What is Good for Runny Nose? How to Cure a Runny Nose?

A runny nose, also known as rhinorrhea, is a very common symptom. It usually occurs due to allergies and viral infections such as colds or flu. But a few other conditions can also cause your nose to runny. A runny nose usually goes away on its own. However, there are some methods you can apply at home that can help you relieve your runny nose.

What Causes a Runny Nose?

Anything that irritates the nose can cause a runny nose. Infections and allergies such as colds, flu, and sinusitis often cause a runny and congested nose. “What causes runny nose?The following factors may answer your question:

Allergy

Allergies caused by substances such as pollen, pet dander or dust are among the most important causes of runny nose. Runny nose due to allergens is also known as allergic rhinitis. Allergens are harmless to most people. But if you’re experiencing allergic rhinitis, your immune system thinks the allergen has gotten in. Your immune system tries to protect your body by releasing histamine. This causes the mucous membranes in your nose, eyes, and throat to become inflamed and itchy as they try to expel the allergen. Histamine also causes a runny nose. In cases of allergies, watery runny nose is often observed.

viruses

Breathing in the virus irritates the lining of your nose and sinuses. Your nose begins to produce a lot of clear mucus in response. This mucus traps the virus. It helps flush it out of your nose and sinuses. If the virus gets past your mucus lining, you get sick. As a protection mechanism, the body produces more mucus. The color of this mucus may be white or yellow. Mucus caused by the virus can sometimes turn a greenish color.

cold weather

When you breathe, your nose warms the air. It adds moisture to your lungs as it descends. Cold, dry air can irritate your nasal lining. As a defense, your nasal glands produce excess mucus to keep the lining moist. This also causes a runny nose.

Tears

When your body produces excessive tears due to crying or irritation in your eyes, the tears drain from the inner corner of the eyelids and the nasolacrimal duct into the nasal cavities. These tears may drip from your nose. As a result, it can stimulate mucus production and lead to more runny nose.

Sinus infection (Sinusitis)

Bacterial, viral infections, and allergies can irritate your sinuses, causing them to become clogged and filled with fluid. This condition, called sinusitis, can cause pressure and pain in your face, nasal congestion, and a runny nose with thick yellow or green mucus.

nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are painless, benign growths inside your nose and sinuses. As they grow, they can cause runny nose and other symptoms.

What is Good for Runny Nose?

A runny nose alone is usually not a cause for concern. If you do not have any other symptoms,What is good for runny nose?If you think so, you can try natural personal care options that do not require medication. These can be listed as follows:

• Drink plenty of fluids: Drinking fluids and staying hydrated when dealing with a runny nose can be helpful if you also have symptoms of nasal congestion. This allows the mucus in your sinuses to thicken to a fluid consistency and become easier to expel.
• Consume herbal teas: Hot drinks can sometimes be more beneficial than cold ones. This is due to heat and steam, which help open the airways and relieve congestion. Some herbal teas contain herbs that are mildly decongestant. You can choose teas containing anti-inflammatory and antihistamines such as chamomile, ginger, mint or nettle.
• Humidify the air: Inhaling warm steam from a humidifier significantly improves the mucus buildup caused by allergic rhinitis. Humidifiers work by turning water into steam to humidify otherwise dry air. When you breathe in moisture, it helps thin and dislodge mucus and soothe irritated sinuses.
• Apply steam: Steam can also help loosen mucus and relieve your runny nose. To do this, heat the water in a clean pot just enough to create steam. Position your face about 8 to 12 inches above the steam for about 5 minutes at a time. Do not let your face touch the water. Close your eyes and breathe deeply through your nose. If your face gets too hot, take a break.
• Take a hot shower: Try taking a hot shower. Like steaming, the warm vapors of a shower can help relieve a runny and congested nose.
• Make a warm compress: Applying a warm compress or washcloth to your forehead and nose several times a day can help improve your runny nose and reduce sinus pressure. A warm compress works by increasing blood circulation in your sinus area. A washcloth or wet compress can help relieve nasal congestion by adding moisture to the air you breathe.

With a viral infection such as a cold, a runny or congested nose may last up to 10 to 14 days. Runny nose from allergies usually lasts as long as you are exposed to the allergen. If you have a pollen allergy, it may take up to six weeks during the pollen seasons in spring, summer, or fall. If you have a runny nose that persists for more than three weeks and is not caused by a known allergy, you should see an ear, nose and throat specialist.

How to Prevent a Runny Nose?

You can’t always prevent a runny nose. However, there are steps you can try to avoid getting a viral infection. “Stop the spread of germs, in particular”How to prevent runny nose?” question can be answered with the following items:

• Wash your hands frequently.
• Stay away from people who have colds or infectious diseases.
• Eat healthy and exercise regularly to strengthen your immune system.
• When coughing and sneezing, cough and sneeze into your elbow, not into your hand.
• Clean and disinfect common surfaces such as tables, counters, toys, doorknobs, phones and bathroom fixtures.
• Don’t forget to get all your vaccinations on time.

When it comes to allergies, the following steps can help:

• Stay indoors when pollen counts are high, especially early in the morning and on windy days.
• Keep your windows closed during allergy season. Use air conditioning whenever possible.
• If you work outside, wear a dust mask. Once inside, change your clothes and take a shower.
• Consult your doctor and investigate treatment methods to keep allergy symptoms such as runny nose under control.

Although a runny nose can be annoying, it’s usually temporary and a sign that your immune system is working. It is common to experience a runny nose with a cold, flu, or allergies. It does not always mean that there is an infection or serious condition. Remember to use hygiene practices to prevent runny nose or similar problems.