When Does A Runny Nose Need To Be Treated By A Healthcare Provider
Again, your runny nose should go away on its own. However, if the symptoms are severe, they last more than 10 days, or if youre taking care of a child whose drainage only comes from one side, gets green or blood or foul-smelling, then you should see a healthcare provider.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Who hasnt had a runny nose? Getting a dripping or runny nose in the cold or when you have a cold, the flu or allergies is common. It usually doesnt mean theres an infection or something serious. Remember to use good hygiene practices to prevent a runny nose or similar issues. See a healthcare provider if your or your childs runny nose seems unusual.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/19/2021.
References
Buying Information For Medicine For Runny Nose
While rare, a runny nose can sometimes be the result of more serious conditions like nasal polyps, a deviated septum, a lodged object, nasal passage blockage, medication allergies or even gastric reflux. If your runny nose becomes continuous, then you should see a physician who can properly diagnose the cause and begin effective treatment.
But when your runny nose is just a runny nose, the top 3 products we review below in detail along with the other products in our top 10 guide should give you some fast and effective relief.
What Causes A Nose To Run
A runny nose is a symptom of inflamed nasal tissues. These tissues become inflamed when a foreign object enters the nasal passageway, such as an allergen. Therefore, the body produces mucus to drive the allergen out of the passageway. Mucus is usually clear, but sometimes can become yellowish or green. This is a sign of infection, a more serious problem that requires medical attention. There are, however numerous over the counter medicine to help deal with these symptoms until a doctors visit.
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List Of Best Medicine For Runny Nose
A runny nose may be called “rhinorrhea” when it refers to the thin, clear discharge caused by colds, infection or allergy. It is also called “rhinitis” when it refers to inflammation of the tissues in the nose which causes the discharge.
1. Best Medicine for Runny Nose Caused by Rhinorrhea
Most cases of rhinorrhea get better on their own without treatment, but if you are bothered by recurring symptoms, here are some of the best medicine for runny nose:
2. Best Medicine for Runny Nose Caused by Rhinitis
Want the best medicine for runny nose caused by rhinitis? Find the best and most effective ones below:
Except for using medications to treat runny nose, there are many useful and fast home remedies you can try. Learn from the video below:
What Is Acetaminophen And Why We Eliminate It Too
It can be unbearable to suffer from allergic symptoms, and it is natural to want to relieve yourself of pain and fever. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever, used for treating many conditions such as sinus, headache, backache, toothache and fever. It comes with side effects:
- Swelling of the tongue or lips
- Nausea
- Difficulty with breathing
- Serious skin reactions. Between 1969 and 2012, the Food and Drug Administration found that 67 people required hospitalization of which 12 died after skin reactions were reported after taking acetaminophen products. This comes from documented medical literature. One of the skin reactions linked to acetaminophen included Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis . You start with flu-like symptoms such as headache, aches and fever and progress to a blister-like rash. The skin starts peeling and the hair starts falling out. This skin reaction is often fatal.
There are different brands and forms of acetaminophen available, but all labeling warns you not to take more than is recommended. It can damage your liver, more so if you drink alcohol with it.
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Best Nighttime Allergy Medicine: Benadryl Allergy Ultra Tabs
Type: Antihistamine
Active ingredient: Diphenhydramine
Dose frequency: Every 4â6 hours
Trying to get some shut-eye without waking up to a scratchy throat in the dead of night? Thereâs a solid chance that Benadryl can help. This household name is known not only for its allergy relief propertiesâcourtesy of diphenhydramine, an antihistamineâbut for causing marked drowsiness, which can be helpful if your allergy symptoms tend to keep you up at night.
Shop this and other Benadryl products:
- Active ingredient: Naphazoline, pheniramine maleate
- Dose frequency: Up to four times a day
Formerly known as VISINE-A, these antihistamine eye drops relieve both redness and irritation caused by allergies. Thatâs a more comprehensive package than youâll get with a lot of eye drops, since they often focus more on lubrication and redness relief than tackling allergic reactions directly.
Hereditary Plays A Part
Hereditary factors certainly do set one up for a susceptibility to allergies. A predisposition is every reason to ensure you take steps to protect your body from potential health problems.
Allergies appear to run in families which means you have a higher than average risk of developing an allergy. Therefore avoiding the potential allergen and protecting your immune system with the right lifestyle and the right medicine is a smart move and will result in far fewer symptoms.
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What Symptoms Of Hay Fever Do Antihistamines Treat
Antihistamines block the action of histamine, and histamine-related symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Itchy ears
- Itchy throat
Other symptoms, including post-nasal drip, cough, and nasal congestion may also be caused by histamine, and therefore can be treated by antihistamines.
However, antihistamines are generally less effective at treating post-nasal drip and nasal congestion symptoms, since other chemicals other than histamine may be involved.
What To Look For In A Decongestant:
If youre really miserable, consider an antihistamine that also contains the oral decongestant pseudoephedrine. But decongestants arent recommended for long-term use or if you have urinary tract issues, high blood pressure or heart problems as they can raise blood pressure slightly, said Dr. Bajowala.
