What quickly stops a runny nose?

Steam and humidity are helpful remedies for a runny nose, according to WebMD. Try soaking in a warm bath, or invest in a humidifier. Both these solutions add moisture to the air, which helps thin nasal mucus and reduce discharge.

Saline rinses also relieve nasal discharge by washing away mucus, debris and bacteria from nostrils, says WebMD. To make a saline solution, mix 3 teaspoons of iodide-free salt with 1 teaspoon baking soda. Combine 1 teaspoon of the solution with 8 ounces of distilled or boiled water, and store the remainder in an air-tight container. Inhale the solution into nostrils using a bulb syringe.