10 Ways to Relieve a Runny Nose

Here are some helpful tips to help you alleviate your runny nose.

Rhinorrhea—more commonly known as a runny nose—is one of your body's ways of flushing out irritants, allergens, or infections from your nasal passages. It can sneak up on you when you least expect it and, while it's not usually a major health concern, constantly reaching for tissues or struggling to breathe comfortably can get inconvenient and uncomfortable.

A runny nose can be triggered by various factors such as allergies, colds, flu, or irritants like dust and smoke. In a warm and humid country like the Philippines, changes in temperature and air quality can make things even worse. Fortunately, there are many easy ways to get relief and stop that constant sniffing. Here are just a few:

1. Use Saline Sprays

Saline sprays are a simple way to rinse out mucus and clear up your nasal passages. They work by flushing out allergens, dust, and other irritants that might be causing the problem. As an added benefit, saline sprays keep your nose from drying out, preventing your runny nose from feeling worse than it is. The best thing about these sprays is that they are available at most drugstores and pharmacies at an affordable price range.

2. Take Antihistamines for Allergies

If your runny nose is caused by an allergic reaction, taking antihistamines can be an effective solution. These medications block histamines, which are responsible for symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and that annoying nasal drip. Some antihistamines may cause drowsiness, however, so check the label before taking one if you need to stay alert. Many antihistamines can be purchased at pharmacies, either over the counter or with a prescription.

It might also help to trace the source of the allergens. For instance, dust or pet dander on your bed, pillows, carpet, or couch could be the culprit. Thorough vacuuming could help relieve the sniffles and prevent them from coming back.

3. Try Over-the-Counter Cold Medicine

If you’ve caught a cold, a decongestant or other cold medicine can help reduce inflammation and slow down mucus production. There are plenty of options for runny nose medicine Philippines-based drug stores, offering various solutions that can help get you back to feeling normal. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions for safe and effective relief.

4. Drink Plenty of Fluids

Staying hydrated is key when dealing with a runny nose. Fluids help thin out mucus, making it easier to clear from your system. Hot drinks or foods like tea, ginger water, or chicken soup can be extra soothing, as the warmth can help loosen mucus. For natural relief, you can make fresh ginger tea by boiling ginger slices in water for 10-15 minutes and then adding honey for additional relief.

5. Breathe in Steam

A quick and natural way to clear up a runny nose is steam therapy. Simply pour steaming hot water into a bowl, lean over it with a towel over your head, and take deep breaths. Adding an essential oil in the water, like eucalyptus or peppermint, can make it even more effective. You can also take a hot shower and inhale the steam for similar results.

6. Use a Humidifier

If the air is too dry, it can make your runny nose worse by irritating your nasal passages. Using a humidifier wherever you spend most of your time adds moisture to the air, which prevents your nasal passages from drying out.

7. Get Enough Rest

Your body needs sleep to fight off infections, so getting enough is crucial when dealing with a runny nose. That might be a bit of a chicken-egg conundrum, however, because getting some sleep while you have a runny nose can be a problem. For some relief, consider taking some cold medicine before going to bed.

Aim for at least 7 to 9 hours of rest and avoid overexerting yourself to allow your immune system to recover properly.

8. Use Nasal Strips at Night

If your runny nose keeps you up at night, nasal strips can help. These stick to the outside of your nose and gently open up your nasal passages, making breathing and sleeping easier. You can find nasal strips in some drugstores and online retailers.

You can also try nasal inhalers for quick relief to clear nasal congestion and soothe irritation. These inhalers contain menthol, camphor, or eucalyptus, which help reduce mucus buildup and open airways.

9. Eat Honey and Ginger

Honey and ginger are natural remedies that help soothe irritation and reduce mucus production. Mix a teaspoon of honey with fresh ginger tea or warm water to make a simple remedy. Honey can also be taken on its own to coat the throat and relieve irritation. Make sure you use real honey, not honey-flavored syrup, which contains a lot of sugar that can possibly make your issue worse.

10. Soothe Your Throat with Herbal Candy

There are popular herbal candies or lozenges known for soothing effects on the throat and nasal passages. A blend of herbal ingredients like loquat leaf and honey soothes and coats the throat, reducing inflammation. Meanwhile, menthol and mint extracts provide a cooling effect.

Breathe Easy Again

A runny nose can be irritating, but it is often manageable with simple remedies. Whether using home treatments like honey and ginger or over-the-counter options such as nasal inhalers, relief is within reach. Many of these remedies are available at local pharmacies, supermarkets, and online stores, and some you can make from stuff you already have in your pantry.

Most runny noses clear up in a few days. If yours persists for more than 10 days or comes with a fever, headache, or facial pain, it could be a symptom of something more serious. See a doctor to find out for sure so they can recommend the right treatment.