How to Stop a Runny Nose Fast

Co-authored by Alan O. Khadavi, MD, FACAAI and Glenn Carreau

Last Updated: September 11, 2024 Fact Checked

Looking for ways to stop a runny nose? You're in the right place. Runny noses are extremely common and can be caused by cold weather, allergies, and illnesses like the cold, flu, and sinus infections. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to feel better. Read on for a comprehensive list of quick, easy solutions you can use to get rid of a runny nose right at home.

Things You Should Know

Drink water and herbal tea, and consume spicy food. Use steam (from the shower, facial steam, or a cool-mist humidifier) to clear your sinuses.
Rinse the mucus from your nose with saline nasal spray or a neti pot. Try over-the-counter decongestants or allergy medicine as well.
Blow each nostril separately to clear away mucus. Get lots of rest and steer clear of allergens to reduce your nose’s runniness.

1

Drink plenty of water.

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Water keeps your nasal passages moist, easing any congestion. Women should have 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of water daily, and men should get 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of water. You can get about 20% of that from food, but the rest should come from drinks. Have at least eight glasses of water daily to help drain the fluids from your nose. You’ll feel better when your body is hydrated!^{[1]
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HealthyChildren.org
Health information from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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- If you’re sick, you may need even more water to keep your body hydrated while fighting the illness. Keep a water bottle with you throughout the day to ensure water is always on hand when needed.

2

Sip some hot herbal tea.

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The steam from the tea can open and decongest your nasal passages. Herbal tea is also helpful because it hydrates you (like water does), so the tea can moisten your nose while the steam clears all the mucus out of it. Brew a cup of hot herbal tea and drink it, breathing in steam from the cup as you drink. After finishing the cup, try blowing your nose gently.^{[2]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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- Some herbal tea has properties as a decongestant. Mint, chamomile, and ginger teas are all especially effective at clearing a runny nose.
- If you have a sore throat, add 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of honey to your tea. Honey has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe your throat.

3

Eat spicy foods with capsaicin.

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Capsaicin is a natural chemical that is effective at clearing your sinuses. If your runny nose is caused by congestion, add a small amount of spice with capsaicin to your meal, or simply order a spicy dish you enjoy. As you eat and your nose runs more, grab a tissue and blow the mucus out. The heat from capsaicin loosens the mucus in your nose, making it easier to clear away.^{[3]
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- Look for spices like cayenne pepper, horseradish, ginger, wasabi, and habanero—all of which contain capsaicin and would be highly effective at clearing your nose.

4

Do a facial steam.

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A facial steam loosens the mucus in your nose, making it easier to clear. It’s a quick method of clearing up a runny nose; simply fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Then, sit next to the pot and lean over it so the steam rises directly towards your face. Drape a towel over your head and take several deep breaths, breathing in the water vapors for 5 to 10 minutes until you feel better.^{[4]
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- You could also add essential oils to the water; peppermint, pine, sage, spearmint, tea tree, and eucalyptus all have decongestant properties. Add 1 drop of oil per 1 cup (240 mL) of water.^{[5]
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- Repeat the facial steam 2 to 4 times each day as needed, and be careful not to get too close to the steam; it could burn your nasal passages.

5

Take a hot shower.

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Like facial steams, a hot shower helps clear mucus from your sinuses. Take a long, hot shower and inhale the steam deeply to loosen the mucus in your nose. After about 10 minutes of showering, try to blow your nose gently and clear out some of the snot. Face away from the water while taking deep breaths to ensure you don’t accidentally inhale any water!^{[6]
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- If you’re not in the mood for a full shower, you can always turn on the shower and close all doors and windows in the bathroom, so steam builds up rapidly. Sit in your bathroom, breathing deeply until your sinuses clear.

6

Apply a warm washcloth to your face.

