How does a runny nose. Rhinitis (runny nose). Types of rhinitis, causes, symptoms, diagnosis and effective treatment. Salt water is a wonderful "doctor"

A runny nose, or it is also called rhinitis in medicine, is an actual problem in any off-season and cold weather. During this period, the human body is weakened and rebuilt for a different season. Many consider the topic of nasal congestion as an outstanding problem and do not ask a serious question how to quickly get rid of a runny nose and not provoke the appearance of various complications.

A runny nose is dangerous for a person because it has serious consequences. A common cold can lead to a deterioration in smell and a decrease in appetite, as well. For many people, a runny nose is not a serious threat to health, so patients do not give due importance to the treatment of the disease. However, this opinion is wrong. Therapy must necessarily include drops from the common cold, inhalation, physiotherapy and taking drugs that will affect not only the symptoms, but also the causes of the onset of the disease.

Etiology

A runny nose develops in the human body with colds, for example, etc. Allergies can also provoke the appearance of an ailment.

Before taking any remedy for a cold, the patient needs to understand the cause of the onset of the disease. Doctors' additional provoking factors include:

  • hypothermia;
  • surgical intervention in the nasal cavity;
  • prolonged use of vasoconstrictor drugs;
  • the influence of chemical or other irritants on the nasal membrane;
  • nose injury;
  • change in weather, seasons and climatic conditions;
  • weakened immunity;

A runny nose during pregnancy is a fairly common occurrence, because a woman's body undergoes hormonal changes that can provoke a weakening of the immune system. Therefore, women are much more susceptible to viral infections. Also, a runny nose during pregnancy can occur with allergic reactions or inhalation of cold or humid air.

A runny nose in a newborn has the same causes of appearance as in an adult. Most often, the disease progresses with the development of a cold. In 95% of infants, the viral nature of the formation of a runny nose is noted.

An infant undergoes an inflammatory process in the adenoids if it develops. Its development becomes the formation of chronic rhinitis in childhood. Quite often, along with adenoid hypertrophy, doctors diagnose sinusitis. An increase in the volume of the tonsils leads to the multiplication of pathogenic bacteria that provoke inflammation of the tissues of the nasopharynx.

Also, a runny nose can appear from the ingress of a foreign body. This reason is a characteristic factor for the development of atypical rhinitis. The appearance of discharge from the nose is associated with the ingress of such objects:

Before treating a runny nose in a child, you need to understand the cause of its manifestation.

Doctors have identified that another factor in the progression of the common cold can be. The reason for their growth is a chronic lesion or an allergy. Benign formations grow to a considerable size, block the nasal cavity and interfere with normal breathing. Often polyps are diagnosed in adult patients, but can also occur in children. The disease can be accompanied by bronchial asthma, an allergic reaction to acetylsalicylic acid or yellow fruits and other allergens.

Classification

There are many varieties of the common cold, depending on the causes of the appearance, namely:

  • - pathology progresses from external stimuli, for example, weather changes or the aggressive influence of the external environment. You can eliminate the disease by eliminating all irritants;
  • - manifests itself when exposed to a particular allergen, for example, during the flowering period of plants, when eating products or from contact with dogs or cats. How to distinguish an allergic rhinitis from other types of the disease will tell the doctor during the examination. Often this type of pathology occurs in people suffering from any kind of allergy. It is quite easy to distinguish an allergic rhinitis from a cold, as it manifests itself sharply and also subsides quickly. You can eliminate it by simply changing the environment, excluding all allergens, sometimes doctors suggest using antihistamines to quickly reduce an attack of rhinitis;
  • infectious - manifested in the disease of acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections and influenza. The patient is prescribed antiviral treatment, which eliminates the symptoms. Colds are easily treated within a week. As part of home therapy, salt baths can be done and inhalations are allowed for a runny nose;
  • - is formed from the frequent use of drugs that provoke swelling and atrophy in the nose. This type of runny nose differs in that when the use of drugs is stopped, rhinitis subsides almost immediately. Therapy of the disease is preferably carried out in a hospital, so as not to provoke complications;
  • traumatic - manifests itself with mechanical, chemical or thermal damage to the nose and mucous membranes. With a slight impact of irritants, rhinitis goes away on its own, but with a prolonged and painful runny nose, the patient should seek the help of a specialist;
  • hypertrophic - the walls of the nose grow and thicken. During this period, a huge amount of unpleasant mucus is released from the nose. A mild remedy for a runny nose, used at home, will not help to fully eliminate such rhinitis, since the patient only needs prompt assistance;
  • - the tissues of the nasal passages are depleted and dry. Delayed therapy can provoke a complete or partial loss of smell. Self-medication is contraindicated.

Depending on the course of the disease, doctors also identified two types of rhinitis:

  • acute - manifests itself with a cold, allergies;
  • chronic runny nose - manifested with frequent relapses of viral pathologies.

Since a runny nose during pregnancy, in an adult and a child, often manifests itself precisely from the defeat of the body by infection and bacteria, doctors have identified three main stages in the development of an acute attack:

  • initial;
  • catarrhal - manifests itself after a few days;
  • recovery - after a week of full-fledged treatment, nasal congestion completely disappears.

