Any modern person should know how to quickly treat a runny nose in an adult or a child. Of course, on the pharmacy shelves there are a lot of drops and aerosols, which, according to the manufacturer, will save and help, but this option is not always suitable. In addition, the drugs are designed for short-term use. As an alternative to them, various folk remedies will act. What to try if the nose does not breathe?
Relevance of the problem
Many people think that treating a runny nose with folk or pharmacy drugs is a waste of time and money, the problem is simply not worth it. The opinion is erroneous - rhinitis is a very real disease that brings a lot of anxiety in everyday life. If you approach the task correctly, you can get rid of the unpleasant manifestation in just a day or more. The main thing is to use the appropriate means for a particular case.
By the way, a runny nose can easily cause complications. Incorrect treatment also provokes unpleasant health conditions. You can prevent the need for long courses of therapy with the use of expensive drugs if you know how to treat a runny nose in adults and children.
True, it will not be superfluous to visit a doctor before starting the course, especially if the symptom is lingering. Most often, rhinitis is associated with a cold, but in some cases more rare and severe pathologies manifest themselves. Only a doctor will be able to formulate a conclusion on a specific case. Also, the doctor will give advice: what funds that treat the common cold are applicable for treating a patient, and what should not be used, it will only do harm. Many doctors make recommendations regarding both pharmacy names and folk remedies, providing the final choice to the patient.
We start from the very beginning: where did the trouble come from?
Before you figure out how to treat a runny nose without fever (or accompanied by fever), you should understand why this condition occurs and what provokes it. Only knowing this, you can understand how to fight as efficiently as possible. Modern medicine knows several varieties of rhinitis, and first of all it is worth mentioning allergic. It occurs under the influence of an allergen, most often - wool, dust, a drug (pharmacy, cosmetic), but may be the body's response to a food product, pollen or other compounds. More often people suffer from a stuffy nose in spring, in summer, when nature blooms. An allergic reaction can be suggested by the cyclical nature of the phenomenon, the abundance of transparent compartments, itching of the ears, and organs of vision. Often the face swells, worried by frequent sneezing.
It is not easy to figure out how to treat a runny nose at home if the doctor has established a vasomotor type. More often it develops against a background of stress, after eating spicy foods, inhaling smoke. Possible hormonal effects. Such rhinitis is chronic, leads to an irritated state of a person, sleep disturbances, memory impairment, sometimes it causes hypertension. Many people notice that the nostrils are laid in turn. The discharge is colorless, mucous, the nose itches, possibly sneezing. More likely, this problem develops in people whose nasal septum is curved for various reasons.
We are sick and treated
Best of all, the general population knows how to treat a runny nose of an infectious nature at home. This accompanies a cold, flu, other pathologies provoked by viruses, bacteria. It is best to choose therapy at the doctor’s appointment. Sometimes the discharge is clear, mucous, not too plentiful, but there are also purulent. Often with a disease a person cannot breathe due to nasal congestion, but there is no mucus at all.
Another option, closely associated with diseases, is a runny nose. How to treat a runny nose for an adult at home of this nature, it is also better to check with your doctor. More often, the syndrome is formed if vasoconstrictor drugs are used for a long time that provoke addiction. Usually, the doctor recommends that you completely stop using the name, and also advises alternative methods to alleviate the patient's condition.
Concluding the review
The penultimate type of rhinitis known to modern medicine is hypertonic. With increased pressure, processes of hypertrophy of the nasal mucosa are often observed. This is accompanied by chronic runny nose and breathing problems. Discharges are mucous, purulent, plentiful.
Another form regarding which it is better to consult a doctor so that he tells how to treat a runny nose is atrophic. The processes are due to a decrease in the thickness of the nasal mucosa. This provokes dryness of the inner integument, stimulates the formation of crusts. With atrophy of the mucosa, the ability to recognize odors is impaired, the burning sensation in the nose disturbs.
What will help?
Sometimes a patient comes to the doctor and complains that she has not been able to breathe for a whole month. How to treat a runny nose in such a situation? On the move, the doctor will not give answers: you need to figure out why the disease appeared, and on the basis of this, choose the right drug. Often prescribed special drops. On the pharmacy shelves there is a huge variety of items applicable for various reasons. Special for allergy sufferers, and other types are designed to treat a chronic, infectious form. Additionally, the doctor may recommend antiviral formulations. These will come to the rescue if the flu season begins, colds. The risk of illness increases when it gets colder outside. A special medication suppresses viral activity, thereby eliminating the root cause of the disease, against which all symptoms, including stuffy nose, soon pass.
Among the most popular items whose manufacturers know exactly how to treat a runny nose, it is worth mentioning:
- Viferon;
- "Grippferon";
- "Rimantadine";
- Tamiflu.
All these funds are designed to stop viral activity. They do not purposefully fight with a runny nose, but eliminate the cause of the disease, after which all the unpleasant symptoms go away: a sore throat, a stuffy nose, and fever.
What else to try?
