One of the most common diseases worldwide is called a runny nose. In fact, a runny nose (rhinitis) is the reaction of the human body to various stimuli, starting with dust and infection and ending with local or general hypothermia. Rhinitis is observed during acute respiratory viral infections and influenza, with adenoiditis, as well as chronic and acute inflammation.
For the treatment of this unpleasant disease, vasoconstrictive drops and sprays are mainly used. Getting on the nasal mucosa, they contribute to the narrowing of blood vessels. As a result, the edema that blocks the access of air is eliminated, and the rate of formation and the amount of mucus are markedly reduced. Accordingly, the nose breathes much easier.
What medicines are best used to treat a runny nose?
Most often, doctors prescribe those medicines that contain xylometazoline to treat rhinitis . The first among the most famous and long-used drugs can be called "Galazolin." It is available in the form of drops and in the form of a gel for children and adults.
Xylometazoline can also be purchased today as a nasal spray. By the way, sprays are more preferable than other means, due to the accuracy of the dosage, low frequency of adverse reactions and more economical consumption of the drug. The duration of their action is no more than 4 hours.
Oxymethazoline is another popular common cold medication. It is part of such preparations as Nazol, Nazivin, and Fervex (spray). More recently, another vasoconstrictor drops based on oxymetazoline, Fazin, have appeared on the pharmaceutical market. In the US, they are especially popular.
It is worth noting more drugs such as Sanorin and Naphthyzin. They are created on the basis of naphazoline, a well-proven substance. These vasoconstrictor drops can be safely called the cheapest medicines for the treatment of the common cold. They are available in various forms: emulsion, spray and, in fact, drops.
All of the above drugs are not recommended for use in the treatment of pregnant or lactating women, unlike the following medicines. Such vasoconstrictors, such as "Farial" and "Tizin", can be used during pregnancy, only, of course, after consultation with your doctor. Children can also take them - the drug "Farial" from 6-7 years old, and the medication "Tizin" - from 2 years.
Can vasoconstrictive drops be taken for a long time?
All annotations to medicines of this kind assure that they should not be used for more than 6-7 days in a row.
By applying them for a short time, side effects can be avoided, but regular use of vasoconstrictors is quite dangerous.
Firstly, the nose can become a "drug addict." That is, the vessels can become dependent on the medicine used: there is no “dose” - they relax, there are narrowing, and this can eventually lead to swelling of the mucosa. By the way, if too often the medicine is dripped into the nasal passages, then the vessels may completely stop responding to all manipulations. And sometimes the use of the drug gives an unexpected result, only increasing swelling. Therefore, in no case do not abuse sprays and drops.
Secondly, the constant use of vasoconstrictors can disrupt the nutrition of the nasal mucosa - thin it, and make the vessels fragile and easily damaged when blood pressure rises and injuries. And this can cause frequent nosebleeds.
And thirdly, an overdose of drugs can provoke depression, sleep disturbance, nausea, headache, arrhythmia, and high blood pressure.
By the way, nose drops with allergies are quite dangerous to use, so as not to provoke the occurrence of negative consequences. In any case, before using them, it is better to consult with your doctor.
In any case, it is advisable to supplement the medication with folk remedies, for example, hot foot baths, warm tea with honey and lemon, as well as multivitamin preparations.
Be healthy!