoms from a variety of conditions, including influenza, common cold, and seasonal allergies. With minimal side effects, such as sneezing and bitter taste, nasal sprays can assist in flushing out excess mucous.
5. Cold Medicines
Certain cold medicines serve as decongestants, therefore they help expel excess nasal drainage by thinning out the mucous. Obviously this means your runny nose will become even more runny, before you feel relief.
Other cold medicines that stop runny noses work a bit differently. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine. It reduces the reaction the body has when exposed to irritants, virus, and bacteria. Essentially, this type of cold medicine dries up your runny nose, so you get symptom relief almost right away.
6. Drink Plenty of Fluids
Congestion occurs because mucous becomes too sticky and thick. When this happens, you cannot expel the excess mucous, and you become even more congested. Drinking lots of fluids helps thin out the mucous membranes. Stay away from beverages that may dehydrate you, if you want to stop your runny nose.
7. Neti Pot
What is a neti pot? Well a neti pot looks like a small tea pot containing a spout. The neti pot is filled with warm saline solution, and this pot is used for nasal irrigation.
How do you use a neti pot? You use this pot to pour the saline solution into one nostril and out through the other. This procedure thoroughly rinses out the sinuses.
8. Eat Something Spicy
What does spicy food have to do with runny noses?! If you’ve ever eaten spicy foods, you’ve likely noticed you start sort of sniffling. That’s because spicy foods can help with decongestion and relieve sinus problems. Essentially this means you can expel mucous easier which helps alleviate a runny nose.
Horseradish, ginger, hot peppers, and spicy herbs and spices can aid in dilating passageways and loosening mucous.
9. Use A Humidifier
The way to rid yourself of a runny nose effectively, is to decongest and allow your nose to drain easily. A cool mist vaporizer, or a clean humidifier can add moisture to your room, which results in moist nasal passageways. Moisture in your nasal passageways will allow mucous to drain more effectively.
10. Hot Shower
Finally, a hot shower can help stop runny nose. Steam from the shower can assist with breaking up congestion in your sinuses and relieve symptoms from a runny nose.
A hot shower not only helps to stop a runny nose, but it also makes us feel so much better, cleaner, and healthier when we are ill with cold, influenza, or suffering from seasonal allergies.