The chronic form of the disease also has several forms:

  • catarrhal;
  • hypertrophic;
  • atrophic.

Symptoms

At the initial stage of the formation of the disease, the patient develops a characteristic burning sensation in the nose, itching, dryness, headache, sneezing and may appear. Further, the disease develops in a few days, and watery discharge is added to the initial signs. The patient may have a strong,. With the development, a runny nose during pregnancy in women, children or adult patients is often characterized by discharge mixed with blood.

In the last stage of rhinitis, the patient is relieved. It appears after a week of effective therapy. The patient's condition improves significantly, the amount of discharge from the nose decreases, breathing becomes clear and uniform. 10 days after therapy, rhinitis without complications completely disappears.

Sometimes doctors diagnose the development of a runny nose without fever. This is due to the progression of the viral infection. This disease can be characterized by the following manifestations:

  • stuffy nose;
  • mucous secretions;
  • headache;

With an allergic lesion of the nasal sinuses, the patient has the following symptoms:

  • stuffy nose;
  • runny nose with mucous, purulent, bloody discharge;
  • sensation of transfusion of fluid in the sinus when tilting the head;
  • sneezing
  • headache;
  • fever;

With neurovegetative rhinitis, the frequent release of a significant amount of liquid mucus after sleep is added to the general symptoms of the pathology.

You can recognize a viral rhinitis by the following indicators:

  • dryness and swelling of the mucous membrane in the nasal cavity;
  • sneezing

Bacterial damage to the nose, unlike other types of diseases, manifests itself in a cloudy thick discharge of yellow or green mucus.

And with traumatic rhinitis, the patient is worried about the difficult release of viscous mucus, which flows down the wall of the larynx into the pharynx.

A remedy for a cold should be chosen solely on the basis of the symptoms of the disease. Before proceeding with treatment, it is necessary to identify the underlying ailment after the diagnosis.

Diagnostics

Runny nose in a newborn or adult patient is diagnosed by symptoms. To distinguish one type of ailment from another, the doctor needs to clearly understand what the clinical picture of each type of rhinitis is and whether the person has individual characteristics of the body.

If a frequent runny nose is detected, the patient should seek help from a doctor. The otolaryngologist will examine the nasal cavity and be able to give an accurate diagnosis, as well as prescribe therapy.

Treatment

Each person at least once faced with the problem of the appearance of rhinitis, so everyone is interested in the question of how to get rid of a runny nose, what are effective ways to treat at home. The secretion of mucus, as a rule, is eliminated at home, because the disease often manifests itself from a viral disease. In this case, the patient can get by with nasal drops or folk remedies. However, if the pathology is manifested by a more complex and atypical clinical picture, then one cannot do without the help of a specialist.

For symptomatic therapy, the patient is prescribed the following procedures:

  • cleansing the nasal passages from mucus - you can carry out the procedure by blowing your nose or washing;
  • relief of nasal congestion - a vasoconstrictor for the common cold is used.

If rhinitis provoked by a virus is detected, it is advisable for the patient to use antiviral drugs, drops from the common cold, medicines to strengthen the immune system.

A runny nose is also common during pregnancy. The etiological factors in the development of such an ailment are quite different, but the therapy of all of them should be as gentle as possible so as not to harm the fetus. Runny nose during pregnancy can be eliminated by washing the nasal cavity. The therapy is based on moisturizing the mucosa, and when washing the nose with salt water, the effect is improved by eliminating water from the mucous membranes and enlarging the respiratory passages.

Also, women are allowed to carry out warming procedures. You can warm the sinuses with warm salt or warm with blue light. Doctors also approve of inhalations for a cold. They can be made on the basis of medicinal herbs and essential oils, but not more than 4 times a day for 10 minutes.

Drug treatment of a runny nose during pregnancy is undesirable, and is used with the permission of a physician only if the general condition of the expectant mother worsens.

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Expert advice is required!

Runny nose is an inflammatory process covering the nasal mucosa. This disease most often accompanies other ailments. This is usually a sign of another disease. Rhinitis- this is a common occurrence in acute respiratory viral diseases, such as parainfluenza, flu , measles , adenovirus... With such combinations, doctors call a runny nose rhinitis, which in Greek means " nasal inflammation".
Patients prefer to call this disease a runny nose. The first and second names, although they are very similar and even synonymous with each other, are nevertheless somewhat different. Yes, the name rhinitis” implies the mechanism for the appearance of the symptom, then the name “ runny nose"speaks of signs of inflammation, for example, the expiration of mucus. In this material, there will be no particular distinction between these two terms.

In a large number of cases, rhinitis is an allergic manifestation and develops when a provoking agent enters the tissues. So, there are two types of rhinitis: allergic and infectious. You can read about why and how these two types of disease occur in this article. It must be said that a minimum of information about how rhinitis develops will help people who do not have a medical education not only competently approach the treatment of this disease, but also prevent its occurrence.

What are the causes of rhinitis?

