How to Stop a Runny Nose

One of the reasons why runny noses are so common is that they can be caused by anything that inflames or generally irritates the nasal passages. A runny nose can be a symptom of an illness, such as a cold or the flu, an allergy, or a reaction to general irritants such as smoke, mould, or dry air. They can also be a side effect of a number of medications.

When your nose is running, you’ll be reaching for the tissue box almost constantly. But regular tissues can leave your nose feeling chapped and raw. So, reach for Kleenex^® Soothing Lotion™ tissues instead, made with moisturizing lotion to help protect your skin. These 3-layer tissues offer strong protection for your nose, are fragrance-free, and are the only tissues with a touch of coconut oil, aloe and vitamin E to help protect and nourish skin by locking in moisture. They feel so good on your nose you’ll never want to use anything else! When it’s cold and flu season, be sure to stock up on Kleenex^® Soothing Lotion™ tissues – Canada’s softest lotion tissue* -- your nose will thank you!

Drink plenty of fluids

If you’re congested, drink up and your nose will thank you. A lack of fluids will cause your mucus to become thick and sticky and make your congestion that much worse. To help clear your sinuses, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. This will help get your mucus flowing a little easier – and who wouldn’t want that? From there, all you need is a Kleenex^® tissue.

Take a hot shower

A hot shower is always relaxing, but when it comes to your nose there are some additional benefits. Breathing in the steam of a hot shower can help relieve your nasal congestion. For an extra therapeutic touch, spray some eucalyptus in the shower for an instant spa-like experience. Eucalyptus is known to reduce symptoms of coughs, colds, and congestion and has no harmful chemicals to irritate sensitive noses. Blow your nose right after you’ve taken the shower. It is easier to remove mucus from your sinuses while it is thin and your nasal pathways are wide from the hot steam.

Clear it out with a nasal irrigation device

Take the direct approach to clearing your sinuses by irrigating them with a warm water saline solution using a neti pot or squeeze bottle. Be sure to use sterile or distilled water. Never use tap water. As your sinuses start to drain, clear your nose with three-layers strong Kleenex^® Soothing Lotion™ tissues, for ultimate comfort and relief.

If you’re really stuck, try an antihistamine

One of the most common reasons for a stuffy nose is allergies. If you’re experiencing a runny nose as a result of allergies, talk to your health care provider about using an antihistamine to help relieve your symptoms.

Clean your home of dust and allergens

Dust, animal hair, and pollen are some of the most common causes of runny noses. But they’re also some of the easiest to deal with. Vacuum, dust, and clean your home regularly to remove these pesky irritants.

Use a humidifier and stay hydrated

Dry air can dry out your nasal passages which leads to irritation. Adding a little extra moisture to the air using a humidifier – especially in the cold winter months –  can help keep your nose happy and leak-free. When the air in your home is dry, it’s important to remember to stay hydrated as well by drinking plenty of fluids, which can help alleviate and prevent congestion by making sure your mucus doesn’t become too thick and sticky.

Check for mould

Breathing in mould can cause worse problems than a runny nose. Mould can grow almost anywhere, but dark areas with poor ventilation and high humidity or moisture are the worst culprits. If you discover mould, protect yourself and remove it (this may be a job for the professionals)!

Help reduce the spread of cold & flu

More than ever, we are all more aware of how easily germs and viruses can spread so here are a few tips to help prevent runny nose-causing germs from causing trouble.

Stay at home if you’re sick

You can’t spread germs to others if you don’t go anywhere. Make yourself comfortable at home until your symptoms clear up. Staying in also gives you the time to rest and get well. A win, win!

Keep Kleenex^® Anti-Viral† tissues handy

Kleenex^® Anti-Viral† tissues are the only tissues that contain a moisture-activated layer which can kill 99.9% of cold and flu viruses* in the tissue. Consider placing a box of these 3-ply tissues around the house such as your bedroom, bathroom, and living room – or in your car so that relief is always within arm’s reach.

*Kleenex Anti-Viral tissue has a specially treated middle layer that wipes out cold and flu viruses in the tissue. When moisture hits the middle layer, the tissue will kill 99.9% of the viruses in the tissue. The active ingredients in the middle layer disrupt the viruses' protective coating and kill 99.9% of cold and flu viruses* in the tissue within 15 minutes. Moisture- activated blue-dot layer with special anti-viral* formula to kill cold and flu viruses. Cold and flu viruses can live up to 24 hours in a regular tissue.

Wash your hands frequently

Washing your hands is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs. Be sure to use soap and hot water, scrubbing each hand thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. To keep count, sing the “Happy Birthday” song to yourself twice from start to finish.

Use hand sanitizer

While washing your hands is the best way to get rid of germs, using hand sanitizers in instances when you cannot wash your hands also works.

Disinfect surfaces and objects in your home

Some pesky germs and viruses can remain on surfaces even after you have recovered. Using a disinfectant spray and a Kleenex^® facial tissue to clean your home can help ensure you don’t re-infect yourself or others.

Carry a Kleenex^® On-The-Go Pack 

You never know when your nose will spring a leak, but you don’t have to resort to using your sleeve. Always keep a Kleenex^® On-The-Go Pocket Tissue Pack on-hand or a cylinder of Kleenex^® tissues in your car for immediate relief. Around the home, have a box of your favourite Kleenex^® tissues in designs and colours to match your décor – in your living room, bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, home office, kids play room, etc.

During cold and flu season, be prepared with Kleenex^® brand tissues for the comfort of you and your family.

† Virucidal against: Rhinoviruses Type 1A and 2 (Rhinoviruses are the leading cause of the common cold); Influenza A and Influenza B (causes of the flu); Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV – the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection in children) in the tissue in 15 minutes. This product has not been tested against bacteria, fungi, or other viruses. Not intended to kill viruses on the skin or other surfaces.