How to quickly cure a runny nose at home: a review of medications and folk remedies

A runny nose is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa that is caused by bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms entering the human body. Often appears due to an allergen and other irritant. It can last from a couple of hours to several days. In this case, the main problem of the patient lies in how to quickly cure a runny nose.

Pathological causes

Before treating a runny nose, the causes must be eliminated.

• The pathological causes of rhinitis include: SARS, influenza, colds. In this case, a runny nose may be accompanied by the release of transparent or whitish snot, fever (subfebrile condition), chills and aching in the body.
• Sinusitis (acute, subacute, chronic, purulent). Sinusitis is a type of sinusitis in which inflammation of the mucous membranes of the sinuses occurs with the accumulation of pathological fluid in them. Depending on the form of the disease and the stage of its development, snot with a runny nose can have a white, yellow or green color. The consistency of the discharge from the nose can also be different.
• Polypous sinusitis. This pathology is characterized by the proliferation of mucous membranes of the nose into the cavity of the sinuses (sinuses). If 1 sinus was affected, this indicates a common polypous sinusitis. If polyps were found in all sinuses, we are talking about chronic polypous pansinusitis.
• Chronic runny nose, or rhinosinusitis. With this disease, nasal discharge is white, sometimes with greenish or yellowish blotches. They can not only be observed when sneezing or blowing their nose, but also run down the back of the throat (posterior rhinitis).
• Nasopharyngitis. Allergy (snot liquid, transparent; the patient has swelling of the nasal mucosa, redness of the eyes, frequent sneezing).

Predisposing factors

Factors that can lead to the appearance of a runny nose can be attributed to:

• hypothermia;
• the attachment of a bacterial infection;
• inhalation of dusty or polluted air;
• ingestion of a foreign body in the nose;
• bumps, bruises of the nose;
• curvature of the nasal septum;
• uncontrolled use of nasal vasoconstrictor drops and sprays.

Pregnancy

Moreover, a runny nose is a common occurrence during pregnancy. This anomaly is called vasomotor rhinitis of pregnant women and does not pose a threat if a woman feels well. Dry air in the room and irritation of the nasal mucous membranes with microparticles of household chemicals can lead to sneezing and runny nose. In some people, discharge from the nasal passages appears when they go out in the cold. As you can see, far from always rhinitis is a consequence of pathological processes that occur in the human body. But only a competent otolaryngologist can find them out and prescribe adequate treatment.

Stages of the common cold

Runny nose (rhinitis) is an infectious and inflammatory disease that is manifested by the appearance of edema of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract and the flow of mucus from the sinuses of the nose. It is contagious and goes through several stages of formation:

1. The initial reflex stage is manifested by dry mouth, sneezing, headaches, a state of weakness, a burning sensation and discomfort of the respiratory tract. Reflex inflammation does not pose any threat to others, since the process has not yet passed into an active aggressive form of the disease.
2. The second is the main link in the further development of the disease. In the event that treatment is not started on time, the condition will worsen. The second stage is manifested by the appearance of a small amount of mucus, sneezing, lacrimation, a feeling of tiredness, headaches, and malaise. When complications occur, the second stage becomes reactive, that is, it affects not only the mucous membranes, but also the sinuses.
3. The third stage is the final stage in the development of rhinitis. Its duration is an average of 5 days. The outcome of the treatment is favorable. The main distinguishing feature of the third stage of the disease is the attachment of a bacterial infection, which is very contagious.

Inhalation

A runny nose is an inflammatory disease of the mucous membranes of the sinuses of the nose. It proceeds in a mild form, has a rapid course and most often does not lead to negative consequences. First of all, it is necessary to establish the causes and treatment of the common cold. Therapy is possible with the help of vasoconstrictive drops, salty sea water or through inhalation.

Devices for inhalation are available depending on the functional characteristics of the body and the initial diagnosis. Their main varieties are:

1. Steam inhalers from the common cold. The most familiar to most. This is an effective way to quickly cure a runny nose in an adult. Active substances are expelled through them for remote inhalation. Suitable for use by adults and children over 12 years old.
2. Nebulizers. They are prescribed for the development of bronchitis, bronchial asthma, pneumonia, for the prevention of sinusitis.
3. Compressor devices. Affect locally on the affected area - the bridge of the nose. Increase the flow of mucus from the nasal cavity, thereby removing the infection from the upper respiratory tract.
4. Nasal inhalers for children. Equipped with a special mask that is suitable for reusable use from the age of 0 to 14 years.

How is the common cold treated? The principle of operation of the device is the evaporation of active substances and their direct inhalation through the nose and mouth for 2-5 minutes (depending on the form of the disease). Such devices are absolutely harmless and suitable for the correction of all types of bronchopulmonary, inflammatory, anatomically destructive diseases.

Medications for the common cold

In the treatment of edema of the mucous membrane folk remedies can not do. We will have to use pharmacological medications designed to narrow the vessels in the nasal cavity. At the same time, breathing and the symptoms of the disease are immediately facilitated. The very first drug used in pharmacology to solve the problem of how to quickly cure a runny nose in an adult was andrenaline, but the duration of its action leaves much to be desired, since it is rapidly absorbed into the blood, acting side by side on other organs.

Currently, the following drugs are sold in the pharmacy:

• short action (from 4 to 6 hours): "Naphazaline", "Phenylephrine" or "Tetrizoline";
• medium duration (from 8 to 10 hours): "Xylometazoline" or "Tramazolin";
• long-acting drugs (more than 10 hours): "Oxymethazoline".