Of the very inexpensive drugs recommended by most experts who tell you how to treat a runny nose, oxolin ointment is especially worth mentioning. This tool is available to everyone and everyone, is sold in any pharmacy, has a long shelf life and economical consumption. The drug is effective against viral activity. Opinions regarding the correct application vary somewhat. Some believe that a medication should be used near the nose, while others suggest treating the mucous membrane inside the nose. The basic rule is to apply in a thin layer. Is it worth using this particular ointment, what method to apply it, it is better to check with the doctor.
Short-term but effective
This is how vasoconstrictor drugs work. Understanding how to treat a runny nose, many prefer to use just such compositions. Doctors pay attention: it is really justified only at the beginning of the disease. Effective formulations quickly return the ability to breathe freely, but they can be used in a strictly limited time period, otherwise there is a risk of getting used to, against which rhinitis becomes chronic. Under the influence of active compounds, the blood vessels in the nasal cavity narrow, which reduces the swelling of the area and reduces the production volumes of the departments. Most popular items:
- Otrivin;
- "Sanorin";
- "Naphthyzine."
Doctors often recommend that patients try Nazivin. Many dwell on the name "Galazolin." Drops of "Nazol" have a good reputation.
Antimicrobial therapy
Choosing how to treat a runny nose in a child, sometimes you can stop on antibiotic therapy. Here the main condition is not to start firing at the sparrows from the gun, that is, use antibiotics exactly when they are really needed. Normally, only a doctor can prescribe such drugs on the basis of the tests performed, but self-prescribing them for yourself (and even more so for children) is strictly not recommended. This group of drugs is effective if rhinitis is provoked by bacterial invasion or by complications associated with such infection.
There are quite a lot of aerosols on sale, the manufacturers of which are happy to tell how to treat a cold in a child with the help of their product. Doctors (when identifying indications for such treatment) most often recommend staying with Isofra or Bioparox. The use of aerosol is quite simple, convenient, microscopic particles are evenly distributed on the surface of the mucous membranes affected by the infection, which allows to achieve a high-quality and quick therapeutic effect.
Allergy and rhinitis
Finding out how to treat a runny nose during pregnancy (and in other cases), if the symptoms are triggered by an allergic reaction, you should understand: the most effective and safe option is the complete elimination of the allergen from the environment. Of course, this is not always possible, but it is worth taking measures to achieve maximum cleanliness of the surrounding space. The easiest way is for those who are allergic to wool, but getting rid of, say, poplar fluff is still a problem.
On sale are many items from the allergic nature of the common cold. They are based on antihistamines. There are gels, ointments, aerosols, drops. The name “Vibrocil” has a pretty good reputation. The manufacturer advises using this remedy for allergies and colds. True, it is important to carefully read the instructions. Not all pharmacy products are suitable for the treatment of young children and pregnant, lactating women.
Homeopathy
Manufacturers of such medicines assure that it is they who know best than to treat a runny nose during pregnancy, feeding a child, as well as symptoms that concern young patients. Homeopathy is gaining popularity, is presented as a completely safe approach to therapy, effective against viruses, bacteria, inflammations. At the same time, homeopathic remedies, according to the manufacturers, activate immunity and relieve swelling. However, you should not choose such compositions for yourself. It is better to contact a qualified homeopath who is able to advise the most appropriate remedy for a particular option. Recently, there has been a fairly large demand for:
- Delufen
- "Edas-131";
- Euphorbium Composite.
Safe and targeted
When the doctor confidently declares: “We treat the common cold quickly at home!”, The adult patient is often overwhelmed with doubts - is this possible? Many are used to congestion for weeks, or even months. True, to endure the inconvenience for so long is not necessary at all - now everyone has the opportunity to use home inhalers. In pharmacies, a large selection of expensive and not very nebulizers is presented. It is a convenient device, modern, compact, safe. Apply it for inhalation at a convenient time.
A nebulizer sprays a drug through a mask. Thus, the drug quickly penetrates the nasal mucosa, acts on the respiratory tract with maximum efficiency. The procedure involves a short inhalation over the device. It is important to take even breaths as deep as possible, holding the air for a second or two in the lungs, exhaling through the mouth. Duration of treatment - from eight ten-minute procedures and more.
What to apply?
Among the most significant positive aspects of using a nebulizer is its safety. For example, as a consumable for spraying, you can use ordinary saline, that is, salted water. Such a substance is completely safe for both children and adults, does not provoke side effects. In addition, this will not be a burden for the family budget. Alternatively, mineral waters with an increased alkali index, sea water. If the doctor recommends, you can focus on essential oils, herbal solutions, infusions, medicinal medicines from the pharmacy range.
A nebulizer is a great option a la "treat a runny nose quickly at home." To increase the effectiveness of the course, you can use interferon in the device. For three ampoules, 10 ml of physiological saline are taken, the mixture is heated to the temperature of the human body and inhaled through the device for ten minutes. Repetition rate - twice daily. Similarly, olive oil can be used by mixing a couple of drops of the product with 5 ml of saline. The procedure is also repeated twice a day. You can use "Naphthyzinum". Using this product through the device is sufficient once a day, and a 0.1% solution of the drug is diluted with saline in a ratio of 1:10. For one procedure, three milliliters of the resulting liquid is sufficient.
