How to Stop a Nose From Dribbling

A dribbling, runny or otherwise congested nose can be quite uncomfortable. The medical word for a dribbling nose is rhinitis. Side effects can include soreness on the upper lip, and in bad cases, scabbing. As the body protects itself from the onset of a cold, the flu or allergies, the body tries to dilute the toxins in its system. This process produces the substance that's dribbling from your nose.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine the cause of your runny nose. There are four main kinds of rhinitis: allergic, bacterial, viral and chemical. Allergic rhinitis is caused by allergens in your environment, such as dust or pollen in the air. Bacterial is caused by contact with infectious bugs or germs. Viral rhinitis is the most common, and, caused by many varieties of the common cold, viral rhinitis can develop into a sinus infection. Chemical rhinitis is caused by toxins in the air, such as diesel, chrome and smog.

• 2

  Drink lots of water. By adding a large of amount of water to your body, you will dilute the amount of toxins in your system, giving your body a better chance of fighting off the infection or irritation.

  Irrigate your nasal passages with salt water. Purchase a nonprescription nasal spray from a drugstore or pharmacy, or add half a teaspoon salt into a cup of water, fill an eyedropper with the solution, tilt your head back, and insert the eyedropper into your nose. Gradually drip the solution into your nose, and let it sit for a moment. Blow your nose to remove any residual salt.

• 3

  Increase the humidity in the air that you're breathing, by using a humidifier from a local drug or department store. This will keep your nasal passages more moist and hopefully put an end to your running nose.

• 4

  Take an antihistamine, with your doctor's approval. These drugs work best to stop the effect of allergens, if you're suffering from allergen rhinitis. Antihistamines can be purchased over the counter at your local drugstore. Be sure not to drive on antihistamines, as they may make you drowsy. In addition to taking antihistamines, the best solution is to remove the substance you're allergic to from your environment, or remove yourself from the area, as symptoms will return when the antihistamine wears off.

• 5

  If none of the above solutions work, you may have a larger problem. Check with a doctor if your runny nose persists, and he may be able to offer advice and find a solution to your problem.