Everyone has dealt with nasal issues at some point. For some, it is the occasional stuffy nose or sniffly nose. But for many others, a constantly runny nose has become a persistent and inconvenient problem.
A runny nose happens when mucus, a substance produced by your mucous membrane, drips out of your nose. Mucus moistens the air you breathe, while acting as a protective barrier against foreign irritants such as dust or pollen.
Ironically, that’s where the problem also begins.
What Causes a Watery or Snotty Nose?
There are many possible reasons for a runny nose. Foreign particles may enter your nose and trigger a reaction. An infection from a common cold or sinusitis can also cause inflammation in your nasal tissues. Chronic allergies may also trigger a reaction from your nose, more commonly known as allergic rhinitis.
While these are the reasons for most snotty noses, some other factors may also come into play. These include cold weather, air conditioning, smoke, spicy foods, or even lifestyle factors like a lack of sleep and exercise.
Unfortunately, a runny nose can also come with other symptoms, such as nasal congestion, coughs, a sore throat, or even more acute symptoms like a fever.
How Do You Stop a Nose from Running?
The good news is that there are many easy remedies you can try at home. Check out four simple tricks on how to stop a runny nose and keep your nose passages clear:
1. Prioritize Rest
Lack of sleep can weaken your immune system. Ensuring you get longer, more restful sleep can help to reduce your chances of a sniffly nose.
2. Inhale Some Steam
Breathing in the warm, moist vapour helps to thin out the mucus. To do this, boil a kettle of water for steam or taking a warm bath or shower.
3. Drink More Water and Stay Hydrated
Thick mucus can lead to a stuffy or runny nose. Drinking more water will drain your sinuses, loosening the mucus.
4. Use Nasal Sprays
If you are looking for how to stop a runny nose more quickly, the Sato Nazal Spray works well for sinusitis and runny noses. It contains a vasoconstrictor which stops the fluid in your blood vessels from draining into your nasal tissues. This unblocks your airflow and clears up mucus from your nasal passages, easing any discomfort from a stuffy nose.
You can also try the Sato Nazal Spray Pump, a decongestant nasal spray designed to help shrink the blood vessels in your nose and reduce nasal swelling for short-term relief.
When to Seek Professional Help
Runny noses tend to clear up after a short time, but symptoms may last several days or even worsen. Some indicators to look out for include nasal pain, foul-smelling mucus or fevers, which may be signs of more serious underlying issues such as bacterial infection. If this happens, be sure to seek professional healthcare help.
Frequently Asked Questions about Managing a Runny Nose
How to stop a sniffly nose quickly?
To stop a sniffly nose fast, try a combination of hydration, steam inhalation, and a targeted nasal decongestant like Sato Nazal Spray to reduce tissue swelling and mucus production.
How do you stop a nose from running due to air conditioning?
If your watery nose is triggered by cold air, try to stay hydrated and use a saline spray to keep the nasal membranes moist. If symptoms persist, a decongestant spray can provide temporary relief.
Is a snotty nose always a sign of a cold?
Not necessarily. A snotty nose can be caused by allergies (allergic rhinitis), environmental irritants, or even eating spicy foods (gustatory rhinitis).
