Runny Nose Relief
May 15th, 2007There are a number of reasons why you might have a runny nose but in most cases you can administer your own runny nose relief. A runny nose or stuffy nose may come about due to symptoms of a cold or flu, changes in season, allergies or sometimes from stress related conditions. In these common cases your runny nose will normally clear on its own. However, you can get runny nose relief by taking the following simple steps without the need to consult a doctor.
Mucus is constantly produced within your sinus passages and in the glands of your nose. The mucus is essential to help clean and moisturize your nasal passage and also fights infections. When there is even the slightest infection present, the body increases production of mucus to help you clear viruses or allergies due to a cold or the flu from the nasal passage. Changes in temperature, moving from air conditioned rooms to humid areas or even certain foods can cause a runny nose.
Using a tissue and gently blowing your runny nose is the easiest and most immediate remedy for runny nose relief as it instantly clears the watery drip that can be so annoying and uncomfortable. Although runny nose relief in the form of blowing is so temporary, when there is a persistent discharge of water sometimes an antihistamine may help minimize the drip. An antihistamine can be found at most pharmacies without a prescription and often works for those who have an allergy related runny nose. The one problem with antihistamines is they tend to cause the germs to remain in the nasal passage for longer periods while the flow of mucus is restricted.
Along with a runny nose you may also develop a sore throat and a cough. The best way to minimize the discomfort of these other symptoms is to avoid sudden temperature changes, polluted environments and smoky areas. These tend to aggravate a runny nose and cause the watery drip to increase in volume. Try staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, this keeps the mucus thin and less irritable. Saline or saltwater sprays also thin your mucus and help rid your nasal passage of irritants.
Your runny nose should clear itself in less than a week but if your symptoms persist it may be your nasal drip is related to another health condition and it would be wise to consult a doctor. I have always been a big fan of everyday vitamin C intake either from supplements or food and although it will not help to clear the symptoms of a runny nose it is the most effective vitamin to help in the prevention of cold and flu symptoms which often cause a runny nose.
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