Runny Nose Treatment

The term 'runny nose' is self-explanatory in nature. This condition is characterized by persistent nasal discharge. Such a persistent nasal discharge results from the accumulation of excessive amount of mucous fluid in the nasal cavity. Medically referred to as rhinorrhea, runny nose is not really a cause of serious concern. However, it may cause one a great deal of discomfort. It is often a symptom of an allergy or the common cold. If one comes in contact with substances one is allergic to, one may experience runny nose along with a host of allergy-related symptoms. Pollen, poison ivy, dust, latex and animal dander are some of the common allergens that may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. Consumption of certain food items could also trigger an allergic reaction. Runny nose is quite common during the winter. Since mucus that lines the nasal passages tends to dry out during winters, the mucous membranes have to work harder to produce mucus. This leads to accumulation of mucus. Runny nose may also caused by upper respiratory infections such as rhinitis, sinusitis and pharyngitis. Viral infections such as common cold and influenza are some of the most common causes of runny nose. In this article, we would learn about runny nose treatment options along with self-care measures and runny nose remedies.

Runny Nose Medication

If runny nose is attributed to pathogenic infections, a runny nose medicine may be recommended as a part of runny nose treatment.

• If you are afflicted by a runny nose due to some sort of allergy, taking antihistamines such as Zyrtec, Beclomethasone, Budesonide, Triamcinolone or Flunisolide may help.
• One could also use a mild steroid spray like Fixonase in order to treat nasal congestion.
• Zinc is believed to be provide relief from runny nose. It is available in the form of lozenges and nasal sprays. However, zinc may cause nausea and destroy your sense of smell which is why it should be taken only when prescribed by a doctor.
• Glucocorticoids like Triamcilone and Prednisone relieve a runny nose to a great extent, but they are accompanied by certain side effects. Use them when recommended by a health care professional only.
• If you have a runny nose because of a bacterial infection, you should take antibiotics to inhibit the causative bacteria.
• Sometimes, a runny nose is due to a nasal injury or development of nasal polyps. You may have to opt for surgical treatments for complete elimination of the problem.
• A decongestant spray can also be used to treat nasal congestion. Otrivin is one of the most commonly used nasal sprays. It comes in a number of variants, separate for children and adults. It can either be mentholated or unmentholated. Always remember that Otrivin is meant to be used for a brief period of time as its continuous use may cause rebound nasal congestion.

Home Remedies for Runny Nose

If over-the-counter runny nose medicines don't seem to work, it would be best to use prescription drugs to cure runny nose. Those who are interested in knowing about home treatment for runny nose can try following remedies.

• Steam inhalation is certainly an effective remedy for runny nose. Breathe in steam from a pot of boiling water. You can also add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to water. Inhaling steam will definitely help in thinning the mucus and will clear out the mucus buildup.
• Those of you who often wonder how to cure runny nose must try nasal irrigation. All you need to do is add a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water. Tilt your head and instill a few drops of this saline solution in each nostril using a clean eyedropper. Breathe in deeply so that the solution can rinse or irrigate the nasal passages.
• You should also keep yourself hydrated at all times. Avoid drinking alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. These have a dehydrating effect on the membranes. It would be best to drink plain water. This will certainly help in thinning the mucus.
• Wondering how to stop a runny nose due to a cold? Well, you could drink herbal tea. To make herbal tea, add a teaspoon each of elder berry, fresh mint, yarrow root and cayenne pepper to water. Once it boils, turn off the flame and let it steep for some time. Pass it through the strainer and let it cool. Drink this herbal tea twice a day. It will first make your nose run with a greater intensity but the runny nose problem will resolve soon.
• Chew a small piece of ginger and swallow the juice. Ginger warms the body, increases blood circulation and helps in draining the nose. It is a great remedy for a sore throat and a runny nose.
• Take 400mg of Indian Echinacea three times a day. It is one of the very effective runny nose treatments that can be taken at home.
• Take 1 oz. of fresh watercress thrice a day for treating a runny nose. You can also mix 3-4 teaspoon of dry watercress to one glass of warm water. Allow it to cool, and then drink.
• Here is another effective runny nose remedy that you can try at home. Add one tablespoon of honey and 2-3 drops of fresh lime juice to a cup of lukewarm water. Drinking this will relieve a runny nose and cough as well.

This was some information on runny nose treatment options. If you suffer from runny nose every now and then, do follow the aforementioned remedies. Don't blow your nose really hard while trying to clear the thin nasal mucous secretions. Make sure that you carry a clean handkerchief or tissues with you. Chronic runny nose or excessive mucus buildup can lead to sleeping disorders, ear or sinus infections. Therefore, it is very important to remove mucus from the sinus and nasal passages. If over-the-counter drugs and home remedies are not providing the desired results, do visit a doctor for necessary medical intervention.