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A warm, wet washcloth compress eases the pressure in your sinuses. Run a washcloth under hot (but not boiling) tap water until it’s entirely saturated. Wring out the washcloth until it’s damp (but still warm) and place it over your forehead and nose like a compress. Leave the washcloth for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the warmth to increase circulation in your sinuses while the moisture loosens mucus.^{[7]
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- Repeat the process and reapply the warm washcloth if your runny nose persists.
- Alternatively, you could wet the washcloth, wring it out, then stick it in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds until it’s warm.

7

Use a neti pot.

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A neti pot hydrates your nasal passages and clears them out. A neti pot is used to cleanse your nose with a saline solution. Fill your neti pot with warm saline solution, bend your head sideways over the sink and place the spout in your upper nostril. Pour the saline solution into your nostril and let it safely run out through your other nostril before repeating from the other side of your nose.^{[8]
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- Use distilled or sterile water to make the saline solution. It’s best to use clean water when filtering it through your nose!

8

Spritz your nose with saline nasal spray.

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Saline nasal spray naturally irrigates your nose and clears out mucus. Choose a gentle saline spray for congested or runny noses and use it 3-4 times per day as needed. Hold a nostril shut and place the tip of the spray bottle into the open one, inhaling as you squeeze the bottle lightly. Saline rinse washes away bacteria, allergens, viruses, and excess mucus in your sinuses.^{[9]
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- Saline spray is easy to find and inexpensive, but you can also make your own saline spray at home with salt, baking soda, and warm water.
- Avoid using a nasal spray for more than 5 days, as this can cause congestion to return. Talk to your doctor about other solutions if your runny nose lasts longer.

9

Set up a humidifier.

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Humidifiers moisten the air, reducing mucus buildup in your nose. It transforms water into vapor and releases that vapor into the air for you to breathe in. Invest in a cool-mist humidifier and set it up in your bedroom (or whichever room you’ll be in most often for the time being). Spend time in the same area as your humidifier and breathe the moisturized air deeply.^{[10]
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- Make sure you clean your humidifier to prevent mold and bacteria from growing inside it. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for your humidifier, so you know how often to clean it!
- If your runny nose is seasonal, caused by cold and dry air in the winter, a humidifier is a great long-term solution to fight congestion.

10

Blow your nose gently.

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Blowing mucus from 1 nostril at a time clears your nose more effectively. Grab a tissue and hold it to your face. While holding one nostril softly closed, blow the other gently into your tissue. Do the same for your other nostril to fully cleanse it and breathe normally (or through your mouth) throughout the process.^{[11]
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- If your nose is extremely runny, rip a tissue in half, roll the pieces into 2 small balls, and place one in each nostril to stop the flow of mucus.
- Use moisturizing tissues to blow your nose if you can, so the skin beneath your nose doesn’t become irritated.
- If you blow your nose too hard, mucus might get pushed further into your sinuses.

11

Steer clear of allergens.

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An allergy-based runny nose will clear up if no more irritants exist. A runny nose is a common symptom of allergies, which can be caused by many different irritants, such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, or foods. Notice if your nose starts to run more around certain materials, and avoid those irritants as much as possible.^{[12]
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American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
National professional organization of allergists, asthma specialists and immunologists that focuses on supporting and publishing research

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- If the allergens are indoors (like pet dander or dust mites), vacuum frequently and wash bedding and stuffed toys in hot water.
- For outdoor allergens like pollen, keep windows closed when possible and consider investing in an air purifier, so there’s no pollen inside your house.

12

Get lots of sleep.

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Sleep will help you get better fast if your runny nose is caused by a cold. Get at least 8 hours of sleep each night, and take naps during the day whenever you need one. When you lie down to rest, prop your head up on a couple of pillows to encourage the fluids in your nose to drain naturally. When your upper back and head are elevated, it’s also easier to breathe while you rest.^{[13]
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- You could also apply nasal strips, as they ease congestion and make breathing easier. Simply place one over the bridge of your nose before going to sleep.
- Though nasal strips are usually used at night, you could apply them during the day if needed.

