Most of the time all you need to do for a runny nose is blow your nose. However, you can also try an antihistamine. This type of medication counteracts histamine -- the substance your body releases when you are exposed to something you are allergic to. Whether your runny nose is the result of a cold or an allergy, an antihistamine will dry up some of the mucus your nose produces.
In some cases, a runny nose can be a sign of a more serious problem. See a doctor if:
- Your symptoms persist longer than three weeks, or you have a fever along with your runny nose.
- Your nasal discharge is thick and a color other than white or gray -- perhaps green or yellow and is accompanied by sinus pain. This may be a sign of a bacterial infection, such as sinusitis.
- Your nose is persistently runny on one side only. In a child, this might be a sign that a small object is lodged in that nostril.
- You have blood in your nasal discharge or a persistent clear discharge after a head injury.
- You have a serious medical condition, such as severe asthma or emphysema, or you are on immune-suppressing medications.
Postnasal drip: Common companion to a runny nose
Even when you do not have a cold or allergies, your nose and sinuses continually produce mucus, which travels in a thin film down the back of your throat. This is a normal process known as postnasal drip. You swallow the small amount of mucus that is produced, often without even realising it. Postnasal drip traps dust and other particles you inhale and disposes of them through your digestive system.
To help relieve the sore throat, cough or constant clearing of your throat that occurs with postnasal drip:
Avoid irritants: Certain things may irritate your airway and cause increased mucus production. Some common irritants include cigarette smoke and sudden temperature changes.
Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated keeps your postnasal mucus thin and easier to swallow.
Use a humidifier: Dry air thickens and dries mucus in your nose and throat.
Try saline sprays or rinses: Saltwater rinses and saline sprays thin your mucus and get rid of irritants. Use an over-the-counter nasal saline spray or flush your nostrils with warm salt water (nasal lavage). The ratio of salt to water is approximately 1/4 teaspoon salt to 2 cups of warm water. Use a suction bulb or put some of the warm salt water in the cup of your hand to sniff it up one nostril at a time.
Consult a physician: If the problem persists and other measures do not help, doctor may recommend a steroid nasal spray to help decrease mucus production. Steroid nasal sprays are available by prescription and are generally safe and free of side effects.
Stuffy nose: When nasal passages close up
A stuffy nose is less messy than a runny nose, but it is equally frustrating. Some common causes of a stuffy nose include:
Virus: Your nose can become stuffy if you have a cold or the flu. Often, other signs and symptoms -- such as a cough, sore throat or fever -- accompany a stuffy nose caused by a virus.
Allergies: Stuffy nose might result from exposure to things you are allergic to, such as dust, pollen or pet dander. In response to these exposures, your nasal passages become irritated and swollen (allergic rhinitis).
Nonallergic inflammation of your nasal blood vessels (vasomotor rhinitis): Your nose can become stuffy in response to the blood vessels in your nose expanding. This can happen with vigorous exercise or in response to environmental triggers, such as cigarette smoke or air conditioning. Stress may trigger vasomotor rhinitis for some people.
Less commonly, a stuffy nose may result from a deformity in the cartilage and bony partition separating two nasal chambers (nasal septum) -- for instance, from a broken nose years ago or a growth in your nasal passage, such as a nasal polyp.
Relief for your stuffy nose
Besides blowing your nose, try these tips to relieve your stuffy nose:
Breathe in the steam from a warm shower to help loosen the mucus. You can also inhale steam from a kettle or pot of boiling water. You may have to keep at this for at least 10 minutes for the steam to be effective.
Drink plenty of liquids, such as water, juice or tea. Avoid caffeinated beverages, which can cause dehydration and aggravate your symptoms.
Use an over-the-counter nasal saline spray to thin your mucus and get rid of irritants, or prepare your own saltwater solution (nasal lavage).
Try an oral decongestant, preferably in liquid or pill form. A decongestant spray may be helpful, but should not be used for more than three days, as it can cause rebound stuffiness and can be irritating for some people. All decongestants (oral or topical) can cause a stimulant effect and raise blood pressure for some people.
