How to stop runny nose: 10 tips to manage rhinorrhea

Ever wondered why your nose just won’t stop running? That relentless drip can be quite bothersome, disrupting your day and making you reach for tissues non-stop. A runny nose, or rhinorrhea, occurs when excess mucus flows from the nasal passages. But what causes this problem—is it just a pesky cold, allergies acting out, or something more serious like sinusitis? Well, mostly, it is not serious and there are many ways to tackle it at home. This may include keeping yourself hydrated and taking soothing steam showers. While a runny nose is not typically serious, persistent symptoms should be reported to a healthcare professional. Meanwhile, you can try these ways to stop a runny nose.

What causes a runny nose (rhinorrhea)?

Medically termed rhinorrhea, common cold can be caused by several reasons, including:

1. Cold temperature

Breathing through your nose warms and moistens air for your lungs, while cold, dry air irritates your nasal lining. In defense, your nasal glands produce excess mucus, causing a runny nose.

2. Viral infections

Common cold viruses, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) trigger inflammation in the nasal passage, stimulating mucus production and causing a runny nose.

3. Allergies

Allergic reactions to substances like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold can lead to nasal swelling and increased mucus production, which can cause a runny nose.

4. Sinusitis (sinus infection)

“Inflammation or infection of the sinuses can result from viral or bacterial causes, which can lead to nasal congestion, pain, and a runny nose due to excessive mucus secretion,” explains Dr Sanjiv Radia, ENT Specialist.

5. Covid-19

SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for Covid-19, can lead to respiratory symptoms, including a runny nose. Other symptoms include coughing and fever.

To know all about Covid-19, click here!

6. Overuse of nasal spray decongestants

Long-term use of nasal sprays containing decongestants can result in rebound congestion, where the nasal passages become inflamed and produce more mucus when the medication wears off.

7. Nasal polyps

Non-cancerous growths inside the nasal passages or sinuses can obstruct airflow and cause chronic inflammation. “They can lead to persistent nasal congestion and a runny nose as they grow,” says Dr Radia.

8. Nonallergic rhinitis

Chronic inflammation of the nasal passages not triggered by allergies can lead to a blocked or runny nose and sneezing, as per an article in the journal Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Research.

9. Certain medications

Some medications, such as certain blood pressure medication, birth control pills, anti-depressants, and erectile dysfunction medication, can cause nasal dryness or inflammation, resulting in a runny nose.

10. Cerebrospinal fluid leak

It is a rare cause of runny nose. A trauma or underlying condition can cause cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to leak into the nasal cavity, leading to a persistently runny nose that may be watery.

How to stop a runny nose (rhinorrhea)?

If the cause of runny nose is sinus infections and chronic rhinitis, here’s what you can do:

Sinus infection

To alleviate a runny nose caused by sinus infections, nasal saline irrigation with a neti pot or saline spray can help flush out irritants and mucus. Your doctor may recommend using over-the-counter decongestants or antibiotics to reduce inflammation and congestion.

Chronic rhinitis

Identifying and avoiding triggers such as allergens or irritants is crucial for chronic rhinitis. “Antihistamines can alleviate symptoms caused by allergies, while nasal corticosteroid sprays can help reduce inflammation and mucus production over time. In some cases, surgery for structural problems such as nasal polyps may be performed,” suggests Dr Radia.

Home remedies for runny nose

A runny nose, or rhinorrhea, can be quite bothersome! Here are 7 effective home remedies that can help alleviate symptoms of runny nose and promote faster recovery:

1. Rest

Resting allows your body to focus its energy on fighting off the underlying cause of runny nose, whether it is a cold, flu, or allergies. Adequate rest helps strengthen your immune system and speed up recovery.

2. Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrated thins out mucus, making it easy for you to expel. Drinking water also keeps your nasal passages moist, which can soothe irritation and be helpful if you also have symptoms of nasal congestion.

3. Take steam

Inhaling steam can help relieve nasal congestion and loosen mucus. You can take steam by leaning over a bowl of hot water (not boiling) and covering your head with a towel to trap the steam. Adding a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint, can enhance the benefits of steam inhalation.

4. Drink herbal teas

Herbal teas such as chamomile, ginger, or peppermint can have soothing effects on the throat and nasal passages. They also help you keep hydrated and may contain antioxidants that may support your immune system.

5. Hot shower

Do you need a quick relief from a runny nose? Take a hot shower! Dr Radia says, “Taking a hot shower or spending time in a steamy bathroom can have a similar effect to inhaling steam.” The warm, moist air can help loosen mucus and alleviate nasal congestion temporarily.

Also read: Chills vs common cold: Know the difference

6. Use a humidifier

Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier can help keep your nasal passages from drying out, which can reduce irritation and promote faster healing, according to a study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and Immunology. Clean the humidifier regularly to prevent mold and bacteria buildup.

7. Apply a warm compress

Applying a warm compress over your sinuses (forehead, nose, and cheeks) can help reduce inflammation and relieve sinus pressure. A warm washcloth or towel can be applied gently to these areas several times a day.

8. Use a nasal spray

Saline nasal sprays can help rinse out allergens and thin mucus, making it easier to expel. As per a 2021 study published by Medical Science Monitor, using nasal spray can improve symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion, and sleep quality. They are gentle and non-medicated, making them safe for regular use to relieve congestion and a runny nose.

9. Neti pot

A neti pot is a device used to irrigate the nasal passages with a saline solution. It helps flush out mucus and allergens from the nose and sinuses, providing relief from congestion and runny nose symptoms. Ensure to use sterile water and follow proper hygiene practices when using a neti pot.

Click here to learn how to use Neti Pot!

10. Capsaicin

Capsaicin, the active component in chili peppers, can help reduce nasal congestion by thinning mucus and improving airflow. It is available in nasal spray and a 2016 review published in Current Allergy and Asthma reports that using capsaicin-containing nasal spray can be effective in treating non-allergic rhinitis and reducing symptoms such as runny nose.

Medicines for runny nose

These are some over-the-counter medications that can help treat runny nose, as suggested by Dr Radia:

• Expectorants: These medications help thin mucus to clear from the chest and nasal passages, reducing the symptoms of a runny nose.
• Decongestants: These medications work by shrinking swollen nasal tissues to alleviate both runny and stuffy nose.
• Antihistamines: They are effective for runny noses caused by allergies, blocking histamine reactions that trigger nasal symptoms

If your symptoms of runny nose persist and do not get better with these home remedies, consult with your healthcare provider.