How to stop a runny nose?

How to stop a runny nose?

• I've taken every medicine that is normally suggested for this kind of thing. I've taken sudafed, used vicks, all the traditional medicines. I've even tried Zicam (the nasal cutips) used a Neti Pot, benadryl, etc. Is there ANYTHING (preferably not any common medicine because I'm sure I've tried it) that has helped to even lessen a runny nose? When I get sick my nose runs NON STOP for days on end. I understand that a cold needs to run its course, but I can't do anything or go anywhere while my nose is running (or while I have a tissue jammed up my nostril!) I'm getting on a flight tomorrow and can't imagine going in the condition I'm in right now, even though I have no choice. Any suggestions?

• Answer:

  If you are able to reach your physician for a prescription I highly recommend Allegra-D. I have had this same problem you mention for years [with my allergies] and Allegra-D was a lifesaver last allergy season (regular Allegra - without the "D" however, did nothing for me). Allegra-D is in pill form, and if you like nasal sprays I suggest Nasonex. It has a low dose steroid, so it stops the inflammation (which is probably the cause for the secretions you are having if it is clear and thin drainage). For me when my allergies flare [or I get a cold] it is like someone turned a faucet on in my nose [no color, just thin and clear like water, but annoyingly steady]. I usually go through at least one whole box of Kleenex [in a day] when it is at its worst the first couple days. That lasts about 3 days. Onset of colds is usually the same duration of dripping for me, except instead of getting better I get worse with additional symptoms after the first few days. See a doctor if you have fevers or your drainage is any color other than clear; yellow or green can sometimes indicate a bacterial infection (not always). Most colds are viral in nature and antibiotics will not help cure a virus. Flying can make the symptoms worse due to the increase in cabin pressure. I suggest these Over the counter (OTC) meds for the common cold: 1) Zyrtec is now available as a non-prescription OTC (just released last week in fact (1/15/08) and it is the best non-drowsy antihistimine I have ever tried (It was the only thing that worked for years until my body built up a tolerance to it after 10 years). I developed a fissure in my nose which was raw and bled (felt like a big zit inside my nose; envision dry cracked soil for a visual). My dry nose was a result of taking a higher prescription dose (20mg a day) for a few years every single day for chronic hives, and I was being followed by a physician during my treatment. Zyrtec is also very safe as far as I have read and seen, they do give it to kids at varied doses. The adult prescription dosing is normally a 10mg tablet once a day (I believe the OTC strength is the same). 2) Don't waste your money on Claritin; it is like taking a sugar pill, and honestly I only know of 1 person it has every really worked for. 3) Have you tried Mucinex? I have heard good things about it, but be sure you read the package for symptoms it's intended for, as there are several versions out there. Some thin secretions (help it run so you aren't stuffy) and others dry it up. There is a 12 hour version available (about $20 I think). It's pretty new so overpriced. If you read your labels you can probably get the same drug in a cheaper Walgreens brand. If you are not savvy at label reading and/or you have more questions ask the pharmacist. I have found them to always be pleasant; I imagine they get bored counting pills and calling insurance companies. 4) The other option is Pepcid. I know that sounds crazy, but it is also a histimine blocker (also referred to as antihistimines). Pepcid blocks histimine 1 (that's why it is called a "H1 blocker"), and Zyrtec blocks histimine 2 (you guessed it right, it's called a "H2 blocker"). H1 happens to cause runny noses, rashes, and itching just like H2, but it is also responsible for overproduction of secretions in the stomach (acid), which is why it is effective at relieving heartburn if caused by too much acid. You can actually take both an H1 and H2 blocker at the same time if the H2 blocker is ineffective; since they use two different mechanisms you won't be overdosing yourself if you follow the recommended dose on the package, and you block more histamines. Good luck to you! Lori, a registered nurse Disclaimer: I am a Registered Nurse posting to this social forum with my personal experiences; my comments are not intended as a substitute for medical advice. My experiences may or may not be similar to yours or the public majority. Always consult your physician or pharmacist before taking any new medications. A complete medical history and physical assessment is recommended prior to starting any new medical treatment. Before beginning treatment with a new OTC medicaltion discuss your history and current symptoms with the pharmacist on duty. Severe life-threatening diseases can initially present as "minor" symptoms, these symptoms might be overlooked if treated as a minor illness. This is why the internet cannot be utilized as a substitute for medical care. I recommend you schedule an annual physical exam and health assessment with your regular family physician. This is the ideal setting to discuss any frequent or bothersome physical or mental problems that might be indicative of a more serious disease process.