Content

• Steps

A runny nose can be frustrating, frustrating, and confusing. Sometimes a runny nose is caused by seasonal changes or allergies, but it can also be a symptom of illnesses, such as a cold, sinus infection, or even the flu. Start treating a runny nose with home remedies and over-the-counter medications, and keep an eye on other symptoms that may indicate the cause. See a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen. With plenty of rest, hydration and some therapy, you can clear your nose and get normal breathing again.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Use home remedies

1. 

   Sniff, swallow, or blow gently to clear the runny nose. Getting the mucus out of your nose is the best way to stop a runny nose, so gently blow your nose into a tissue when needed. If your runny nose does not stop, tear a tissue in half, curl it into two small pieces of paper, and insert each into one nostril. Breathe normally or breathe through the mouth.
   • If you can, blow your nose into a wet tissue to keep from drying the sensitive skin underneath your nose. If your skin gets irritated, apply some moisturizing lotion.
   • You may also feel a mucus in your throat that you cannot pass out a tissue. Try swallowing it down to treat a runny nose and feeling stuffy.

2. 

   
   
   Try home steam therapy. To reduce the pressure in your nose and stop a runny nose, take a hot shower or bath with hot water and let the steam fill the room. You can also wrap a towel around your head and lean over a pot or bowl of hot water, or simply turn on a hot shower and sit in the bathroom without standing in the shower. Do it 2-4 times per day.
   • You can also use a vaporizer or humidifier for the same effect.
   • To increase the effect, you can add a little eucalyptus oil, camphor alcohol or peppermint oil to the water. Pour some into a bowl or hot water, or sprinkle a little around the shower before turning it on.

3. 

   
   
   Make your own saline nasal sprays to wash off mucus. Mix 1 cup (240 ml) of warm water with ½ teaspoon (3 grams) of salt and a pinch of baking soda. Use a syringe, small spray bottle or a nasal wash bottle to spray the saline into your nose 3-4 times a day.
   • Be careful not to overdo the salt water, as this can make your runny nose worse.

4. 

   
   
   Apply a warm, wet washcloth to your face to relieve the pressure in your nose. Soak a washcloth in warm water, or tap it under warm running water until the towel is soaked.Wring out the water so the towel is only damp, then apply to face for 2-3 minutes.
   • You can also wet the towel, then microwave it for 30-45 seconds or until it is warm.

5. 

   Treat sinus pain and congestion with gentle pressure pressure. Nasal pressure pressure therapy can help relieve congestion and headaches caused by a runny nose. Press gently 10 times on each corner of your nose. Do the same with the area above the eye.
   • Do this two to three times a day to relieve sinus pain.

6. 

   Keep your head up when lying down to reduce congestion. Rest is important when your body is coping with unpleasant symptoms like a runny nose. When resting, place your head on a few pillows to help the nasal discharge naturally drain.
   • This pose will also help you breathe easier.

7. 

   Drink plenty of water and fluids to help mucus drain. Staying hydrated will help keep the fluids in your nose flowing out, so that you won't run a runny nose as well. Try to drink a glass of water about an hour apart, and incorporate hot beverages such as herbal teas, or even soups, to increase your nasal soothing effect. advertisement

Method 2 of 3: Cure a runny nose with medicine

1. 

   Use a saline solution or salt water spray to clear mucus. Saline sprays and solutions, available at drugstores, can help remove mucus from the nose. Choose a mild one specifically designed to treat congestion and runny nose, and use 3-4 times per day as directed.
   • Avoid using the nasal spray for more than 5 days, as this can return congestion.

2. 

   Place a nasal strip under your nose to make it easier to breathe. You can find a nasal decongestant bandage at pharmacies to help clear your nose and reduce congestion. Try a bandage that's made specifically for colds and congestion. Place the bandage across the bridge of your nose according to the instructions on the box. Use as directed on the package.
   • Nasal decongestants are usually used at night, but if the runny is too severe, you can also use it during the day.

3. 

   Use decongestants to dry the nasal passages. Find decongestants at the pharmacy. The drug is usually available in pill form, which is known to constrict and dry the nasal passages. This medicine can be very helpful when you're dealing with a runny or stuffy nose. Read the instructions on the packaging for the dosage to use.
   • Only use decongestants for 2-3 days. If taken too much, this medicine can cause stuffy nose again and even worse.

4. 

   Try antihistamines if you think you are allergic. If you suspect that your runny nose is caused by an allergy, buy an antihistamine from the pharmacy to ease your symptoms. Take the medication according to the package directions and read carefully about the side effects - some antihistamines can cause drowsiness.
   • Common antihistamines include Benadryl, Zyrtec, and Allegra.
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Method 3 of 3: Treat the underlying cause

1. 

   Cure sinusitis if you have headaches or swelling. Sinusitis can sometimes cause a runny nose, especially if the nasal discharge is thick, yellow or green. Other symptoms include a stuffy nose, a runny nose down the throat, pain, swelling or pressure around the eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead. To treat sinusitis, try:
   • Use a home steam therapy or apply a warm compress to your face.
   • Use saline nasal sprays or nasal corticosteroid sprays that are effective in treating inflammation.
   • Take over-the-counter decongestants for 2-3 days.
   • Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like aspirin, acetaminophen (like Tylenol), or ibuprofen (like Advil).
   • See your doctor if the inflammation doesn't go away within a week.

2. 

   Avoid nasal irritants if you suffer allergy. A runny nose is a common symptom of an allergy that can be caused by certain allergens, such as pollen, animal skin flakes, dust mites, or food. Watch for more runny nose when you are around and stay away, or you can take allergy medicine to relieve your symptoms.
   • Other symptoms include sneezing, itching around the face, and swollen or red eyes.
   • You can also treat runny allergies by using salt water to wash your nose and reducing your exposure to allergens by regularly vacuuming, washing bedding and stuffed toys in hot water.

3. 

   Take cold medicine if you have cold symptoms. One of the most common causes of a runny nose is the common cold. These symptoms are relatively easy to spot, including sore throat, cough, sneezing and body aches. To cure a cold, try:
   • Take pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (like Tylenol).
   • Use nasal drops or decongestants for up to 5 days.
   • Take cough syrup to relieve a cough or sore throat.

4. 

   See a doctor if you have one flu-like symptoms. The flu can have similar symptoms to a common cold at first, including a runny nose, but is noticeably much more sudden than the cold. Other symptoms include fever above 38 degrees Celsius, muscle aches, chills and sweating, headache and stuffy nose. If you think you have the flu, see your doctor as soon as possible, and be careful not to infect others by washing your hands, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, away from crowded places. For symptom relief, try:
   • Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
   • Take antiviral medication if directed by your doctor.
   • Take pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil)
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