Now that it’s cold and flu season, there’s nothing worse than a runny nose. Luckily, there are a lot of different ways you can go about treating a runny nose, from simple over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines or nasal sprays to procedures that will help deal with the more severe cases. Read on to learn more about how these treatments can help and how to get rid of that runny nose for good.

Antihistamines

When your sinuses are affected by histamines (something your body creates to fight allergens such as dust mites or pollen), the easiest way to treat your runny nose is to take antihistamines. This drug helps block histamines, which helps stop the symptoms. Over-the-counter antihistamines such as Claritin are easy enough to get and can provide instant relief if your runny nose is caused by an allergic reaction. However, if symptoms persist or become long-term, consulting a chronic rhinitis specialist can help identify the underlying cause and provide more targeted treatment options.

Nasal Spray

Nasal sprays exist for the ease of providing relief when it comes to treating a runny nose. One such nasal spray is Atrovent, which uses Ipratropium bromide to help stop the runny mucus generation that makes your nose run. Ipratropium has two strengths that can be purchased, the 0.03% strength, which helps treat a runny nose brought on by allergies, and the 0.06% strength, which helps treat runny noses caused by the common cold.

Clarifix Procedure

When your runny nose is particularly chronic or life-affecting, certain procedures can help you find relief, including the Clarifix procedure. Using cryotherapy, Clarifix helps disrupt the nerve that tells the nose to produce more mucus, so this procedure can be quite helpful.

RhinAer Procedure

Similarly, the RhinAer procedure uses low-temperature radiofrequency (RF) energy to lessen the activity of the posterior nasal nerves that help tell the nose to create more mucus. This procedure can be done while you are awake, with a topical anesthetic used to limit any discomfort you might experience while having it done. There is also lubrication given to your nose so that both the small camera that is used to locate the nerves that need treatment and the procedural tool do not damage your nasal passage.

Vidian Neurectomy

The Vidian nerve is the one that provides nasal secretion, so a Vidian Neurectomy aims to affect this nerve to help treat runny noses. Like the other procedures, a Vidian Neurectomy is endoscopic, meaning it will be performed with a small camera to allow the person performing the procedure to see the nerve and how to best affect it. Care is taken to make sure that the person having the procedure done is kept comfortable while still receiving the treatment that will help them with their chronic runny nose problem.

Nothing is worse than having a runny nose all the time, but luckily, there are procedures and prescriptions that can help make that nose less runny. Dr. Thomas S. Higgins, MD, MSPH, a top endoscopic sinus surgeon, will help you assess how to best deal with your condition to get the best help and relief you can. Call 502-894-8441 or click here to book an appointment today!

Thomas S. Higgins, MD, MSPH

Father. Husband. Sinusitis Nerd.