Better known by many as runny nose, this swelling and dripping disorder of the nasal cavity membrane--which can also make your nasal breathing difficult--affects up to twenty percent of the U.
S.
population.
Although not considered to be a serious health condition it can affect your well being enough that you may want to do something about it, especially when yellow mucus may be involved.
Here are some tips that can make a difference on how best to alleviate this common ailment: One: Avoid damaging nasal sprays.
Those containing one or more of these decongestants:

• naphazoline
• xylometazoline
• phenilephrine
• oxymetazoline

Why? While giving almost instantaneous and temporary relief they can cause rebound congestion and permanent enlargement of the turbinates--bony projections in the nasal cavity that divide nasal airflow.
This side effect requires surgery in many cases, since it can severely block nasal breathing.
This undesirable condition can develop after 5 to 7 days of using these nasal sprays.
If you need to use a spray try a saline solution.
They are available as an OTC (over-the-counter) remedy at your pharmacy.
Two: Detect offending allergens.
Allergic rhinitis is the most common type of this nasal disorder.
You will do well to know what environmental pollutants may be causing it.
Here is a practical approach to find out: Get close to your carpet, pet--but not your gold fish--weeds and other abundant growths in your area and take a good sniff.
If you are allergic to any of those items you will very soon notice it: A runny nose, short breath, itchy and/or watery eyes, sneezing, etc.
Then do the best you can to avoid the offending items.
If the allergic reaction is severe or yellow mucus or green is involved, then you may want to see your physician about having some allergy tests done.
Three: Use nasal strips.
If you have trouble breathing through your nose at night--because of the swollen nasal membrane--consider using a nasal strip.
They are attached around your nose, about half an inch above the nostrils.
They function like a spring, gently helping to keep your nostril areas open wider.
They are also available at a drug store.
Four: Guard your cilia.
Little known much less appreciated are the tiny, microscopic size, hairlike organelles present on the membranes lining your respiratory system organs.
They function like oars, moving fluids, mucus and foreign particles in the right direction, either the nose or throat, so the body can eliminate them properly.
They beat in one direction only at the rate of 16 times per second.
When stunned by cold weather, fumes, heat,or are otherwise overwhelmed by the load, those fluids, etc.
, flow in the wrong direction.
Hence the runny nose, post-nasal drip, etc.
Harsh nasal sprays, steam inhalation, prolonged exposure to cold weather, fumes from strong chemicals, etc.
, can damage the cilia and create respiratory issues for you.
Thus guard your cilia and they will continue to faithfully do their job for you.
Five: Drink water.
All you can, but not less than five glasses a day.
It prevents mucus from thickening and not running--with its unwanted potential sinus infection consequence.
It helps prevent yellow mucus and rid your body of toxicity, boosts the immune system, especially if the water is ionized.
Your kidneys love it, so does your entire body.
And of course, your rhinitis is thus also helped.
So, why not learn to enjoy drinking pure, room temperature water.
Keeping these items in mind, even better, putting them into practice, could substantially lessen the discomfort of that annoying common ailment called: Rhinitis