I am sure all agree that a stuffy nose is no fun at all and can be downright annoying. It is even more worrisome when one’s nose drips and makes you sound funny when you speak. A runny nose can hamper one’s daily routine, but it is not severe enough to warrant professional help. It is quite an easy one to cure with the use of safe and effective home remedies for runny nose.
What is Runny Nose | Causes | Symptoms | Home Remedies For Runny Nose | Complications and Effects | Foods
What is a Runny Nose?
A runny nose is a condition where there is excess nasal drainage. The drainage can either be thin and clear or thick mucus. The runny nose is also known by the term rhinorrhea. Here the discharge is mostly clear and thin. Rhinorrhea symptoms are commonly a symptom of allergies or viral infections such as a common cold. Runny nose may also be called running nose
Causes of Runny Nose:
Runny nose causes are:
- Allergies: Allergens like pollen, pet dander, dust, etc. where nasal passages are irritated, causing excess mucus with a runny nose.
- Congestion: An upper respiratory infection or a common cold can cause inflammation of the mucous membrane lining in the nose causing excess mucus in the nose.
- Sinusitis or sinus infection is when the cavities found around the nasal passage becomes inflamed, and this, in turn, triggers increased mucus production.
- Flu caused by the flu virus is very contagious and leads to the inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose.
- In non-allergic rhinitis, there is inflammation of the nasal passage with severe sneezing and runny nose.
- Dry air plays a vital role in drying out the nasal passages. This affects the balance inside the nose and triggers a runny nose.
- RSV or respiratory syncytial virus causes infection in the lungs and the respiratory tract. This causes inflammation of nasal passage, thereby leading to a runny nose.
Symptoms of Runny Nose
Runny nose symptoms consist of a discharge (fluid) from the nasal passages. This discharge is often clear and watery. It may, at times, be a clear liquid that is thicker and viscous. A runny nose is associated with swelling and inflammation of the nasal passages. Postnasal drip occurs when there is excessive production of mucus that accumulates in the back of the nose or the throat.
9 Excellent Home Remedies for Runny Nose
- Lemon and Honey
- Pepper and Honey
- Humidifier
- Hot Shower
- Steam
- Garlic
- Herbal Tea
- Ginger
- Fluids
1. Lemon and Honey Combo:
This is ideally a traditional remedy. Lemon is a superb source of vitamin C. It can cut through the congestion in the cold. Honey soothes the throat and has antibacterial agents. Honey packed with antioxidants enhances the immune system and a perfect home remedy for cold and running nose.
Ingredients:
- Lemon Juice.
- Honey.
- Hot water.
Process:
- Add lemon juice to a glass of hot water.
- Add some honey to it.
- Sip it through the day.
How Long To Do: This is to be done every day until the problem subsides completely.
Precautions: This combo is safe. Ensure that one is not allergic to the ingredients.
See Also: How To Get Relief From Phlegm
2. Pepper and Honey Wonders:
Among home remedies for running nose and sneezing, black pepper is a natural decongestant, antibiotic, and antibacterial. It contains capsaicin that effectively treats non-allergic rhinitis, which is a condition that causes a runny nose. Honey is known for its antibacterial properties and is packed with antioxidants. Both pepper and honey together work well for runny nose.
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons of honey.
- 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
- Warm water.
Process:
- Take the crushed peppercorns.
- Add warm water to it along with honey.
How Long To Do: Do this regularly to see visible outcomes on the runny nose without any side effects. Bedtime is ideal for this remedy.
Precautions: Do not eat or drink anything for half an hour after consuming this pepper and honey mixture.
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3. Humidifier Use:
Keep a humidifier in the room. This will add the needed moisture to the air and ensure that you do not have to face dry air. This will help in curing runny nose. It is an ideal one among home remedies for cough and runny nose and offers a perfect solution for any cold.
Ingredients:
- Peppermint or eucalyptus oil.
- Humidifier (available online).
Process:
- Use either distilled or purified water in the humidifier with peppermint or eucalyptus oil.
How Long To Do: Using this when one has a cold, helps you wake up with a comfortable nose.
Precautions:
- Monitor the humidity levels and ensure that the humidifier is kept clean.
- Avoid keeping the humidifier too close to you.
