For many people the start of spring means one thing – a runny nose! Allergies, changes in weather, as well as lingering respiratory illnesses like colds, flu and COVID can all contribute to that annoying and uncomfortable congestion.
“A runny nose in isolation is generally not dangerous,” said Amelia Nadler, DNP, FNP-C, Medical Director for Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care. “When it’s in combination with other symptoms, then it might be worth being evaluated.”
Significant facial pain lasting more than 10 days, along with fever or severe symptoms that do not improve with over-the-counter medications can indicate the presence of a more concerning infection. Those types of symptoms can be seen at an urgent care location.
The color and consistency of mucus does not differentiate between a viral or bacterial infection. Mucus can be thick and green in the setting of an allergic runny nose or a bacterial sinus infection.
“It’s an old wives’ tale,” said Nadler.
Mucus is your body’s natural immune response when there is an infection or can be produced to provide a protective barrier or moisture.
How to treat a runny nose at home
For people with a runny nose due to a cold or other respiratory illness, it’s best to:
- Rest
- Stay hydrated
- Use a saline nasal spray or rinse
Some over-the-counter decongestants like pseudoephedrine can provide relief of congestion, but Jill Shea, BS Pharm, RPh, Outpatient Pharmacy Manager at Bridgeport Hospital cautions they aren’t for everyone. People with underlying medical conditions like high blood pressure should not take pseudoephedrine products, so it’s best to always consult a clinician or pharmacist before taking one.
How to treat a runny nose from allergies
In addition to runny noses, those with allergies may experience itchy eyes, sneezing and postnasal drip. Antihistamines can help reduce the body’s natural histamine response to allergens. Shea says once daily options like loratadine, fexofenadine and cetirizine can be a good option for many people since they cause little to no drowsiness.
Other medications like diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine can cause drowsiness so it’s important for those with allergies to pick the right medication based on their needs.
Saline rinses or neti pots, which are containers used to pour saline solution into the nose, can also help clear allergens from nasal passages. However, Shea says when using a neti pot, always use distilled, sterile or previously boiled water when preparing the solution.
How do I get rid of postnasal drip?
One of the most irritating sensations associated with runny nose is postnasal drip, which is the feeling of mucus running down the back of the throat. Shea recommends the following to try and address it:
- Using a humidifier
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Trying antihistamines
- Using nasal sprays
If postnasal drip is lingering, it’s worth being seen by a clinician to determine the cause and possible treatment options.
How to prevent a runny nose
Those used to allergies may already be prepared for the season, but anyone can develop an allergy at any point in life. Doing some spring cleaning can help alleviate symptoms if they start to crop up.
“Keep the dust count low,” said Nadler. “Make sure you vacuum rugs, if you have dogs or pets in the house, keep them off furniture, close windows during high pollen days, and make sure you are eliminating allergens where you can.”
Even as the weather warms up, respiratory illnesses are sure to linger. Wash your hands, cover your cough so you don’t share germs with others and wear a mask if you need to.
