How to Treat Nasal Drip

Allergic rhinitis is also known as that annoying nasal drip. One out of every five people suffer from it. It's caused by an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes, ears and throat due to allergens at home or outdoors. Though it isn't life- threatening, it can complicate asthma and chronic sinus problems.

Instructions

• 1

  Identify the symptoms. Do you have a runny nose with clear or yellowish mucous? Look for nasal congestion, non-productive cough, sinus headaches and frequent upper respiratory infections.

• 2

  Speak with your doctor about your symptoms and medical history. Nasal drip is often treated as upper respiratory infections. Though the antibiotics will give you temporary relief, without treating the allergies will make the symptoms come back. Your family physician will most likely refer you to an allergy specialist or ear/nose/throat specialist.

• 3

  See an ENT. The ear/nose/throat specialist will perform tests like X-Rays or a rhinoscopy of your nasal sinuses and a skin prick allergy test. In certain cases allergy shots or nasal/sinus surgery could be recommended.

• 4

  Try medication. The specialist will likely prescribe prescription nasal sprays which will reduce inflammation of the sinus and nasal passages. There are also some good over-the-counter medications.

• 5

  Use warm air to loosen up the thick mucous in the sinus and nasal passages. These home remedies improve the effectiveness of the prescribed nasal sprays. Irrigate your sinus with saline. Use an air humidifier or take long steam showers.