- Be careful with children around.
See Also: Natural Remedies For Nose Bleeding
4. Hot Shower:
Taking a hot shower is a well-known home cure for a runny nose that provides results almost instantly where relief is concerned. A hot shower can work just like facial steam or hot tea and is an excellent home remedy for sore throat and runny nose.
Requirements:
- Hot shower.
- Bath chair or bench.
Process:
- To get better outcomes, it is always better to place your face in the spray or steam of the hot shower for good results.
- Loosens chest congestion while breathing in the steam.
How Long To Do: Hot shower does not heal the cold, but it reduces the discomfort of a runny nose.
Precautions: Ensure that you set the right temperature to keep yourself safe from burns.
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5. Steam Benefits:
Steam is one of the most effective remedies in providing instant relief from running nose and sneezing.
Requirements:
- Tub.
- Hot water.
- Vicks Vapor Rub.
Process:
- Take a tub of hot water NOT boiling water.
- Add 2 teaspoons of Vicks.
- Inhale the steam of the water after covering the head with a cloth.
- Take deep breaths.
- Make sure you add in some eucalyptus oil in the water to get significant benefits for the runny nose
- Finally, blow nose to clear the excess mucus.
How Long To Do: Do this at bedtime as it will ensure that you sleep comfortably and during the day do it for 10-15 minutes at a time.
Precautions: Exercise caution while handling hot water.
6. Garlic:
The antiseptic and antispasmodic qualities of garlic are what help in the cure of runny nose without any doubt. Garlic contains medicinal properties that can combat the common cold. Allicin in garlic is thought to be a cold-fighting compound. Garlic reduces recovery time for those suffering from cold and offers treatment, runny nose watery eyes home remedies.
Ingredients:
- 10-15 peeled garlic cloves.
- Water.
- Sugar.
Process:
- Boil about 10-15 garlic cloves in water.
- Take this liquid with a little sugar.
How Long To Do: Take it two times a day.
Precautions: Those who have diabetes, heart disease, and pregnant women must consult their doctors before undertaking garlic for treatment.
See Also: Remedies For Bad Breath At Home
7. Herbal Teas:
Several herbal teas are used as a home remedy for running nose in adults without any second thoughts. You can experience the results in a couple of days. The herbs that can be used for the purpose include yarrow, cayenne pepper, mint, and elderberry. Pick any one of them and prepare 2-3 cups of the tea each day for maximum results.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of Elderberry syrup.
- Tea (how you usually make).
Process:
- Add 1 tablespoon of elderberry syrup to your tea.
How Long To Do: Drink 2-3 cups of tea a day.
Precautions: A few risks when used up to 5 days, for long-term use, consult your physician.
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8. Ginger Wonders:
Ginger is known to loosen up congestion and is useful as a remedy for severe sneezing and runny nose. It can boost the immune system. Chewing on a piece of ginger helps in keeping the body warm and this clears the mucus in the throat and the chest. It is always good to include ginger in daily dishes.
Ingredients:
- Ginger (finely sliced).
Process:
- Chew the finely sliced ginger slices.
How Long To Do: Do this three times a day until the problem completely subsides.
Precautions: Exercise caution as ginger can cause mild side effects like heartburn and diarrhea.
9. Have Lots of Fluids:
Staying hydrated is the best cure for runny nose and sneezing and for symptoms of nasal congestion. Drinking fluids thins out the mucus to a runny consistency. Hot beverages like herbal tea are more helpful than cold drinks as it helps to decongest airways. Choose teas that contain antihistamine and anti-inflammatory herbs (chamomile, mint, ginger, or nettle.).
Ingredients:
- Peppermint tea.
- Water.
Process:
- In a cup of boiling water.
- Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint tea.
- Steep for 10 minutes.
How Long To Do: Drink one cup of tea five times a day.
Precautions: For some people, it can cause heartburn or GERD, it should be avoided by such.
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When to Consult a Doctor?
One must consult your doctor if the symptoms remain for more than 10 days, especially if you have a high fever and unable to stop runny nose naturally. Another cause for concern will be if the nasal discharge is green and yellow along with sinus pain. This could be a sign of bacterial infection. In the case of children, if the child is younger than 2 months and is having a fever, the child requires medical attention. If an infant has a runny nose, which makes nursing or breathing difficult, then the baby must be taken to the doctor immediately.
