A runny nose is a nasal discharge of mucus that is clear and thin, or thick and light green or yellowish. Runny noses accompany conditions like bacterial infections, colds and flu, hay fever, allergens, sinusitis, small items being stuck in the nose and head injuries. The U.S. National Library of Medicine website says that a runny nose usually is not serious. Runny nose treatments include home remedies and medical intervention.
Identify Allergens
Find out what allergen is causing a runny nose if you suffer from allergies. Eliminate foods or plants that may be causing your allergy symptoms and slowly reintroduce them one by one to isolate allergen. Reduce allergens in your home by covering bed box springs and mattresses with plastic covers and use lint-free bedspreads. Don't sleep on feather pillows or keep stuffed animals on the bed. Make sure the closet does not have a lot of clutter. According to Dr. Richard Mabry in "Symptoms: Their Causes and Cures," by Rodale Books, you should clean your curtains every month and remove rugs and upholstered furniture from the home. Vacuum the home instead of sweeping, disposing of vacuum used bags. Dust with a damp cloth and clean home with hypo-allergenic household cleaners and washing machine detergents. Use hypo-allergenic and unscented cosmetics and skin care products.
Use Home Remedies
Drink extra fluids and use a humidifier or vaporizer to treat runny noses at home. You also can use saline sprays to keep mucus thin and prevent ear and sinus infections from developing. According to "Symptoms: Their Causes and Cures," a nasal douche treats runny noses. To make this remedy, mix one-fourth tsp. of salt in 4 oz. of water. Stand over a sink and pour the saltwater in your hand. Sniff mixture in your nose and blow it out, one nostril at a time. This homemade saltwater blend is equivalent to the nasal sprays found in pharmacies.
Avoid Overmedication
Go over prescription and nonprescription medications that you are taking with your doctors. Medications that cause runny noses include beta blockers, blood pressure medications, aspirin, NSAIDs, oral contraceptives and estrogens. Doctors can readjust these medications to reduce runny noses. Avoid taking unnecessary amounts of medications to treat runny noses; instead, use antihistamines to decrease mucus production. You should only use over-the-counter nasal sprays three days on and three days off unless your doctor give specific instructions.
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