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How to Stop a Nose From Running

There are many causes of a runny nose (rhinorrhea). They range from sinusitis and influenza to the simple common cold and usually result in a buildup of excess mucus and fluids to "run" from your nose and down the back of your throat. While sometimes a cause of discomfort or annoyance, a runny nose is usually not very serious, and with the help of a few at-home treatments, it will eventually dry or clear on its own.

Things You'll Need

  • Scarf
  • Antihistamine
  • Nasal spray
  • Allergy-free pillow
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Instructions

    • 1

      Protect your nose and face from sudden cold weather. A lot of runny noses occur at the beginning of the year's cold weather, and sometimes is a symptom of swollen blood vessels in the nose caused by the cold weather. Protect your face (and especially nose) with a scarf or high-zipped jacket.

    • 2

      Stay away from nasal irritants. According to the Mayo Clinic, a "runny nose can be caused by...allergies to dust, pollen or pet dander, or as a response to irritants such as tobacco smoke." Therefore, if you notice that you get a runny nose when you or someone around you is smoking, stay away from the smoke.

    • 3

      Remove allergens from your home and workplace. If there is a lot of dust in your home, for example, it may be causing your runny nose. Therefore, cleaning the dust and other microorganism irritants will help dry up the runny nose.

    • 4

      Switch to an allergen-free pillow. Because humans spend a significant amount of time sleeping, a pillow that is old or non-allergen free may be causing a runny nose. There are many allergen-free pillows on the market, and switching to one may improve not only your runny nose, but other respiratory functions as well.

    • 5

      Treat seasonal allergies with over-the-counter or prescription medications, such as antihistamines or nasal decongestants. You can find these medications at your local pharmacy, and your pharmacist can give you a recommendation for good antihistamine pills or nasal sprays that you can use temporarily or on a regular basis.

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