Complications and Effects of Runny Nose:
Cancer of the nasal cavity/paranasal sinus could be the reason for continuous running nose. It has a common symptom, and that is a stuffy, blocked, or runny nose. It happens on one side of the nose and lasts for a prolonged period, even when there are no cold or allergies present. These symptoms get worse over time. Allergic rhinitis is where there is a risk that it could develop into a further problem. It can even worsen asthma symptoms. Sinusitis is where the nasal passage gets inflamed, and this leads to excessive mucus production. Anything that inflames or irritates nasal tissues can trigger a runny nose.
Foods for Stuffy Nose:
Foods to Eat
Some of the common natural ways to get rid of runny nose and helpful in providing relief are:
- Chicken Soup is a great choice and effective in treating upper respiratory infections.
- Broths (chicken soup and broth are good sources of hydration).
- Garlic is known to reduce the severity of cold symptoms.
- Coconut Water.
- Hot Herbal Tea.
- Honey has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, which helps treat cold and flu symptoms.
- Ginger. The curative properties of ginger known for centuries to help soothe cold.
- Pepper.
- Vitamin C. Vitamin C found in lemons and oranges have many health benefits. It helps to relieve upper respiratory tract infections.
Foods That Cause Runny Nose And To Avoid
- Alcohol – avoid sugary beverage and alcohol because they both are inflammatory and dehydrating.
- Bananas – They can trigger a histamine response and cause increased production of mucus in some people.
- Coffee – It can leave you dehydrated and worsen cold and flu symptoms.
- Ice Cream – Contains a lot of sugar and dairy, and both are bad for cold.
- Milk – It contains a mucus-forming agent called casein. It has histamine-creating properties that make it. perfect for mucus build-up in the body and one of the foods that cause a runny nose.
- Refined sugar
- Red meat – The fatty kind of meat causes mucus buildup.
- Soda
- Salty Food – Excess salt makes the mucus in the respiratory tract thicker.
- Tomatoes – It can trigger histamine production and make allergies worse.
Supplements and Vitamins
- Vitamin C.
- Garlic supplements.
- Echinacea products in tablets, capsules, or drops.
A runny nose is not only irritating but annoying to deal with and is brought on by seasonal changes or allergies. It manifests as symptoms of a sinus infection or cold and not always caused due to an underlying disease. We can make our cold symptoms bearable with simple home remedies for itchy throat and runny nose with rest and hydration.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What Causes The Common Cold And Is It Contagious?
Different types of viruses cause the common cold and the reason for running nose. Rhinovirus is the one that is the major cause of most colds. This virus can cause health issues like sinus and ear infections, pneumonia, and sore throats. They can trigger asthma attacks. The common cold is contagious. It can spread from person to person. A person is contagious for about 24 hours before symptoms appear and will be so until about 5 days after symptoms develop.
2. What is RSV And Is It Dangerous?
RSV or respiratory syncytial virus enters one’s body through the eyes, mouth, or nose. It spreads quickly through air. It can pass through direct contact, too, like mere shaking of hands. This virus is a major cause of respiratory illness among young children and is highly contagious. The respiratory syncytial virus infects at least once almost all children before they are 2 years old. It causes minor cold-like symptoms most of the time. One must be cautious, as this infection can be more than dangerous for some babies.
3. Is It True or A Myth That There Is No Cure For The Common Cold?
It is true that there is no cure for the common cold. The home remedies for dry cough and runny nose that we use are only to make the symptoms bearable. Antibiotics are of no use against the common cold viruses. One must not use it unless there is a bacterial infection. Treatment aims only at providing relief to the symptoms. The common cold is not caused by one virus, but dozens of different viruses and it is essential that one keep themselves well hydrated.
Disclaimer: If your symptoms do not alleviate with home remedies for dry cough and runny nose, be sure to consult your doctor. When cold symptoms are accompanied with a sore throat, high fever and swollen lymph nodes, then it is time to pay a visit to your doctor as it may not be just a common cold, but something more serious like strep, which if left untreated can lead to serious diseases!
