Nothing is more discomforting than managing a runny nose while doing daily chores. A runny nose or rhinorrhea is a classic symptom of common cold, flu, or allergic reactions. The fluid released from the nose may be thin and transparent or thick and yellowish. Addressing a runny nose’s underlying cause can help deal with this symptom effectively. So, here are some practical, quick tips to prevent oneself from a runny nose:

Have warm beverages
A warm beverage to stop a runny nose may range from essential warm water to soothing herbal teas, warm milk with some honey drizzled, comforting tomato soup, or clear chicken broth. Warm beverages soothe the throat and clear congestion, helping one recover from a runny nose. Moreover, warm beverages like tomato soup and chicken broth contain electrolytes, which help regain energy more quickly and accelerate recovery.

Apply a warm, wet compress
Applying a warm, wet compress on the forehead can clear up mucus, relieving nasal congestion and helping manage runny nose and cold-induced headaches.

Inhale steam
Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of steam inhalation in loosening up mucus, relieving congestion, and managing a runny nose. One may inhale steam from a bowl of hot water or a vaporizer device for the best results. Having a warm shower or sitting in the bathroom with warm water turned on are other ways of inhaling steam.

Use a saline nasal spray
The primary function of saline nasal sprays is to clear the nasal passage and wash away allergens that may have triggered or aggravated one’s condition. Thus, a gentle saline nasal spray can help clear congestion due to cold or flu and quickly relieve symptoms like runny nose.

Have moderately spicy foods rich in capsaicin
Certain spicy foods, particularly those rich in capsaicin, can help relieve nasal congestion and common cold symptoms like runny nose. Specifically, this natural compound releases heat to loosen the thick mucus accumulated in the nasal passage. Some foods high in capsaicin include garlic, bell pepper, ginger, wasabi, horseradish, and cayenne pepper.

Stay hydrated
A runny nose involves constantly dripping mucus from the nostrils, which can trigger inflammation of the airway membranes and worsen the condition—having plenty of water results in the thinning of mucus, expediting recovery. Thus, it is important to stay hydrated to ensure quick relief from a runny nose.

Install a humidifier
Dry air can thicken mucus and worsen common cold and flu symptoms like a runny nose. A humidifier increases the humidity and levels of moisture in a room, causing the thinning of mucus and speedier recovery from a runny nose. Thus, it is a good idea to install a humidifier while healing from a runny nose, especially if one’s city or town is prone to dry weather and low humidity levels.

Ensure adequate rest
Lastly, a runny nose is a symptom of an allergy or infection, which implies that the immune system is fighting against the bacteria or virus that has triggered it. The immune system typically produces more cells when the body is at rest; therefore, it is essential to get adequate rest and proper sleep while healing from a common cold, flu, or sinus allergy.