Most causes of runny nose do not require a visit to the doctor and are able to be treated at home. However, if your symptoms persist for an extended period of time, you should make an appointment with a health care provider to determine what might be causing your symptoms. Here are some common treatments for a runny nose.
Treat the Cause
If a viral infection, such as the common cold or the flu, is causing your runny nose, then unfortunately there is not much treatment available. The best way to treat a viral infection is to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids to regain your strength. However, if your symptoms are severe or if you are at an increased risk for complications, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication that will greatly reduce your recovery time.
If your runny nose is caused by another condition, your doctor will be able to discuss other potential treatment options with you.
Thin Out Mucus
When you have a runny nose, it is important to make sure that your mucus isn’t thick or sticky. If the mucus is too thick, it can cause complications with your breathing and increase your risk for other complications, such as an ear infection. Therefore, it can be helpful to try to thin out your mucus as much as possible. Drinking a lot of fluids is one way to help thin out your mucus. You can also use saline nasal sprays or humidifiers that will add more moisture to the air. Decongestant nasal sprays should not be used for more than three days in a row, unless specifically instructed by your doctor.
Antihistamines
If your runny nose is the result of allergies, then taking antihistamines may help. However, there are some antihistamines that can make you feel extremely drowsy, so make sure not to take this type of medication before driving or performing other dangerous tasks. It is also possible for some antihistamines to negatively react with other types of medications. For this reason, talk to your doctor before taking any antihistamines if you are already taking other medications.
When to Call the Doctor
While most cases of runny nose will clear up on their own, there are some circumstances when a runny nose is an indicator of a more serious problem. Here are some signs that you should call your doctor:
- If your symptoms last more than 10 days
- If your mucus is green or yellow and accompanied by a fever
- If you have blood in your mucus
- If your nasal discharge is persistently clear following a head injury
- If you have a high fever that lasts for more than three days
Runny nose could be especially serious in infants and newborns. Try gently removing nasal secretions for babies and small children using a rubber suction bulb to avoid causing breathing difficulties. Contact your child’s doctor if your child’s runny nose is accompanied by having trouble breathing or running a fever.
