A runny nose is watery secretions that drip from your nose mainly due to excess mucus production in your nasal passages. Most of the time, you get a Newport Beach runny nose due to irritation of your nose and sinuses, causing your nose to make a lot of clear mucus. When your nasal passages become inflamed, they may swell, making it harder to breathe through your nose. A runny nose usually is not a cause of concern if you. Here are several tips for managing a runny nose at home.
Stay hydrated
If you have a runny nose and other symptoms such as nasal congestion, you should drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Having enough water in your body ensures the mucus in your sinuses thins out to a watery consistency which is easier to expel. If you do not have enough fluid in your body, the mucus becomes thick and sticky, worsening nasal congestion. Healthcare providers recommend replacing beverages such as coffee with plenty of water. You also want to avoid alcohol consumption since it causes dehydration.
Warm compress
A warm compress boosts blood circulation in your sinus area, which may help relieve your runny nose and soothe sinus pressure. You can apply a washcloth to your nose and forehead multiple times per day to break nasal stuffiness by adding moisture to the air. If you are using your warm compress, soak it in hot but not boiling water and place it across your forehead and nose for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can repeat this as needed.
Nasal spray
Nasal sprays are a standard treatment for a runny nose. There are medicated nasal sprays, but saline nasal sprays are a natural treatment targeting nasal congestion and mucus. Saline nasal sprays also help flush away particles, germs, and allergens. They are safe to use since they are not habit-forming. Using a saline nasal spray can help relieve nasal congestion and runny nose and improve sleep quality. You can purchase a saline nasal spray at a drug store or pharmacy.
Eat spicy foods
Spicy foods are a great way to relieve symptoms of nasal congestion, but they can worsen a runny nose. If you do not mind a bit of heat in your food, consider hot spices like wasabi, cayenne pepper, ginger, horseradish, and habanero. Spices create a feeling of warmth and dilate passageways in your body.
Drink hot teas
Hot beverages such as tea can be helpful if you have a runny nose and nasal decongestion. After making a cup of hot herbal tea, inhale the steam since it helps open and decongest the airways. Hot tea can also help soothe a sore throat accompanying a runny nose. Instead of taking your regular tea, consider herbal teas with herbs that are mild decongestants, such as mint, ginger, nettle, and chamomile.
Using a humidifier can also help moisten your airways, reducing illness recovery time by about one week. However, clean your humidifier regularly; otherwise, microorganisms like bacteria and mold may form, worsening sinus problems.
If your runny nose does not clear in 10 days, visit your doctor at Alexis Furze, MD, for treatment.
