Most often, with colds and flu, breathing through the nose is difficult, and a runny nose is observed. People often do not pay attention to these seemingly banal symptoms. But in vain. They can be the cause of not only common colds, but also very serious diseases. How to get rid of stuffy nose and runny nose? Before turning to this issue, we will consider what constitutes a runny nose and the possible causes of this condition.
Runny nose - what is it?
The condition when there is a discharge from the nose, in the language of doctors is called rhinitis. It occurs due to inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity, they swell. Hence the difficulty in breathing through the nose, and the discharge, which can be mucous and purulent. Most often, the onset of a runny nose provokes viruses. Rhinitis can act as an independent disease or be a symptom of another infection, for example, flu, diphtheria, measles, gonorrhea, HIV and so on.
Causes of Rhinitis
- Sharp temperature changes, for example, when moving from frost to a warm room. And we are not talking about pathology - this is a physiological reaction.
- Excessive use of spices. If there are spicy dishes in the menu, nasal congestion can also occur, but, as a rule, there are no secretions.
- Exposure to tobacco smoke and other irritants.
- Hormonal changes.
- Allergic reactions.
- Tumors, polyps and foreign bodies in the nasal passages.
- Kartagener syndrome (a rare hereditary disease).
- Vasomotor rhinitis.
- Sinusitis
- Viral infections.
How to get rid of stuffy nose and runny nose? This will depend on the cause of the rhinitis.
How does rhinitis manifest?
Symptoms of acute rhinitis depend on the stage of development of the disease. There are three of them:
- First, at this stage, microorganisms have just entered the nasal cavity and began to have a negative effect on the mucous membrane. This is manifested by a feeling of tickling and dryness in the nose. Sometimes a headache and fever to subfebrile may join. The duration of this period is from several hours to a day, sometimes a little more.
- The second stage is characterized by abundant discharge from the nose of the mucous membrane and difficulty breathing. The olfactory sensitivity is dull. Tearing and stuffy ears may be observed . This is because the nasal cavity is connected with the conjunctiva and inner ear through separate small passages.
- The third stage usually begins on the 4th-5th day from the moment the infection enters the nasal mucosa, and it is associated with the reaction of the immune system. Discharge from the nose becomes thick, mucopurulent in nature, greenish or yellowish-green in color, sometimes have an unpleasant odor. Phagocytes and neutrophils (protective cells) fight bacteria that have fallen on the mucosa. They destroy the infection by capturing and digesting it, and they die. This, in fact, is purulent discharge. After a few days, the discharge becomes less, the swelling subsides, congestion disappears, and recovery comes.
How to get rid of a runny nose, congestion? Treatment will depend on the cause of rhinitis. So, for example, if these symptoms are allergic in nature, it will be sufficient to take the antihistamines Tavegil, Diazolin, Cetrin, etc. In allergic rhinitis, the third stage is usually absent.
How to get rid of nasal congestion? Simple recommendations
Uncomplicated acute rhinitis is easy to cure at home. How to quickly get rid of a cold? We win a runny nose folk remedies. Such treatment will help in the first stage of rhinitis:
- At the initial stage of the disease, sometimes it’s enough to make several hot foot baths lasting 10-15 minutes. They are done before bedtime, then put on warm socks and put into bed.
- A similar effect is exerted by the application of mustard plasters on the sole and calf muscles.
- An abundant warm drink is recommended, in which it is good to add lemon or raspberry.
How to get rid of nasal congestion? Medication for the common cold
The following medicines are suitable for the treatment of rhinitis of the first stage:
- Local antiseptics, for example, it is recommended to instill a 3-5% solution of Protargol 2 times a day.
- A good effect is exerted by immunity enhancers, for example, Lysozyme or Interferon drops.
- If headache bothers, analgesics are used: Solpadein, Tylenol, Analgin.
The second stage of the disease is characterized by purulent discharge from the nose, which means that a bacterial infection has joined . For treatment at this stage, it is recommended to use antibacterial agents, for example, Bioparox spray or Amoxicillin tablets.
How to quickly get rid of nasal congestion at this stage? Vasoconstrictors will help here, for example, naphthyzinum or xylometazoline drops.
To facilitate the outflow of mucus from the nasal passages, Sinupret, a herbal preparation, can be recommended. It is available in the form of drops and dragees.
Treatment of rhinitis in infants
How to get rid of nasal congestion and runny nose in infants? Such symptoms bother babies and interfere with normal feeding. Children are restless, cannot breathe while feeding and therefore cry.
Immediately prior to feeding, they are advised to clean their nasal passages with a suction can. If crusts have formed in the baby’s nose, they are removed with cotton turunda (a cotton swab twisted into a thin tube) moistened with sterile vegetable oil or petroleum jelly. So the crusts are easily softened. Then they are removed.
If medication cannot be dispensed with and nasal breathing has not recovered, then before feeding a 0.05% solution of Galazolinum (Xylometazolineum) is used.
Between feedings, a 2% Protargol solution is used, which reduces nasal discharge.
How to get rid of nasal congestion and a runny nose in adults and young children, we now know. Consider measures to prevent this ailment.
Prevention of Rhinitis
Measures to prevent the common cold include:
- Prevention of colds.
- Avoid prolonged drafts.
- Proper nutrition, especially during periods of seasonal colds. It should be high-calorie with enough fresh vegetables and fruits. It is recommended to include onions, currants, citrus fruits, raspberries, honey. But it should be remembered that right after tea with honey or raspberries it is impossible to go outside, at least 45 minutes must pass.
- In rooms it is important to regularly carry out wet cleaning and airing.
- It is imperative to observe personal hygiene measures: washing hands after the street, toilet and before eating.
- At the first signs of the disease, it is advisable to immediately consult a doctor to prevent the development of possible complications. This is especially true for young children.