11 Easy Ways You Can Manage a Runny Nose

A runny nose is the result of excess nasal mucus production, leading to watery nasal secretions discharging from the nostrils or sometimes dripping down into the throat. The causes of a runny nose may vary but mostly the major culprit is flu or cold, or it can also be the result of allergies or bacterial or viral infections. There are simple steps you can take to feel better and hope for a faster recovery!

1- Drink plenty of fluids or hot teas

Drinking fluids and staying hydrated will be helpful in case of having a runny nose. Hot tea, simple chicken broth or milk can have a soothing or warming effect. It ensures mucus to become in a runny consistency and is easy to expel. Otherwise, it may be thick and sticky, which congests the nose even further. Alcoholic beverages and coffee like drinks should be avoided. 

2- Facial steam or hot bath

Inhaling hot steam bath has been proved to help treat a runny nose. A survey has proved that using steam inhalation is quite effective and reduces illness recovery time.  For this you need heat clean water in a clean pot on your stove. Heat it just enough so that steam is created, place your face above the steam for 15 — 20  minutes, taking deep breaths through your nose, then blow your nose afterward to get rid of mucus.

Essential oils like Eucalyptus, peppermint, pine, rosemary, sage, spearmint, tea tree or dried herbs are great to add into your facial water steam.

3- Hot shower

Taking hot shower would prove to be a quick relief just like a hot tea or facial steam.  It can magically alleviate a runny and stuffy nose.

4- Apply a warm compress

Putting a warm compress over your nose and forehead can help relieve sinus pressure and congestion.  In case of having no compress, you can use a piece of cloth moistened in warm water and then applying it to the face several times a day.  It can help stop your runny nose.

5- Getting plenty of sleep or rest

Taking rest or sleep is equally beneficial for a number of physical problems as it can heal our body and make its natural process work properly. Resting will also give you a much-needed break from blowing your nose.

6- Neti pots

Neti pots are small teapot-like containers with a spout.  Warm saline or saltwater solution is added to the pot. The solution is then poured through one nostril and out the other. This rinses out your sinuses quite thoroughly. It has become a common approach to avoid nasal discomforts or problems.

7- Eating spicy foods

We all know that spices worsen the runny nose but at the same time these spices can possibly help in reducing nasal congestion. Hot spices like pepper, ghost pepper or ginger would be greatly helpful as they produce heat and dilate the passageways in the body to relieve the issue.

So basically managing a runny nose can easily be treated through remedies that are readily available in the kitchen. If the problem still persists seek medical assistance of our expert doctors and specialists. You can book an appointment with our top ENT specialists from Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad through oladoc.com. You can also call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the right doctor for your health concerns.