How Can We Relieve A Running Nose?
I am a constant victim of my nose running faster than a waterfall. What blows my mind further is that it seems so hell-bent to keep me up all night. So I thought to myself what better way to celebrate its victory than to write a list of methods to eliminate the running nose (other than literally destroying our nose)? Before we embark on this endeavour, we need to find out a couple of things. First — What is a running nose? Second — What causes a running nose? Lastly — What can we do to relieve a running nose?
What Is A Running Nose?
The purpose of the mucus in our nose is to keep inhaled air moist and warm. However, this natural function gets out of hand in cases of a running nose. Commonly termed as “rhinorrhoea” by doctors, a running nose is the result of excess nasal mucus production which leads to watery nasal secretions that discharge in two ways. It either comes out from our nostrils or it drops back down into our throats.
What Causes A Running Nose?
Our nose serves to protect our bodies from potentially harmful substances such as viruses, bacteria and foreign objects (e.g. particles of dust). When we can’t stop reaching for the tissues, it signals that the tissue and blood vessels in our nose was irritated by something in the environment and produces mucous for protection. Some of our noses are more susceptible to some irritants than others, and these may include cigarette smoke, perfume, pollen and pet hair. In some cases, we can also be triggered by spicy food, sudden change in temperature as well as an abrupt change in emotion.
What Can We Do To Relieve A Running Nose?
Drink Plenty of Warm Water
When we sip lots of warm water, it brings about a soothing effect. Specifically, when we hydrate ourselves, it helps to thin our mucus and allows the mucus to be drained out quicker. The result is a reduction in pressure with less inflammation and irritation.
Shower With Warm Water
When we inhale warm steam, it provides comfort by soothing the mucous membranes lining our noses. When we have our bathroom doors closed with hot water running for a couple of minutes, the steam will cause our nasal secretions to be loose and ready to be blown out of our noses.
Use a Humidifier
When we have a clean humidifier in the room, it adds moisture back into our environment. This helps to keep our nasal passages moist and guides the mucus to be drained out quicker.
Sleep With Our Heads Elevated
When we sleep on several pillows, it allows the mucus to drain naturally as compared to when we sleep in a flat position. When we lie flat, it allows the mucus to gather in the back of our throats and cause a post-nasal drip. Also, when we are able to fall asleep, it gives us a much-needed break from blowing our noses.
Other than medication, these are some simple steps we can take to feel better. It is important to point out that all of us are probably irritated by different kinds of allergens, so we need to pay extra caution to what exactly is causing the running nose to us. What irritates me may not irritate you, and vice versa. While the problem usually resolves on its own with time and patience, it can be extremely bothersome. It may even turn out to be a lasting concern that seriously impacts our quality of life by constantly stealing sleep from us. Since we often take our nose for granted until the point it starts to drip endlessly, let’s make a conscious effort to appreciate it by not abusing it.
