By Dr. Surya Bhagwati
Chief In- House Doctor
BAMS, DHA, DHHCM, DHBTC | 30+ Years of Experience
Has sneezing and a runny nose been really messing with your day lately? From allergies to common colds, such symptoms may turn out to be very disturbing. Fortunately, some treatments and precautions will make you breathe easily. Here is how to stop sneezing and runny nose, so you can get back into a comfortable life routine.
Drink Plenty Of Fluids
The intake of ample fluid is yet another simple but equally effective home remedy to stop sneezing and runny nose instantly. Water, herbal teas, and all other kinds of clear broths function by thinning the mucus in the body for easy expulsion. Keeping yourself well-hydrated will keep your mucous membranes moist and in turn, less irritated and congested. Just keep in mind to drink at least eight glasses of water a day and sip on some warm fluids to soothe the throat and drain out mucus from the passages.
Facial Steam
The facial steam, however, could only be highly relaxing and could help provide immediate relief with blocked nose and sneeze attacks. It opens up the pathways of the nostril, loosens the mucus, and eventually reduces the inflammation. One can take a facial steam by letting the water boil, then placing it in a bowl, and then bending over the bowl with one’s head covered by a towel. Now, again breathe deep this way for 10 min or more to help clear the nasal passage in order to relieve the congestion.
Neti Pot
A neti pot is a device for irrigation of the nose. It rinses out the mucus, allergens, and other irritants inside your nose passages. Fill some saline solution into a neti pot. You can either buy this ready or prepare it yourself by mixing salt with water. Tilt your head sideways over a sink, then put the spout of the neti pot into your upper nostril. Alternatively, slightly lean your head to one side over a sink and slowly pour down its content. The fluid will move through the nasal passages and come out from the other nostrils, allowing you to breathe freely through your nose while avoiding excessive sneezing.
Nasal Spray
How do nasal sprays work? They reduce inflammation and the swelling of the nose passages. There are different kinds of them, such as saline sprays acting to moisten dried-up nasal passages and medicated sprays that include decongestants or even corticosteroids. Always follow the instructions for labelling and the use of nasal sprays to ensure that one is protected from possible side effects.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin, the active principle of chilli peppers, is clinically reported to help decrease nasal stuffiness and sneezing by reducing the sensitivity of the mucous membrane lining your nasal passage to different sorts of irritants. Administer capsaicin through a nasal spray or cream/ointment applied topically on the nose area. Start with a small quantity to check one’s tolerance, or consult a doctor if required.
Eating Spicy Foods
Do you love spicy food? Well, they are good nasal decongestants. The ones that have chilli peppers, horseradish, or mustard can thin the mucus and clean the passages. Furthermore, eating spicy food arouses an increased flow of mucus down your nasal passages and may be useful in flushing your nose to avoid further sneezing. Of course, you need to be mindful of how sensitive you are to spicy foods, and in case you have a sensitive stomach, please do not overeat.
Warm Compress
How to get rid of sneezing and runny nose? A warm compress will not take away your sinus pressure but sure does help alleviate the aches of having a runny nose. What the heat in it can do for you is loosen some of the mucus that’s been accumulated in the nasal cavities and increase blood flow to areas where it is placed. Next, for the warm compress, wet a clean cloth in warm water, wring out excess water, and put it over the nose and forehead. Let this sit for 10-15 minutes, then repeat as often as needed to find relief.
Hot Teas
In particular, ginger, peppermint, and chamomile teas do much to soothe a runny nose and sneeze. It’s because the steam that gets inside your nostrils opens up your nasal passages, while the warm liquid itself soothes your throat. Added advantages of ginger and peppermint teas include anti-inflammatory and in some measure decongestant properties in cases of congestion and irritation.
Humidifiers
The home humidifier will help to keep the air moist, therefore soothing feelings of a runny nose and congestion. In fact, dry air can even be more provocative to your nasal passages and increase your symptoms. Moisture added into the air by a humidifier soothes the nasal passages, reducing the creation of mucus and making it easier to breathe. Be sure to frequently clean the humidifier to remove mould and bacteria.
Hot Shower
Indeed, a runny nose and excess sneezing are dispelled by a hot shower, as steam from the water keeps the passages of the nose clear and mucous loose. The warmth of the shower itself brings comfort and relaxation. If you are not in the mood to take a full shower, you can always bend over a hot bath or bowl of steaming water to help your congestion.
How Is A Runny Nose Treated?
>Treatment of a runny nose is both symptomatic and causal in nature. The common treatments include
- OTC Medications- Decongestants and antihistamines decongest the nose; thus, they help alleviate allergy or cold symptoms.
- Home Remedies-Steam to the face, saline nasal sprays, and hot tea can be panaceas for this runny nose.
- Alterations in Lifestyle- Drink ample amounts of water and eat good food for proper treatment, and for the prevention of a runny nose. Keeping away from possible allergens is equally useful.
Can I Prevent A Runny Nose?
Since these measures are against the triggers, prevention of a runny nose encompasses all proactive ways of health maintenance. Some tips to prevent a runny nose include-
- Avoid Allergens-Stay away from the things one is allergic to—whether it is pollen, dust, or fur of pets.
- Personal Hygiene- Try to wash your hands as frequently as possible, and avoid touching the face to avoid falling sick.
- Wholesome Diet- It needs to be rich in vitamins and minerals. These are very great in energizing one’s immune system to fight back from a cold and other sorts of infection.
A mixture of lifestyle changes and preventive measures can be adopted to treat and manage a runny nose and sneezing. Or add Dr Vaidya’s Ayurvedic medicine online to get relief from nasal irritation. Grab Kadha Sips to ease symptoms and feel comfortable. Regain control over your health today and see just how easy it is to feel your best!
Dr. Surya Bhagwati
BAMS (Ayurveda), DHA (Hospital Admin), DHHCM (Health Management), DHBTC (Herbal Beauty and Cosmetology)
Dr. Surya Bhagwati is an established, well-known Ayurvedic expert with over 30 years of experience in treating and consulting in the field of Ayurveda. She is known for the timely, efficient, and patient-centred delivery of quality health care. The patients under her care receive a unique holistic treatment comprising not only medicinal treatment but also spiritual empowerment.