Nose constantly running (has been constant since yesterday - no way to stop it) please help!!?

Question

My nose is constantly running (it just started yesterday) I need a way to get it to stop or a way to speed up the process. I have bronchitis and ear and throat infections.

I have tried to blow it out, stuffed kleenex up my nostrils (and they are soaked 5 mins later) I need a way to get by during the day without constantly blowing my nose.

This problem has just started yesterday, and I haven't been able to sleep in a very long time due to this. Sorry for being so gross, but I really need some advice. Its constantly running, and it is very clear when it comes out. Can anyone give me any advice?!?!

(It is not allergies)

I'm on an antibiotic right now, and saw a doctor on tuesday. I won't be able to see a doctor until Saturday at the earliest.

I am tranvelling tomorrow, and really need to have something that will help me be able to travel.

Answer 1

Antihistamine, Sudafed, etc. will dry out your sinuses pretty quickly usually. I would consult with the pharmacist at your local mart.

Answer 2

As I see it, you have two options: dry it up, or make it even runnier.

My suspicion is that making it runnier won't really help you because what's coming out of your head (ears, I assume) is already pretty runny. But making the mucus thinner might make it easier for you to cough up the gunk out of your lungs and help your bronchitis get better sooner. If you want to go that way take an expectorant like Mucinex (guaifenisin) (sp?). And perhaps the clear mucus that's bothering you so much is actually just part of what's going on in your head. So perhaps the expectorant will just help everything else to run out sooner and you'll have less in there to keep running on you.

To dry it up, take a decongestant. Any cold medication containing pseudoephedrine should do. This might prolong your illness because with the mucus dried up your body won't be able to get rid of the bacteria as quickly. Be aware that pseudoephedrine is a stimulant and some people find it hard to sleep when taking this medication. If you take in in a form that's combined with something like a "Nighttime liquid cap" those contain other ingredients that tend to make you drowsy so it kind of cancels out. But if you don't need the other medications in the nighttime liquid cap like the pain reliever, you could probably just take the pseudoephedrine and a sleep aid (I've never done this, so check the warnings or talk to a pharmacist to make sure it's all right.)

You can also try breaking up the mucus by using a product like Vicks VapoRub or even just by taking a shower. Be aware that products like Vicks have a rebound effect, meaning that when the product wears off, your congestion will be worse. But you can always use more, and it might help you get through a rough spot.

Hopefully you're already taking antibiotics (I assume your infections are bacterial) but if you have a bacterial infection and you're not taking them, that will shorten your illness considerably.

I'm sorry you're having such trouble sleeping. Perhaps you might find it easier to sleep in a different position, such as sitting up, lying down, lying on the couch, etc.

Answer 3

Be thankful that it is coming out and not clogging up your sinuses. I'm assuming that since you mentioned you have bronchitis, you've seen your doctor. It could be a side effect of the medicine he put you on. Call him and see if he'll give you something.

If you are not presently on meds, then you most likely need something like benadryl (if you are not allergic to it) or some other antihistamine. If you are coughing, take some Robitussin. If none of these help, call your doc.

Be sure to stuff your pockets with plenty of tissues for the trip!! There's not really a fast remedy.

Answer 4

If you can get hold of it, try some pseudoephedrine (I hope I've managed the spelling on that one). In Australia, it's sold under the brand name sudafed. The problem is that it can be turned into some sort of illegal drug, and so it's harder to get over the counter than it used to be. But it will help to dry up your nose.
From what you say, the infection has gone into your nose, as well as your ears, throat & bronchial tubes.
Try to get your doctor to give you plenty of time off work/school, as well as more antibiotics when you see him/her, so that you can recover fully.

Answer 5

Some nose sprays like Ocean are suppose to dry it up. I use 4 way and it clears up mine. They aren't just for stuffed up noses either. Sudafed is good, so is Actifed. You can buy either over the counter now.

Answer 6

Have you seen a doctor? Are you taking an antihistamine to dry up your nose? There are no quick remedies to make your nose stop running.
Get well for Christmas.