Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders
Question #7305
30 days ago
31

How to stop a runny nose - #7305

Anonymously

Woke up this morning, and my nose just won’t stop running. I thought maybe it was just a cold, but it’s been like this on and off for weeks now. Every time I step outside, my nose starts dripping like a faucet, and then when I come back inside, it keeps going. Sometimes, I can’t even breathe properly because of it. I’m constantly blowing my nose, and it’s getting so raw that it hurts. I don’t know if this is allergies or something else, but I really need to figure out how to stop a runny nose before I lose my mind. I tried antihistamines, thinking it might be allergies, but they barely help. I also used one of those decongestant sprays, and while it worked for a bit, I read that using them too much can make things worse. I don’t wanna end up with a rebound effect and make my nose even more stuffed up. Steam inhalation helped a little, but not for long. Drinking hot tea makes it feel better, but as soon as I stop, the runny nose comes back again. This isn’t just happening in the morning either. I’ll be at work, and out of nowhere, my nose starts dripping. It’s embarrassing to constantly be sniffling and wiping my nose. My coworkers probably think I have a permanent cold. But I don’t feel sick—no fever, no sore throat, just this runny nose that won’t quit. Could this be something like non-allergic rhinitis? I’ve never been tested for allergies, so I don’t know if I’m reacting to dust, pollen, or maybe something in my office. Another weird thing—I notice my nose runs more after eating spicy food, drinking coffee, or even when I go from a cold place to a warm one. Is that normal? I’ve also noticed that my nose feels really dry sometimes, like the inside is irritated, but at the same time, it keeps running. I thought maybe I should use a saline spray, but would that actually help or just make it worse? At this point, I need a real solution. What actually works for how to stop a runny nose when it’s not just a regular cold? Should I get an allergy test? Could this be something more serious like chronic sinusitis or even nasal polyps? And what’s the best way to deal with this without relying on medication all the time? Would really appreciate any advice, especially if anyone else has had a runny nose like this that won’t stop.

How to stop a runny nose
Runny nose remedies
Chronic runny nose
Allergies or sinus infection
Postnasal drip
Nasal congestion
100 INR (~1.18 USD)
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Doctors’ responses

Dr. Evgeny Arsentev
I am a highly qualified medical professional with over 15 years of experience in General Medicine. My expertise spans diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, providing evidence-based care, and mentoring junior doctors. I am dedicated to ensuring patient well-being through a combination of clinical skills and compassionate care.
28 days ago
Non-allergic rhinitis can be triggered by things like changes in temperature, spicy foods, coffee, or even environmental factors like dust or strong smells. It’s also possible that your nose runs more in certain environments, such as your office, due to irritants in the air. The dryness you’re feeling inside your nose may be a result of irritation from constant blowing or using decongestant sprays. Since antihistamines and decongestants haven’t provided lasting relief, I would recommend trying a saline nasal spray. This can help moisturize and clear the nasal passages without causing rebound symptoms like decongestants do. You might also want to try using a humidifier at night to keep the air moist. It would be a good idea to get an allergy test to rule out any sensitivities that could be contributing. Additionally, if the symptoms continue or worsen, it might be worth discussing with your doctor about the possibility of chronic sinusitis or nasal polyps.
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