Traditional medicine against rhinitis
By the way, many believe that such funds are much more effective than any pharmacy products. In addition, if, for example, the child is a month old, how to treat a runny nose? Most of the items on the shelves of pharmacies are intended for adult patients, but rhinitis does not distinguish between ages. But folk methods involve the use of conventional products surrounding the herbs and fruits, so this approach is not associated with an additional health risk, the chances of allergies and side effects are minimal.
The easiest option is to use beet juice. For cooking, take a fresh root crop, rub and squeeze the liquid. No more than six drops are dripped into one nostril (less for small children). The procedure is repeated over the other half of the nose. An alternative application is to moisten a swab in a liquid and put it in the nasal passage.
Aloe against all diseases
What just do not treat this plant! Some believe that it will help even with a malignant neoplasm. However, such assurances do not yet have official confirmation, but in case of rhinitis it is recommended not only by folk healers, but also by qualified doctors. By the way, this is an excellent answer to the question of how to treat a runny nose in an infant - there will be no side effects, but there are a lot of positive ones. Do not forget about the availability of therapy - aloe grows at home in almost any person. Its use is completely free, and to get rid of a runny nose a small piece of copious greens is enough. To make the natural preparation as effective as possible, you should not water the plant for a week before starting therapy, then cut off a couple of leaves, rinse and store in a refrigerator.
Immediately before use, a small amount of greens is crushed into a homogeneous gruel. It is better to use a wooden spoon for this. The juice is decanted and placed in a closed container. Before use, the drug is heated in a water bath or kept for about half an hour in a warm room, after which a couple of drops are instilled into each nasal passage. The optimal frequency is three times a day. For many, this treatment is accompanied by a strong sneeze, since under the influence of active compounds, the mucus begins to depart quickly, abundantly.
What else to try?
Of the traditional medicine, the option of using rosemary against rhinitis deserves attention. A tablespoon of pre-chopped plants is thoroughly mixed with 100 gr. vegetable oil, allow to infuse in a dark room (at least three weeks), mixing the composition daily. After this period - filter and use for instillation into the nose three times daily. Dosage - one drop in one nasal passage.
Interesting position
When carrying a child, the treatment of any health troubles becomes a source of considerable headache. Almost all medications are prohibited for pregnant women, as they can have an unpredictable negative effect on the fetus. But you don’t feel sick either! The mildest, most gentle methods for eliminating rhinitis come to the rescue. A simple and effective option is nasal warming. True, this will help only in the absence of temperature. You can heat the salt, put it in a bag of canvas and attach to the nose. Another option is to use a freshly brewed egg in the shell.
Inhalations with the use of a special apparatus will also bring no less benefit. It is worth using herbal infusions: chamomile, sage, calendula. Thyme, St. John's wort, have proven themselves well against rhinitis. This method of treating a runny nose is safe for both children and pregnant women.
Home and official methods
When resorting to traditional medicine for rhinitis, during pregnancy it is worth using aloe, but before instillation, the juice is diluted with water. Similarly apply the juice of carrots, apples, beets. They are also bred with water. Only freshly squeezed foods will be helpful. But the store ones, packaged, will not have any positive effect.
Among the official pharmaceutical products approved for women carrying fetuses, it is especially worth paying attention to Pinosol. This medicine eliminates puffiness, softens the mucous membranes, and alleviates the condition. You can use "Grippferon." Sometimes the doctor recommends staying at the Sanorin, but you cannot choose it for yourself. Previously, the doctor assesses whether there are any contraindications for such therapy. The drug constricts blood vessels, therefore it is effective for rhinitis of a different nature.
Runny nose: curious features
In fact, the phenomenon consists in the excessive secretion of mucus by the tissues lining the nasal passages from the inside. Various factors can provoke this phenomenon, including dustiness of air. The reaction is completely natural - along with mucus, the body tries to remove harmful particles into the environment, whether it be microscopic pathological forms of life or pollution, allergens. By the way, sniffing is not a direct indication of the disease. It is necessary to burst into tears, and now it is already flowing from the nose. Everything is explained here simply - the excess of fluid secreted by the lacrimal glands is transferred to the nasal canal, so the connection does not leave the body through the eyes, but creates the appearance of a runny nose.
Normally, the mucus produced by the human body, especially in the nose, is rich in components that can stop viral activity, so any cold, infection is accompanied by a runny nose, but its absence can be regarded as an incorrect, disturbing response from the body. Doctors note that mucus is only effective against pathological organisms when the density is moderate. Drying of the substance under the influence of heat, dry air in the room causes the formation of a thick protein secretion, rich in nutrients necessary for microbes, so the colonies begin to multiply in such an environment especially quickly.