If you want to skip the decongestant, saline rinses or neti pots may provide minor relief, too, but youll need to use them several times a day.
Skip the sprays that shrink nasal passages, such as Afrin or Neo-Synephrine theyre okay for a day or two, but any longer can cause a rebound effect that makes congestion worse, said Bajowala.
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How Long Do Allergy Symptoms Last
Allergy symptoms can last anywhere from a few hours to several months depending on whats causing them and how theyre treated. For some people, allergy symptoms only appear at certain times of the year but may last for a few months called seasonal allergies. For others, they can be year-round called perennial allergies. People with seasonal allergies usually refer to the times when they experience symptoms as allergy season.
Seasonal allergies tend to be most troublesome in the spring and fall. Depending on where in the U.S. you live, spring allergy season can start as early as February and last into the beginning of summer. On the flip side, fall allergy season usually lasts from August to October, with mid-September being the roughest time.
What Is The Best Seasonal Allergy Medicine
The short answer is it depends on your symptoms.
If you feel itchy and have a runny nose or watery eyes, you would most likely benefit from an antihistamine, preferably a non-drowsy one such as Claritin. You can add a nasal steroid such as Flonase to help relieve those pesky nasal allergy symptoms. Nasal saline is a great option to keep nasal passages from drying out. OTC allergy eye drops can help relieve itchy eyes.
If you have a stuffy nose, you may want to add a decongestant. Many non-drowsy allergy meds include a decongestant, such as Allegra-D. But if you have high blood pressure, you should avoid these medications, because they can raise your blood pressure further. Also, some antihistamines are not safe for people who have glaucoma or prostate problems. Your pharmacist can help you pick the best product for your symptoms, considering any medical conditions you have and other medications you take.
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What Is The Best Cold Medicine To Use
The best cold medicine to use will vary depending on the symptoms someone has. For example, someone who has a cold and cough may need to take a cough suppressant, whereas someone with a cold and stuffy nose might need to take a decongestant. Taking a decongestant when you dont have a stuffy nose probably isnt going to help you if youre searching for relief from a sore throat.
Finding the best cold medicine depends on which cold symptoms you want the most relief fromfind a medication that treats those symptoms. Some treatments even provide multi-symptom relief and would say so on the label.
If youre still unsure about which cold medicine to choose, you can always ask your healthcare provider, including your pharmacist, for advice. Its also a good idea to ask your doctor or pharmacist if taking cold medicine will interfere with your prescription medications, as drug-drug interactions can cause unwanted side effects.
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Boiron Histaminum Hydrochloricum 30c Homeopathic Medicine For Allergy Relief White 80 Count Pack Of 3
as of February 28, 2022 3:37 pm
Features
- Homeopathic medicine that relieves Allergy symptoms
- Take at the First Sign of Symptoms
- Non-Drowsy, no known side effects, no known drug interactions
- This medicine uses highly diluted natural substances to relieve symptoms.
- This medicine comes in quick-dissolving pellet form
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What About Side Effects
You shouldnât drive when you take antihistamines such as brompheniramine , chlorpheniramine , clemastine , and diphenhydramine . They can make you drowsy. Others such as desloratadine , fexofenadine , and loratadine usually donât.
- Nervousness
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
You shouldnât take decongestants if you have certain health issues, including high blood pressure or heart problems. If you have prostate problems that make it hard to pee, these drugs can make the problem worse.
Donât use decongestant nasal sprays for more than 3 days in a row, as they may make your nasal congestion and swelling worse and last longer.
Check the drug label for more information about side effects.
Show Sources
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology: “Tips to Remember: Asthma and Allergy Medications” and “Allergic Conditions: Antihistamines.”
FamilyDoctor.org: “Antihistamines.”
What Are The Best Home Remedies For Postnasal Drip
Many people rely on home remedies and natural treatments to help treat their postnasal drip. Certain lifestyle changes may help prevent postnasal drip from worsening. Home remedies, natural treatment options, and lifestyle changes are all ways that people who have postnasal drip can try to reduce their symptoms. Here are some popular home and natural remedies for postnasal drip:
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What To Look For When Youre Buying Allergy Medication
Not sure where to start when it comes to allergy meds? Letâs discuss a few major factors worth considering before you purchase your drug of choice.
- Active ingredients: Different active ingredients trigger different effects. Diphenhydramine , for example, is an antihistamine. Antihistamines work differently than decongestants like pseudoephedrine . Learn more about the differences in our comprehensive allergy relief guide.
- Effective duration: Some allergy medicines are intended to be taken every 4â6 hours, while others are formulated to last 24 hours, so you only have to take them once daily.
- Side effects: Some allergy medicines cause drowsiness, which is worth noting if youâre planning to take your allergy medicine in the morning, during the day or anytime you might have to drive.
Can Allergic Rhinitis Be Prevented Or Avoided
Allergic rhinitis cannot be prevented. You can help your symptoms by avoiding the things that cause your symptoms, including:
- Keeping windows closed. This is especially important during high-pollen seasons.
- Washing your hands after petting animals.
- Using dust- and mite-proof bedding and mattress covers.
