How to Stop Nose Drip

Nasal discharge is a common ailment caused by colds, the flu, bacterial infections and hay fever, as well as when the body is exposed to an irritant such as tobacco smoke, dust, pollen or pet dander. While a runny nose will usually cure itself after a couple of days, there are a few things you can do to speed your recovery time. It is important to thin the mucus by hydrating, increasing the humidity in your home and using saline nasal spray.

Things You'll Need

• Drinking water
• Humidifier or vaporizer
• Saline nasal spray
• Salt (optional)
• Baking soda (optional)

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Instructions

• 1

  Drink extra fluids, especially water. Increasing your fluid intake can help to thin the mucus, preventing your nose, ears and throat from being clogged.

• 2

  Purchase a vaporizer or humidifier to increase the humidity of the air inside your house. Low humidity tends to dry out the nose and increase irritation, according to Dr. Michelle McDonald, professor of dermatology at Vanderbilt University. Increased humidity from your humidifier or vaporizer will help break up and thin the mucus more quickly.

  However, if you purchase a humidifier or vaporizer, be aware that these machines must be cleaned frequently to avoid getting moldy. Do not get too close to a vaporizer, as it can burn you if you touch it.

• 3

  Use a saline nasal spray found at your local drugstore to break up the mucus. You can also make your own mixture of salt, baking soda and water (dissolve 1/4 teaspoon table salt and 1/4 tablespoon of baking soda in 8 ounces of warm water), and then pour it into a small squeeze bottle and squirt it up your nose. In fact, a homemade saline mixture can be just as, if not more, effective than a commercial saline spray, according a study by researchers at the University of Michigan.

• 4

  Avoid triggers that could make your nasal drip worse: Steer clear of spicy foods, abrupt changes in temperature, cigarette smoke and allergens that have bothered you in the past.

• 5

  Take an antihistamine or decongestant, if all else fails. Remember, however, that chronic use of such products should be avoided, and that most of these products are not intended for use by children, especially those under the age of 6.