13

Take over-the-counter decongestants.

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Decongestant medication soothes both a runny and stuffed-up nose. The medication you take will vary based on the cause of your runny nose. If you have a cold, take cold medicine designed to alleviate congestion. If you have allergies, take an antihistamine instead. For any other kind of runny nose, use a simple over-the-counter decongestant to relieve your symptoms.^{[14]
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- Common antihistamines include Benadryl and Zyrtec.
- Popular decongestants include Sudafed and Vicks Sinex.
- Cold medicine alleviates other cold symptoms beyond the runny nose. Take cold medicine (like DayQuil or Theraflu) if you need to treat a cough, fever, aches, sore throat, or other symptoms.
- Only use a decongestant for 2 to 3 days. If overused, decongestants can cause congestion to return even more severely.

Clear Your Sinuses With This Expert Series

Clearing your sinuses can sometimes feel impossible, especially if you have an infection. Use these expert articles to unclog your sinuses and finally get some relief.

1

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Clear Your Sinuses and Ears

3

Unclog the Inner Ear or Eustachian Tube

4

16 Ways to Clear Nasal Congestion

5

How to Clear Your Sinuses at Home

6

Clear a Sinus Infection

Expert Q&A

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Question

What's the best medicine to dry up a runny nose caused by allergies?

Alan O. Khadavi, MD, FACAAI
Board Certified Allergist
Dr. Alan O. Khadavi is a Board Certified Allergist and a Pediatric Allergy Specialist based in Los Angeles, California. He holds a BS in biochemistry from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook and an MD from the State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn. Dr. Khadavi completed his pediatric residency at Schneider Children’s Hospital in New York, and then went on to complete his allergy and immunology fellowship and pediatric residency at Long Island College Hospital. He is board certified in adult and pediatric allergy/immunology. Dr. Khadavi is a Diplomate of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology, a Fellow of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), and a member of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). Dr. Khadavi's honors include Castle Connolly’s list of Top Doctors 2013-2020, and Patient Choice Awards "Most Compassionate Doctor" in 2013 & 2014.

Alan O. Khadavi, MD, FACAAI

Board Certified Allergist

Expert Answer

A nasal steroid spray is the first line of treatment, like Flonase or Nasacort. They treat allergies and diminish sneezing, irritation, and runny nose.

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Question

What can I use to soothe my nose when it's raw from blowing it so much?

Alan O. Khadavi, MD, FACAAI
Board Certified Allergist
Dr. Alan O. Khadavi is a Board Certified Allergist and a Pediatric Allergy Specialist based in Los Angeles, California. He holds a BS in biochemistry from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook and an MD from the State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn. Dr. Khadavi completed his pediatric residency at Schneider Children’s Hospital in New York, and then went on to complete his allergy and immunology fellowship and pediatric residency at Long Island College Hospital. He is board certified in adult and pediatric allergy/immunology. Dr. Khadavi is a Diplomate of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology, a Fellow of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), and a member of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). Dr. Khadavi's honors include Castle Connolly’s list of Top Doctors 2013-2020, and Patient Choice Awards "Most Compassionate Doctor" in 2013 & 2014.

Alan O. Khadavi, MD, FACAAI

Board Certified Allergist

Expert Answer

Using a saline gel moisturizer can help with irritation and rawness caused by blowing your nose.

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Tips

When a runny nose is caused by sickness, it helps to know the difference between the flu and the common cold. That way, you can treat the condition more effectively.

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The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

When you're sleeping, try to elevate your head by propping yourself up with pillows (or using a wedge pillow).
Eat tomato soup or any other warm foods—that can help you to feel better as you recover from a runny nose.

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Warnings

Since a runny nose can also be a symptom of coronavirus (COVID-19), evaluate any other symptoms you might have to identify and diagnose coronavirus.

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