What can you do to stop a runny nose

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Table of Contents Show

What causes a runny noses?
What is snot or nasal mucus?
How to stop a runny nose
1. Have a hot drink
2. Use a neti pot
3. Inhale steam
4. Eat curry
6. Choosing superfoods
6 products to help you get rid of a cold

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The common cold and its main symptom of a runny nose affects around 930,000 Brits every winter. While there is no cure for the cold itself, there are several effective and simple home remedies that can help stop a runny nose.

What causes a runny noses?

Anything that irritates of inflames the nasal tissue can cause a runny nose and those triggers can be different for each people. Some of these triggers can include:

Allergies – like hay fever, dust, cats etc.
Common cold
Flu or coronavirus
Acute sinusitis (nasal and sinus infection)
Nonallergic rhinitis (chronic congestion or sneezing not related to allergies)
Hormonal changes
Dry air
Nasal polyps

What is snot or nasal mucus?

Snot or nasal mucus is a bodily product produced by glands in the nose or throat. These glands make one to two quarts of mucus every day which is mostly swallowed.

The purpose of snot is to:

keep the linings of your nose and sinuses moist
trap dust and particles when you breathe in
fight infections
moisten the air you inhale

How to stop a runny nose

1. Have a hot drink

One way to stop your nose from running is to drink a warm beverage, which can also soothe a sore throat.

Opt for hot water with a dash of fresh lemon, chopped ginger and a dollop of honey for the most effective immunity-boosting drink. Getting into a routine of drinking hot lemon at the start of each day will also help to get your digestive system working. If you can, avoid alcohol, coffee and caffeinated sodas, as this will make you more dehydrated. Herbal teas are a great alternative.

A 2008 rhinology study found that drinking a hot drink provided instant relief to several cold symptoms. The research further found that people with a cold felt they had better airflow after a hot drink, even though their airflow was not actually improved.

If you have a sore throat, the NHS recommend to gargle salt water to help soothe the pain.

tea with ginger, lemon

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2. Use a neti pot

Amazing Health Neti Pot for Nasal Flushing with Guidance leaflet

Amazing Health amazon.co.uk

A neti pot (which looks like a small ceramic tea pot) flushes out mucus and debris from the nose and sinuses, helping you to breathe. It works by pouring water into one nostril and it will come out of the other one, flushing the nose clean.

Neti pots are used with sterile water or saline solution, but remember that improper use can be dangerous. Always research properly before using one.

3. Inhale steam

Olbas 100692171 Oil Inhalant Decongestant 28ml

Inhaling steam will help to open up your nose and stop it from running. This happens because steam can help thin out mucus, making breathing easier. While steam won't get rid of your cold, it will help you to feel better.

Fill a bowl with boiled water, cover your head with a towel, place your head over the steaming bowl and inhale for faster relief of cold symptoms. Dropping some Olbas oil into the hot water will also help with clearing your sinuses.

Cup of tea

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4. Eat curry

Another way to help speed up the healing process of your cold is to eat a curry. Eating a spicy meal can help with a streaming nose, though it will get runnier to begin with.

5. Rest

With the busyness of everyday life, it can often be a challenge to take time out to relax. If you are feeling under the weather with a cold or runny nose, try to rest so that you can speed up your recovery process. Aim for an early night, a hot bath and drinking plenty of fluids.

Berry for breakfast

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6. Choosing superfoods

One of the great ways you can prevent colds is by stocking up on immune-boosting superfoods such as salmon, eggs, nuts, berries and dark leafy greens. Make yourself a delicious smoothie for breakfast packed with fruits and you'll soon be feeling full of energy again.