Home Remedies for a Runny Nose and Itchy Eyes
Nasal drainage and eye itching are common symptoms of allergies, including seasonal or pet allergies. Other possible causes of these symptoms include exposure to irritants like smoke or dust and various other illnesses.
Nasal drainage and eye itching are common symptoms of allergies, including seasonal or pet allergies. Other possible causes of these symptoms include exposure to irritants like smoke or dust and various other illnesses. An individual with known allergies or sensitivities to certain organisms should avoid these items to minimize nasal drip and eye itching. Home remedies can be effective in alleviating some of the discomfort from these symptoms, but they aren't likely to cure the cause.
Saline Solution
Saline solution can treat both a runny nose and itchy eyes. This solution is purchased over-the-counter in the form of nasal spray, nasal drops or eye drops. It can also be made at home by mixing salt with warm water, but homemade saline solution should not be used in the eyes, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
To prepare a homemade saline solution, mix 1 tsp. salt with one cup warm water. Users can administer nasal spray as often as needed to help flush the nose of irritants and mucus.
The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, suggests using a nasal irrigation tool, often called a neti pot. The neti pot is used to pour saline in one nostril while plugging the other, and then allowing the solution to run out of the nose. Saline spray or drops can be inserted into the nostrils and then allowed to run out.
Eye drops are used as the bottle indicates, which is typically one or two drops per eye several times each day.
Moisturize the Air
Dry, hot air can exacerbate a runny nose and itchy eyes. A room humidifier that creates warm or cool mist can be run frequently to improve these conditions. The UMMC suggests adding some essential oils to the humidifier to improve nasal congestion. This includes eucalyptus or peppermint oils.
Fluid Intake
Increasing fluid intake can help thin out mucus drainage, states MedlinePlus. Nearly any fluid is beneficial, but some teas or warm solutions can provide relief of other symptoms including congestion, coughing or sore throat, if these symptoms are present.
Herbal teas made with lemon and honey can cut mucus and soothe a sore throat. Warm soup broths provide fluids as well as give off steam that will loosen nasal congestion.
Antihistamines
When allergies are the cause of a runny nose and itchy eyes, an individual can take an antihistamine, states MedlinePlus. This drug blocks the production of histamine, a chemical produced in the body when allergens are present. This drug can improve both symptoms temporarily.