These drugs are dispensed from a pharmacy without a prescription. Before use, it is advisable to consult with your doctor. The main advantage of modern vasoconstrictors is the ability to instantly exert action in the nasal region. At the same time, the number of side effects on other organs and the body as a whole was significantly reduced.

Saline solutions for the common cold

These solutions will help those who want to know how to quickly cure a runny nose at home :

• AquaMaris is an effective solution for the treatment of rhinitis based on sea water. It can be used both for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes by adults and children. The solution can be isotonic (relieves spasm of the nasal vessels) and hypertonic, with antiviral properties and stopping nasal congestion.
• Quicks is a French spray based on ocean water. It helps with nasal congestion with SARS and flu. It can be used to treat babies.
• "Humer" - a spray with a dispenser, which is dispensed in cylinders of 150 and 50 ml. For children there is a separate isotonic solution of this company.
• "Dolphin", "Pshik", "Chistonos" and other drugs can replace the above drugs, but before using them, you must undergo a medical examination.

Pencil "Asterisk" from the common cold

Pencil "Asterisk" - a very popular drug for the common cold and to relieve nasal congestion. It can be used by children, but they should not be younger than 9 years old. If you sniff such a drug every 10 minutes, there may be an allergy, which is manifested by a symptom of suffocation. This unit is made on the basis of vigorous mint. The composition of the tool includes:

• menthol (peppermint flavoring);
• mint smell (flavoring);
• peppermint jelly.

It’s not difficult to buy a cold medicine Zvezdochka pencil because it is sold in almost every pharmacy. You can buy it for 100-160 rubles. In the pharmacy you can also inquire about the instructions for use and storage conditions.

Folk remedies for the common cold

For those who do not know how to quickly cure a runny nose at home, the following methods are recommended.

1. Inhalation. Very effective for the treatment of the common cold. They can be done in several ways. For example, boil potatoes, drain the water, cover with a towel and breathe over a hot pan for 10-15 minutes. You can also breathe over the broth from any combination of herbs: 1 tbsp. l calendula, 1. tbsp. l daisies, 1. tbsp. l spoonful of sage, 1 tbsp. l linden trees. Pour the dry mixture with 2 cups boiling water. In this case, it is necessary to inhale through the nose, and exhale through the mouth. So the steam will pass through all the upper respiratory tract, warming them. Contraindications: high fever or allergy to plants.
2. Drops. In the form of drops, you can use aloe juice, Kalanchoe juice, garlic, onions, beet juice, warm vegetable or olive oil, a decoction of herbs (calendula, sage, eucalyptus) at home. Dosage - 2 drops in each nostril.
3. A warm compress is an effective remedy for a cold. You need to heat the salt, put it in a sock or in a thin towel and attach to the maxillary sinuses. Hold the compress until the salt has cooled. You can do the same with boiled eggs. Boil the egg, wrap it in cloth, apply on both sides of the nose. Can be driven up and down for a better impact.
4. Washing. On a glass of warm water, put 2 tbsp. l salt or 1 tsp. soda. Mix well. You can rinse by drawing fluid from the plate through one nostril, closing the other, in turn. In this case, the head should be tilted forward and slightly to the side. It is also convenient to use a needle-free syringe for this.
5. Nasal massage is another way to cure a runny nose with folk remedies quickly. Using fingers we massage the wings of the nose, first in one direction, then in the other 10-15 times. After that, tap on the bridge of the nose with one finger.
6. Taking a decoction or tincture inside. Chamomile and calendula have a good antiseptic effect, relieve swelling and support the immune system. They are brewed with boiling water and insisted for 5 minutes. Field horsetail with birch leaves helps, the infusion has an anti-inflammatory effect. Tea with ginger, honey and lemon will warm, remove swelling, and give an antiseptic result. For one cup of honey we take 1 tsp, a circle of lemon, 2 tbsp. l grated ginger.
7. General warming of the body. Dress warmly, drink hot tea with chamomile (in the absence of temperature). It is especially effective to wear woolen socks.

At the first sign of a runny nose, these actions will help you recover. For prevention during periods of spread of viral diseases in each room, it is recommended to put chopped onions and garlic.

Flushing the nose of a child

Timely remove snot and rinse your nose - one of the most important and correct actions. Quickly and effectively cure a runny nose in a child will help a saline solution, which in composition is close to physiological. It will moisturize the nasal mucosa, wash all secretions and clean up the work of epithelial cells. You can drip it up to 6 times in one day, and if there is a lot of discharge, then more. The solution is harmless even to babies.

Aspirator

For babies, snot is removed using an aspirator, and two year olds and older are already taught to blow their nose. If we are talking about older children, then saline solutions for washing the nose can be prepared by yourself. To do this, add a small spoonful of sea salt to boiled water. The solution is drawn into one nostril and blown out of it.

Spray for babies

It is better to agree with the child’s resistance and get an effective cold medicine - the usual salt spray in the pharmacy. If you use factory pharmacy sprays, the nose will breathe easier and snot will not bother. Regular irrigation of the nose with a salt spray can achieve a result in which vasoconstrictor and antiviral drugs are not needed. Also, the frequency of colds and the appearance of chronic runny nose will decrease. To clean the nose of snot and rinse it with an isotonic solution is all that needs to be used to treat a runny nose, especially for infants.