Runny Nose: Quick Help, Causes, and When to See a Doctor
Got a nose that won’t stop dripping? A runny nose is annoying, but usually not dangerous. Most cases come from colds, allergies, or irritants like smoke and cold air. This guide gives practical fixes you can try at home, safe over-the-counter options, and clear signs that you should see a clinician.
Quick home fixes that actually help
Start simple: saline nasal spray or rinse clears mucus and lowers irritation. Use a neti pot or pressurized saline once or twice daily — it’s safe for most adults and kids over a year old. Keep fluids up; warm drinks loosen mucus and soothe the throat. A warm shower or steam inhalation can help temporarily open your nose.
Humidifiers keep air moist and prevent thick mucus. Clean the device regularly to avoid mold. Avoid smoke, strong perfumes, and sudden cold drafts — these make your nose run more. For kids, keep them upright when they sleep and use a bulb syringe for infants who can’t blow their nose yet.
Medications and important warnings
If home care isn’t enough, try an oral antihistamine for allergies. Second-generation options like cetirizine or loratadine cause little drowsiness and work well for sneezing and clear watery discharge. First-generation antihistamines (diphenhydramine) cause sleepiness — useful at night, but avoid if you need to drive or work.
Topical decongestant sprays (oxymetazoline) relieve blockage fast but only use for up to three days to avoid rebound congestion. Oral decongestants (pseudoephedrine) work for many adults but raise blood pressure and can cause jitteriness; check with a pharmacist if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or take other meds.
Expectorants like guaifenesin can thin mucus but don’t stop the runny nose itself. For sinus pain or thick green discharge, a short course of pain reliever or a decongestant may help — if symptoms last, see a doctor.
When should you seek medical help? See a clinician if symptoms last more than 10 days, if you have a high fever, severe facial pain, blood in the mucus, breathing trouble, or symptoms that suddenly get much worse. For infants under three months with a runny nose and fever, contact your pediatrician immediately.
Long-term or seasonal runny nose may be allergy-related. An allergist can test and offer treatments like nasal steroid sprays, allergy shots, or tailored meds. If you’re unsure what’s causing it, keep a simple log of triggers (pets, pollen, foods) and share it with your provider.
A runny nose usually clears with basic care. Use saline, stay hydrated, try a gentle antihistamine for allergies, and follow safety limits on decongestant sprays. If red flags pop up or it won’t quit, get professional advice — that’s the fastest way back to normal breathing.