- Wearing glasses outside to protect your eyes.
- Showering before bed to wash off allergens from hair and skin.
You can also avoid things that can make your symptoms worse, such as:
- Aerosol sprays.
- Wood smoke.
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What Are The Types Of Allergic Rhinitis
The two types of allergic rhinitis are seasonal and perennial. Seasonal allergies usually occur during the spring and fall season and are typically in response to outdoor allergens like pollen. Perennial allergies can occur year round, or at any time during the year in response to indoor substances, like dust mites and pet dander.
Allergies can affect anyone, but youre more likely to develop allergic rhinitis if there is a history of allergies in your family. Having asthma or atopic eczema can also increase your risk of allergic rhinitis.
Some external factors can trigger or worsen this condition, including:
What Other Symptoms May Come With A Runny Nose
Postnasal drip is a side effect of too much mucus. It occurs when the mucus goes down the back of your throat and is swallowed, which may lead to a cough or sore throat.
Sometimes, a runny nose and a congested, or stuffy, nose are seen together. Congestion occurs when the tissues lining the nose become swollen and make it difficult to breathe. The swelling is due to inflamed blood vessels. Mucus may begin to run out of your nose.
A runny nose due to a cold or flu may be accompanied by fatigue, sore throat, cough, facial pressure and sometimes fever.
A runny nose due to allergies may be accompanied by sneezing and itchy, watery eyes.
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Best Medicine For Runny Nose
What is the best medicine for runny nose? Almost everyone experiences this annoying problem, and whether you are a child in school or a businessman at work, you will find it difficult to go through the day with this burden and may want to get the answer for this question eagerly. Then you need to know the causes to treat it accordingly. The most common cause of excess drainage from your nose is a common cold, but you can also have one when you have allergies or a sinus infection. A runny nose is sometimes accompanied by cough, headache and earache, depending on the underlying cause. Although it is not a serious condition, you may want to know how to treat a runny nose fast, so read on.
Typical Dosing For Allegra
Adults and children 12 years of age and older:
- 12-hour tablet: The typical dose is one tablet with water twice a day. Don’t take more than 2 tablets a day.
- 24-hour tablet: The typical dose is one tablet with water once a day. Don’t take more than one tablet a day.
Children under 12 years of age:
- Oral suspension: For children aged 2 to 12, take 5 mL every 12 hours. Don’t take more than 10 mL in 24 hours
- Dissolvable tablet: For children aged 6 to 12, take 1 tablet every 12 hours on an empty stomach. Don’t take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours.
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Medicine For Cold And Sinus
Headache, nasal pain, congestion, runny nose and fatigue.
Thereâs no doubt that these symptoms can make you feel miserable, but it can be hard to tell whatâs causing the discomfort. Is it a cold or sinus infection? Both of these illnesses share many of the same symptoms, and treatment is often similar, too. Here youâll learn about colds and sinus infections, including cold and sinus medicines.
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Why Does It Run
Our nasal tissues routinely produce mucus to keep our nasal passages moist and functioning well. In fact, along with the stomach and intestines which also produce mucus, they typically generate 1-2 quarts a day that not only moisten tissue but also help trap any bacteria or viruses before they get into our bloodstream and cause infection.
But when something like a cold virus or pollen breaks through the mucus barrier and irritates the nasal tissues excessively, mucus production goes into overdrive in an attempt to get rid of the intruder. The excess has to go somewhere and the result is a runny nose.
At other times, the problem is not that were producing too much mucus, but that our body is not clearing it away like usual. Swallowing problems related to conditions like gastric reflux, for example, may cause a buildup of mucus in the throat that can only escape out the nose.
To help our noses get back to normal, we can first identify the irritant and escape it to prevent symptoms from worsening. If its pollen, spend as much time as possible indoors or wear a filtering mask when outside. If its smoke, move away from the person who is smoking. If your runny nose is accompanied by other cold symptoms, drink lots of liquids and get rest. After escaping the irritants, then we can use a variety of products that will reduce symptoms further.
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Alternative And Complementary Medicine
Due to concerns over possible side effects, more people with allergies are looking at ways to address hay fever symptoms naturally. However, it is important to remember that any medication can have side effects, even if its considered natural. Aside from home remedies, options can also include alternative and complimentary medicine. The downside to these treatments can be that theres little supporting evidence to prove that theyre safe or effective. The correct dosing may also be difficult to determine or achieve.
According to the
- honey
- probiotics
Although these alternative treatments are derived from plants and other natural substances, they can possibly interact with medications, as well as cause reactions. Try these with caution, and ask your doctor before use.
Unfortunately, allergic rhinitis itself cant be prevented. Treatment and management are keys to achieving a good quality of life with allergies. Some complications that can arise from hay fever include:
- inability to sleep from symptoms keeping you up at night
- development or worsening of asthma symptoms
- frequent ear infections
- absences from school or work because of reduced productivity
- frequent headaches
Complications can also arise from antihistamine side effects. Most commonly, drowsiness can occur. Other side effects include headache, anxiety, and insomnia. In rare cases, antihistamines can cause gastrointestinal, urinary, and circulatory effects.
