A runny nose is a common phenomenon and happens to all of us, all ages, all genders. While there are not many serious health effects, a runny or long runny nose can be uncomfortable for everyone. Not to mention, if left untreated for a long time, it can lead to respiratory diseases such as sinus, pharyngitis, bronchitis. Therefore, finding out the necessary information to stop a runny nose is essential.
What is a runny nose?
Nasal (nasal discharge) is a clear, translucent mucus that acts as a filter to help prevent unwanted particles in the air from entering the body through the nose. Nasal discharge is the body’s natural defense mechanism. However, sometimes the body produces too much nasal discharge, which makes dealing with runny nose bothersome and seems to have no end. If the water in the nose is untreated promptly and quickly, a prolonged runny nose can lead to respiratory problems such as sinus, pharyngitis, and bronchitis.
A runny nose is the body’s method of getting rid of any germs that might be irritating or inflaming it. The nose produces clear mucus, which could turn yellow or green after a few days.
In medical literature, professionals call runny noserhinorrhea. A person might have a runny nose since they are allergic to something, because of a viral or bacterial disease, or as a result of environmental factors such as temperature.
The cause of a runny nose
Structure of nasal cavity:Lined with a lining, on the surface covered with protective mucus carpet, thanks to the effect of keeping dirt and bacteria and then transport to the back and down the throat.
Flu:A cold virus enters the body through the nose, attaching to cell molecules. The body releases a chemical called cytokine that causes inflammation, runny nose. When you have a cold, the mucus is often transparent and watery
Sinusitis:Signs of sinusitis are usually fever, fatigue, cough, stuffy nose, yellow, or green nasal discharge. Also, mucus may drain down the throat or drain out.
Allergies:You may also have a runny nose if exposed to irritants. Usually, the allergen will make your nose itchy, swollen, causing you to sneeze and runny nose.
Nasal polyps:Nasal polyps are one of the common ENT diseases. Nasal polyps cause sinus-like symptoms such as the stuffy nose, shortness of breath, constant runny nose, change in smell, etc.
How to stop a runny nose for children
Young children are very susceptible to a runny nose. If the treatment is not completed, it may leave chronic diseases later for the child. You can refer to the baby’s nose method as follows to minimize the child’s nose runny.
- Let baby lie on his back, head slightly back.
- Administer warm physiological saline solution into each nose. Children under one year of age 2 to 3 drops, older children to 4 to 5 drops.
- Allow the water to soak for about 30 seconds to dilute the mucus in the nasal passages.
- Clean nasal cavity:Older children blow their nose into a clean towel. Young children do not blow their nose
- Wash nasal suction ball: Squeeze nasal suction ball to expel mucus in bubbles into a tissue or paper. After suctioning, both nasal passages of the suction ball are cleaned by suctioning and discharging many times under running water.
You can do a small nose and nasal suction four times until the baby no longer signs of a stuffy nose. If you have a lot of discharge from your nose, you can do it several times a day.
The good news is that there are several useful and simple home remedies to stop a runny nose.
Drink plenty of fluids
The thick mucus could make you feel uncomfortable and even breathless. Therefore, maintaining a sufficient amount of water for the body is the best way to thin the mucus and prevent clogging.
This way is also a preventative measure for sinusitis and ear infections. So make sure you get enough water daily.
You need to avoid beverages that dehydrate rather than hydrate. They include drinks like coffee and alcoholic beverages.
Nasal spray
Nasal congestion becomes gelatinous, causing a runny nose. Therefore, if you wash with saltwater, it can help improve this situation. The way of mixing is as follows:
Mix a half teaspoon of salt in 1/4 liter of water (equivalent to about 2/3 of a beer can). You can use a dropper device or an empty bottle of nose drops, then pour in the saltwater, face up so that the salt water can flow into the nose. Next, spray salt water into the nose; During the spraying process, make sure to inhale slightly to help the saltwater deep into the nose.
You are entirely assured because when mixing saltwater at the concentration near the salt concentration in the body, it will not create discomfort. Each time washing the nose, so spray a few times, will see effective.
But be aware that you should use it in moderate doses because you may sneeze continuously after using them.
Ginger tea
There is no detailed research on ginger’s ability to stop a runny nose. However, it is thought that the aromatic substance in ginger can be very useful in relieving nasal congestion and runny nose.
Drink a glass of warm ginger tea. At least you can ease a sore throat.
Gargle mineral saltwater
Gargling with salt water is one of the most natural and cheapest home remedies for postnasal drip.
