Runny nose: 5 formidable tips against a runny nose

1. Blowing your nose nostril by nostril, the first reflex

“Blowing your nose is the first reflex in case of a runny nose, logically explains Doctor Wissame El Bakkouri, ENT doctor and head and neck surgeon at the Adolphe de Rothschild Foundation hospital. The nose runs because the nasal mucosa is irritated and congested. The mucous membrane then secretes mucus. Either we blow our nose behind and swallow these secretions, or we blow our nose in a tissue in front and we get rid of phlegm, in which microbes are trapped, dust and allergens.” To effectively eliminate secretions in case of a runny nose, blow your nose nostril by nostril, gently and without hyperpressure (do not force).

2. Nasal shower, the best anti-runny nose tip for adults and children

In addition to blowing your nose as often as necessary, it is essential to wash your nose with physiological serum, and not only in children: “THE cleaning with a spray is not enough to clear the nasal mucosa, because it is a mist. However, it is not enough to moisten the mucous membranes, they must be cleaned with a nasal shower, recommends Doctor El Bakkouri. An adult needs 60 ml of physiological serum per nostril, by washing with high flow rate. Thus, the nose is ready to receive any local treatment prescribed by the doctor, generally corticosteroids.

► In adults: lean over a basin. Collect approximately 20 ml of physiological serum using a nasal syringe. Lean your head forward, then turn it to the right to clean the right nostril. Instill the entire syringe into the right nostril and allow the liquid to flow through the left nostril. Do the same thing on the other side. This manipulation must be done 3 times in a row to receive the 60 ml in each nostril.

► In children : The child generally knows blowing your nose with the assistance of your parents from the age of 2 and half. Before the age of 2, the baby does not know how to blow his nose and the secretions easily go into the back of the throat. The nasal shower is therefore the first action to adopt in case of a runny nose. “As in adults, the nasal bulb does not provide sufficient flow. There nasal syringe is then preferred.” Place baby in a seated position on the changing table, back against the adult’s chest. Lean baby’s torso slightly forward. Collect 10 to 20 ml of physiological serum with the nasal syringe. Place the syringe in one of the nostrils and instill the liquid. “Be careful, we must ensure do not fully depress the tip of the syringe : you have to leave a little air. Otherwise, the risk is otitis” alerts the head and neck surgeon.

3. An infusion to hydrate against a runny nose

In case of a runny nose, hydration is a natural and essential tip: “Hydrating properly helps combat thick secretions.” It is therefore advisable to drink plenty of water, at least 1.5 liters per day. Consuming herbal teas can also help relieve the symptoms of a runny nose. Infuse 1 tsp. dried elderflowers, 1 tsp. of dried peppermint and 1 tsp. of dried yarrow in 500 ml of boiling water. Let it steep for 15 minutes, strain, then drink a cup. There peppermint is decongestant and can help unblock the nose. For children, this herbal tea can be replaced by one lime blossom infusion, at the rate of 1 tsp. of dried flowers for 250 ml of water.

4. Clean the air to fight a runny nose

Ventilating your home allows you to renew the air and purify it. In case of a runny nose, and even on a daily basis, it is advisable to ventilate your home between 10 and 15 minutes per day. If it’s cold, it’s best to go to another room while you ventilate another one. Infuse eucalyptus leaves in a saucepan Boiling water humidifies the air and helps clear the airways. “Hygrometry is also important, because too dry air can irritate the respiratory mucous membranes such as the nasal mucous membranes. Conversely, a excess humidity is favorable to the proliferation of mold, which may be responsible for allergies without your knowledge. If your nose is chronically runny, do not hesitate to carry out an allergy assessment : dust mites and mold are potential allergens. You must also ensure a good general temperature in your home and take standard temperature measurements. cleaning mattresses, rugs and carpet.”

5. A menthol stick can relieve runny nose symptoms

Products can be found in pharmacies delivered without a prescription to combat a runny nose. “In the nose there are mechanical receptors and (chemical) chemoreceptors: the mucous membrane of the nose will react, through these receptors, to heat, dust, allergens, viruses, during physical exercise , positional change, etc. It also reacts to other substances, like pepper or menthol, swelling or secreting mucus. Menthol stick can help relieve the symptoms of a runny nose. However, it will only relieve them, without curing the cause.” explains Doctor El Bakkouri.

When to consult?

A runny nose is very common, whether in babies, children or adults. “You should consult your doctor if symptoms suggestive of sinusitis appear, like diffuse headaches, a feeling of heaviness under the eyes or in the cheekbones, nasal congestion, cough or in case of fever. Indeed, a blocked nose that is not treated can have repercussions on the pulmonary system and sinuses,” concludes Dr Wissame El Bakkouri. In case of concern or fever associated with persistent rhinorrhea in babies or children, do not hesitate to make an appointment with your doctor.

Thanks to Doctor Wissame El Bakkouri, ENT doctor and head and neck surgeon at the Adolphe de Rothschild Foundation hospital.