A running nose may not be harmful but certainly causes discomfort and irritation throughout the period it persists. Running nose or Rhinorrhea, coming from Greek combination of words, is a symptom of common cold and allergies. It depends largely on how your body reacts to the environment and other objects. Anyone can have a running nose, at anytime. A constant recurring running nose is quite troublesome, and can distract you from concentrating. A doctor is the best person to advise you to get rid of this problem. However, there are certain home remedies which may come to your aid while dealing with one.
Complexity Level: Basic
Time required: 1-2 days
Resources required:
- Salt water
- Nasal spray
- Histamine
- Humidifier
- Mustard oil
- Eyedropper
- Ginger/garlic
- Cold Medication
Instructions:
1: Know the cause
- If possible, try to ascertain the cause of your running nose.
- Allergy driven running nose can demand medication. There is also prescription for allergy to be taken on a daily basis.
- If you have cold or virus, chances are that the symptoms will be for short term.
- Avoiding the allergens will resolve much of your problem.
2: Increase humidity of environment
- Breathe in moist air. Get a humidifier in your home if you do not have one. It may help remove cold and flu viruses and help you in stopping the running nose.
- Moist air helps to thin mucus. On the contrary, dry air can worsen your running nose. You can also increase your fluid intake to help your body work ease off your nasal passage.
3: Natural remedies
- There are certain natural medications you may use, but with caution. Flushing is one such method.
- Mix a teaspoon of salt with warm water. Put a few drops of the solution, using an eyedropper, in each nostril.
- This helps to irrigate the nasal passages. Clean your nose besides flushing. You can also purchase saline drops or saline nasal sprays.
- Another method is to chew a small ginger root (3-4 times a day). It can reduce the mucus in your nose.
- Alternately, garlic can also be used (but has a typical odor). Putting drops of mustard oil into the nostrils may also help ease off running nose. Consume food items rich in antioxidants to help your body fight the allergens (or other cause).
4: Medication for rescue
- Histamine can be used to stop a running nose. Nasal spray also works with many people, but a prolonged use is not recommended.
- Cold medications can also give relief. However, medication has its side effect(s) and works best under expert advice. Some can cause drowsiness and cannot be undertaken by people who are at risk of potentially harming themselves (like drivers).
5: Massage for running nose
- Do 10 motions (of round movements) on a cavity at the corners of your nostrils. While doing this, you should almost close and open the nostrils.
- Do 10 motions on a cavity just below the corners of your eyes (near the nose).
- Do 10 motions on a cavity just below the ears (behind the earlobes).
- Massage your earlobes 10 times.
Frequently asked questions:
1. What causes a runny nose during the cold?
A running nose can be caused due to viruses. They have been found to infect the nose and sinuses first. During running nose, the nose discharges clear mucus; this may change to white or yellow color in the span of 2-3 days.
2. Are antibiotics ever needed for a runny nose?
A running nose may be accompanied by cough, headache, muscle ache and fever. But this essentially may not want you to take an antibiotic. However, if a child suffers from fever and does not show signs of recovery even after 10-14 days, antibiotics may be needed. You doctor is the best person to advise you about requirement of any antibiotics. He/she can suggest one on diagnosing sinusitis.
Quick tips:
While blowing nose, use mild pressure to avoid irritation.
Things to watch out for:
- Alcohol and caffeine should be avoided. They can lead to dehydration, making your mucus thicker.
- Consulting a doctor may be required when symptoms persist for more than 10 days.