Put a little salt diluted with warm water and gargle. You will see the magical effect of saltwater in dispelling mucus in the throat and soothing cough. For best results, rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day.
Facial Steam
It is a simple trick to treat postnasal drip syndrome. When you do take a deep breath of warmth, the amount of mucus in your nose is significantly reduced.
- You can take a bowl of boiling water, get a towel covering your head and bowl of water. Then, you breathe in the heat for at least 10 minutes.
Or:
- Heat clean water in a fresh pot on your stove. Heat it just enough so that steam is created —Do not let it get to a boil.
- You place your face above the steam for 20 to 30 minutes at a time. Take deep breaths through your nose. And, take breaks if your face gets too hot.
- Then, you blow your nose afterward to get rid of mucus.
You could add some natural essential oils to stop a runny nose. Do this 2-3 times daily until fully recovered.
Hot shower
Do you need some quick relief? You can try a hot shower. Just like a hot tea or facial steam, a shower’s spray could help alleviate a runny and stuffy nose.
Let place your face and sinuses directly in the steam and spray of the shower for best results.
Clean nose
Nasal wash is the best remedy to help inhibit mucus production. It also helps protect the nose against infection and irritation.
Mix ¼ teaspoon salt and baking powder and put in a bowl of warm water. Spray the solution straight into your nose and tilt your head to one side. Then blow your nose hard to remove any mucus. Do this once a day until it is less likely to decrease to a few times a week.
Cayenne pepper
Cayenne peppers are beneficial mucus-reducing food. It also soothes a sore throat and helps treat postnasal drip.
Just give ½ teaspoon of pepper and honey (2 equal proportions) and consume 2-3 times a day.
Do not drink milk
When bacteria invading the airways cause a runny nose, cow’s milk should not be consumed. Because it will provide nutrients, help these bacteria live stronger, live longer, and reproduce more quickly. In cow’s milk, there is a lot of lactose, a sugar that is preferred by bacteria. Therefore, you should limit the absorption of dairy products.
Steam humidifier
When it is dry, we have to breathe in the air too dry, and this often leads to a runny nose or stuffy nose. Ideally in the bedroom should have a humidifier will help the air enough moisture and feel more comfortable.
Lemon
With a high content of vitamin C, lemons are the best choice for treating postnasal drip. Not only does it reduce mucus, but fruits also help improve the body’s resistance to fighting infections
You could squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a glass of warm water. Also, you can add honey to enhance the taste. You need to consume it in the morning and several times a day.
The above solutions are the purest, most natural, and comfortable choice for the improvement of postnasal drip. If your symptoms get worse, see your doctor so you can get the best advice and treatment.
See a doctor
When you have signs of infection:
If you are having trouble with a runny or stuffy nose, bacteria have likely grown and clogged your sinuses, leading to sinusitis.
- Sinus pressure, stuffy nose, pain, or headache that lasts more than seven days.
- If you have a fever, you can have sinusitis.
Take antibiotics as directed by your doctor:
If the doctor examines you and concludes that you have bacterial sinusitis, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics for you. Remember to take medicine at the prescribed doses and times.
- Even if you feel better very quickly after only 1-2 doses, take the full treatment prescribed by your doctor. Your failure to take the full course of antibiotics may lead to resistance. Also, bringing the total dose is beneficial for you because the bacteria may still be in your sinuses.
- Be careful because several doctors are willing to prescribe antibiotics before you get an accurate test result about the cause of the infection. You should ask your doctor about the procedure to follow to make sure a medicine is appropriate.
- If your signs of illness do not subside even after you have taken the full dose of prescribed medication, notify your doctor. You might need to take another dose of antibiotics.
- Talk to your doctor about allergy tests or other precautions if you have runny nose often.
Examination and testing if needed:
- If you continue to have rhinitis or persistent runny nose, talk to your doctor.
- You may need to perform a series of tests to determine if you are allergic to something at home or work.
- Also, you may have nasal polyps (tumors) or other structural changes in the nasal cavity, making the condition worse.
Please consult a doctor:
- Other abnormalities may be deformed septum or nasopharynx. However, these usually do not cause a lot of nasal discharge.
- Lesions in the nose or the surrounding area can also cause structural abnormalities, and sometimes associated symptoms such as excessive discharge of a runny nose.
- Larger polyps can clog air passage through the sinuses, causing irritation, causing more nasal discharge.
We believe that you will stop a runny nose for yourself and your family quickly! Hopefully, you will find useful tips and quick and effective healing!
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