Cold Medication for a Runny Nose

When seeking relief for a runny nose (Rhinitis), using an over-the-counter cold medication might help. Of course, not all runny noses are caused by the common cold, and many multi-symptom cold medicines contain extra ingredients you might not need. When choosing a medication, choose one specifically suited for your runny nose and other symptoms for relief without unwanted side-effects.

Causes

• A runny nose occurs when the tissues and vessels in the nose become swollen with mucus and fluid, causing it to run. And though colds often cause a runny nose, they are not the only culprits. Allergies and irritants such as smoke can also make your nose run, therefore, a cold medication may not necessarily be your best option for relief.

Antihistamines

• Common ingredients in night-time cold medications, antihistamines work by blocking the production of histamines in the body. Histamines cause sneezing, runny nose and congestion due to allergies or infection. Though effective, antihistamines found in over-the-counter cold and allergy medications tend to cause drowsiness.

Decongestants

• Decongestants are common cold medication ingredients. They work by reducing swelling of the nasal tissues and vessels and are used to relieve congestion rather than runny nose. Due to their drying effect, however, they can offer modest relief for a runny nose.

Other Cold Medicine Ingredients

• Multi-symptom cold medications contain some combination of decongestants, antihistamines, cough suppressants and expectorants. Cough suppressants and expectorants relieve coughing and chest congestion, but offer no relief for a runny nose.

Allergy Runny Nose Symptoms

• If your runny nose is caused by allergies, choosing an allergy medication rather than a cold medicine is best. Runny noses caused by allergies generally come about abruptly rather than gradually; produce clear, watery mucus and are often accompanied by sneezing and nasal itching.