A runny nose is an annoyance that can negatively impact your day, from the pile of used tissues to the loss of taste to the possible blockage of your ears. Breathing issues can arise in extreme circumstances. The question now is how to alleviate the physical distress caused by a constantly running nose. The easiest way to stop a runny nose and get back to normal life.
To find a solution to your running nose, we must first determine its root cause. Getting to the bottom of the problem requires first understanding what is causing it.
What is a runny nose?
When fluid continuously drain from the nostrils, the sufferer is said to have a “runny nose.” Congestion and inflammation of the nasal canal and sinus linings are to blame for this condition, which is typically brought on by a viral infection known as the common cold.
Narrowing of the nasal passages and enlargement of the sinuses are symptoms of allergies and sinus infections, respectively. Virus-induced inflammation promotes the leakage of fluid from blood vessels into the nasal lining and into the nose itself. Inflammation in the nasal lining causes a restriction of airflow and a constant stream of nasal discharge.
What causes a runny nose?
Let’s consider the various causes of your runny nose before diving into some solutions.
- Allergic reactions, viral infections, and colds: The body produces more mucus in response to an infection or allergy, which helps to block the path of the invaders. You may read our post on the similarities and differences between the common cold and the flu if you’re curious.
- Crying: Tears flow from glands located behind the eyelids, collect in the nose, and then exit the body via the nasal passages, where they combine with mucus. A runny nose is the outcome of this! Our website has further information about the causes of our tears.
- Due to the cold: The nose serves to pre-warm the air before it is inhaled on cold days. The nasal blood vessels dilate, causing an increase in mucus production and a persistently runny nose.
Natural Treatments for Runny Nose:
An effective physiological function like a runny nose is nevertheless bothersome, though. Or maybe you’re not in a hurry for it to end. Figuring out how to stop a runny nose should be less of a mystery after the possible cause has been identified. Thus, if you’ve ever wondered, “How do I stop my nose from running?” you need to look no further. These are the most effective ways to stop a nosebleed:
Drink Up!
Drink lots of water. It helps in the dissolution of congestion, lubricates the throat, and prevents dehydration.
Get thirsty and need some drink suggestions? To quench your thirst, think about consuming some H2O, sports drinks, herbal teas, fruit juice, or ginger ale. Chicken soup is worth a try, too.
Steam:
Stopping the bleeding requires clearing your nasal passages. Simply placing your head over a bowl of hot water will release the congestion in your sinuses. In many cases, this is the quickest way to alleviate the discomfort of a sore throat and the discharge from a stuffy nose.
Hot Shower:
In the same way, that breathing in steam may be therapeutic, so can taking a hot shower. Instead of using a bowl of hot water, you use the steam from a hot shower. You can either take a shower or simply sit on the floor and inhale the mist.
Neti pot:
It is common practice to treat sinus problems by using a neti pot for nasal irrigation (also termed nasal lavage). That includes stuffy nose and discomfort.
The neti pot is a miniature water container with a spout, similar to a teapot. You fill the pot with a warm saline or saltwater solution and then flush it out of one nostril before repeating the process with the other. This is an effective way to clear out your nasal passages.
Blow your Nose Gently:
It’s important to have access to tissues at all times if you suffer from a runny nose. When you can, blow your nose to remove mucus. But don’t force it.
If you blow too hard, the phlegm and mucus you just cleared out of your throat will return to your ear canal, where it might cause an infection. When this happens, place a finger over one nostril and softly blow out the other.
You probably need to get some rest if you have a runny nose because that means your body is fighting an infection. Get plenty of shut-eye to keep your immune system strong. If you’re sick with a cold or the flu, you should try to get to bed at a normal hour, or even earlier. A nap could be quite useful.
Conclusion:
If you want to avoid using medication to treat your runny nose, there are a number of home remedies you can try.
The only benefit you’ll get from these methods is temporary relief. Consult the best ENT specialist if you frequently become sick from the common cold, the flu, or allergies, or if you have any additional concerns.
FAQs:
When Should you be Worried About a Runny Nose?
If your symptoms have not improved after 10 days, you should see a doctor. Your fever is really high. You have a yellowish-green discharge from your nose and possibly sinus pain or a fever. It is a sign of bacterial infection.
How Long Does a Runny Nose Last?
After two or three days, the color of the mucus may change from green to white, yellow, or clear. This is very typical, and it does not warrant antibiotic treatment. In some cases, such as with a cough or a stuffy nose, symptoms might last for up to two weeks. Those signs ought to fade with time.
Does a Runny Nose Mean Sick?
In most cases, no. Contagious diseases like the common cold and COVID-19 may manifest with symptoms like a runny nose. However, environmental factors like temperature, hormonal changes, or allergens could also play a role in triggering this.
