A runny nose, or nasal congestion, is annoying but it is an important infection-fighting mechanism in the body. The mucus produced humidifies the air and traps foreign bodies so they aren't inhaled into the lungs. According to Indiana University, a healthy nose will produce 1 to 2 quarts of mucus a day that we normally swallow unconsciously.
Facts
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a runny nose or nasal congestion is part of what happens with a common cold. When germs first infect the nose, the body makes clear mucus to flush or wash out the germs. After several days the color of the mucus turns yellow, or green if the germs are growing in the mucus. This doesn't mean you have a sinus infection or need antibiotics, the CDC cautions. Nasal congestion will also occur with an allergic response. You can assist the body to flush out these germs and allergens by using alternative treatments for nasal congestion that reduce your symptoms and help you to heal faster. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), congestion occurs not only from mucus production but also from the inflammation of the tissue lining the nose. Causes include hay fever, sinus infections, cold, flu and nasal polyps.
Normal Saline Options
Alternative treatments for nasal congestion range from the simple to the mildly complex. According to the NLM, infants, children and adults will benefit from normal saline drops. The normal saline helps to shrink the tissues in the nasal passage and flush out germs and allergens. Use the spray gently and blow the extra spray out of the nose, where it carries the foreign bodies with it. You can also use a saline gargle to kill the germs at the back of the throat. Gargling will also reduce swelling and improve a sore throat. According to the Live Science website, another alternative treatment that also uses normal saline is a nasal irrigation. Even the Mayo Clinic advocates the use of nasal irrigation, neti-pots or nasal lavage. The process helps to clear the nose and sinuses of germs and allergy proteins that cause the congestion in the tissues.
Hydration
Increasing the humidity and hydration of the tissues will also decrease the symptoms, according to Dr. Vinay Reddy's website. Use the humidity from a steamy bathroom or vaporizer to help thin the mucus and soothe irritated membranes. Drinking warm or hot fluids will help to soothe a throat sore from post nasal drip and increase your hydration.
Herbal Options
According to Holistic Online, herbal remedies can also help to reduce nasal congestion and runny noses. Echinacea, ginger tea, eucalyptus in a steam inhalation and tea made with peppermint, yarrow and elder are all herbal options you can use to decrease your nasal congestion. According to Dr. Joseph Mercola's website, even more alternative treatments include eating chicken soup, which has a natural amino acid to thin secretions, stop all milk products, which will normally thicken secretions, and reduce or eliminate all refined sugars that weakens the immune system and makes the congestion worse.
Warnings
Nasal congestion is a symptom of an illness or allergic response in the body. If alternative treatments for nasal congestion are not successful, or if symptoms continue to worsen, it is important that you consult your primary care physician. A fever over 102 Fahrenheit, ear pain, pain around the eyes, shortness of breath or a persistent cough all indicate that you should seek medical advice.
