The Best Way to Treat a Runny Nose

A runny nose is a symptom of various conditions, ranging from the common cold to an allergic reaction. Nasal drainage is a result of vasodilation, which is an immune system response similar to the ones that cause watery eyes, sneezing or itching. A number of remedies for a runny nose are available as over-the-counter drugs, and home remedies exist to treat the symptoms, as well.

Antihistamines

• Take antihistamines as a way to treat a runny nose with drugs. Histamines are the body chemical responsible for the immune response to allergies. Blocking histamines from performing their job will stop a runny nose, among other allergy-like responses. Antihistamines are drugs that block histamines and are common ingredients in many cold and allergy medicines. Antihistamines work best when they are taken early on, before symptoms are present, but will work to alleviate a runny nose at any time, according to entnet.org. These drugs are available in liquid, pill or nasal spray forms.
  Antihistamines are effective but do typically have side effects, such as drowsiness, and should not be used by those who must drive or operate equipment.

Chronic Runny Nose

• If your runny nose has continued for more than a week it may be a more serious condition than simple allergy. According to ds-health.com, drainage lasting more than a week accompanied by mucous that is yellow or green often indicates an infection of some kind.
  If this describes your condition, see your doctor and get a prescription for antibiotics. A diagnosis of sinusitis or an upper respiratory infection comes as a result of drainage that lasts for more than seven days and is a non-clear color. The color does not always indicate the root problem, but it is usually a good indicator. An increase in body temperature to 100 degrees or more also indicates the problem is infection-based.

Irrigation

• Often a runny nose is caused by the presence of allergens and an immune response in the lining of the nose. You can irrigate the nose with saltwater to remove allergens and dry out the secretions to stop the problem, according to mothernature.com.
  Dissolve 1/2 tsp. of salt into 8 oz. of water and use a dropper to squirt the liquid into the nostrils. Make sure your head is tilted back and sniff when the liquid enters the nose to draw it through the sinus cavity. This may be uncomfortable until you get used to the procedure, but it will be an effective temporary treatment for a runny nose.