The Low-Down on Drippy Noses

Do you live in a dry climate? Do you live at a high altitude? Both? If so, chances are you’ve experienced a runny, drippy nose at some point in time. Not because you’ve developed a sudden allergy to dry climates or altitudes, but because your nose itself is dry! That clear, watery drip is your nose trying to hydrate. To help bring moisture back to your nose and limit the dripping, there are some easy, over-the-counter products that you can use. The best part is they do not contain medication and are not addictive!

Look for:
Saline nasal spray
Saline nasal gel
Nasal saline rinse, irrigation, or wash

So, how do you use these products? The answer is to alternate which product you use throughout the day. And use them more than once per day. Saline nasal spray is quick and easy to use, but the moisture effect doesn’t last too long (typically an hour or two). Saline nasal gel is thicker and moisturizes longer, but some formulas can be tricky to apply. A nasal saline rinse is a large amount of fluid (typically about 1 Cup or 8 fluid ounces) that washes out the nose and sinuses to remove visible and invisible build-up.

Disclaimer:
These products are safe to use even if you have allergies, a bacterial sinus infection, or an upper respiratory infection (like COVID, a cold, or the flu). But, if you are having other symptoms along with the drippy nose (for example nasal congestion, sneezing, and/or weird nasal drainage), you should consult with your primary care provider because you may need additional treatments to help all of your symptoms.

Pro tips for use:
- First thing in the morning, use two squirts of saline nasal spray. Wait 2-5 minutes then use a nasal saline rinse to remove overnight build-up.
- After showering, use nasal saline gel. The steam from the shower makes noses dry out quickly once you’re out of the shower.
- During the day, use saline nasal spray and/or saline nasal gel several times to maintain moisture. Some people use them up to five times per day and that’s okay.
- Before bedtime, use saline nasal gel to help your nose feel comfortable overnight.
- Some people need more or less of a moisture assist from saline nasal products. Let your nose guide you!

Watch out for saline nasal products that also contain oxymetazoline or neosynephrine. These are medicines that decongest noses very quickly, but they are very addictive to the lining of the nose. For safety, these medicines can only be used for three days in a row, then you have to stop them.