For any reason that causes the appearance of rhinitis, this is necessarily a sign of an inflammatory process on the nasal mucosa. Allergic and infectious types of diseases differ from each other not by the mechanism of occurrence, but only by the cause that caused them. There are some specific factors in the structure of the respiratory system that contribute to the development of this inflammatory process. Following are some of them:

1. The nose is the most important place through which atmospheric air enters the body. For human health, it is necessary that breathing is carried out through the nose. Eastern sages had a saying that inhaling air through the mouth is the same as eating food through the nose.

2. The nasal mucosa is constantly “tested for strength” by a variety of aggressive factors, such as pathogenic microflora, icy air, aggressive substances, dust, pollen and other allergens. Thus, it is here that all these agents are rendered harmless. Dust particles settle here, the air acquires the necessary temperature and humidity for entry into the bronchi and lungs. Due to the abundance of small capillaries in the nasal mucosa, a runny nose develops. This mechanism will be discussed in more detail below.

So, the nasal mucosa is constantly under the influence of quite aggressive factors. Therefore, a runny nose is a fairly common occurrence.

Infectious runny nose

Infectious rhinitis ranks first among the signs of infectious diseases that affect the upper respiratory organs. In addition to rhinitis, with such diseases, there are necessarily a number of symptoms characteristic of infectious diseases. Often, along with rhinitis, migraine-like pain is observed, body temperature increases, and lethargy develops. Runny nose in this case is caused by the action of pathogens on the nasal mucosa. As it was said, this organ is the “first front line” in protecting the body from a variety of damaging factors. In this regard, a huge number of microorganisms constantly enter here. The vast majority of these microorganisms cannot cause disease, but there are some that can be the cause of the development of the disease. In the case of an infectious rhinitis, an increase in the number of harmful microbes on the nasal mucosa causes a violation of its condition and the death of the upper cells. This phenomenon is the explanation for the symptoms of rhinitis: itching in the nose, the appearance of mucus from the nose, "clogging" of the nose, a violation of the timbre of the voice, and much more.

It must be said that the appearance of mucus from the nose is the response of the blood vessels of the mucosa to the inflammatory process. The appearance of mucus is an attempt by the body to evacuate harmful agents from the nose. It must be said that by the appearance and amount of mucus one can judge which microorganisms provoked the process. In the case when the mucus is transparent and liquid, most often this is a viral origin of the disease, but if the mucus is yellow, then the cause of the disease is bacteria.
Speaking about the infectious form of the disease, it must be said that this is often the first sign of a cold. In this connection, at the first symptoms of rhinitis, treatment should be started immediately. Then the process can be stopped in time.

allergic rhinitis

The main signs of the allergic form of the disease are the same outflow of mucus and "cloggedness" of the nose. The process of development of this disease is completely different from that of the infectious form. The impetus for the onset of allergic rhinitis is the interaction of the nasal cavity and any allergen. Together with microorganisms, a huge number of these substances enter the nose: this is the hair of cats and dogs, and pollen, and household dust, and much more. If the human body is prone to allergies, then such contacts provoke a violent reaction. In the place where there was contact, the inflammatory process begins. The appearance of an abundance of mucus in this case indicates the "desire" of the body to quickly wash out all allergens from the nasal cavity. Often, this form of rhinitis is accompanied by inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes, lacrimation, and respiratory failure. It is these factors that indicate the allergic origin of the disease. Suspicion of this form of rhinitis is a reason to visit an allergist's consultation.

A related disease is neurovegetative rhinitis. Both varieties belong to the vasomotor group. In this disease, the symptoms appear due to the instability of the nervous regulation of the state of the blood arteries.

Rhinitis (runny nose)- the main symptom of colds and various viral infections.

In addition, a runny nose is a protective reaction of the body to irritation by various microbes, viruses and mucosal allergens. Protection of the mucosa is manifested in the form of increased secretion of mucus, and edema, which remove pathogens at the initial stage of penetration into the body.

Rhinitis is included in a group of diseases called -. This group, in addition to rhinitis, also includes:,. For an illustrative example, consider the picture below:

Types and causes of rhinitis (runny nose)

  • Vasomotor rhinitis. This type of runny nose is caused by a violation of nasal breathing due to the narrowing of the nasal cavity, which is a consequence of swelling of the tissues of the turbinates, due to a violation of the tone of the vessels of the nasal mucosa. Vasomotor rhinitis is divided into:

allergic rhinitis. Causes: the body's reaction to - house dust, poplar fluff, animal hair, fluff, feathers, plant pollen.

Neurovegetative rhinitis. Reasons: violations of the nervous mechanisms responsible for the normal physiology of the nose.

  • Infectious rhinitis. This type of rhinitis is the most common. Its main causes are viruses and bacteria. In addition, any type of infectious rhinitis is a companion of such diseases as, etc. It is dangerous because the virus, penetrating into the nasopharynx, disrupts the body's defense mechanisms and opens up free entry for the virus. Infectious rhinitis is divided into:

- Acute rhinitis;
- Viral rhinitis;
- Bacterial rhinitis.

  • Chronic rhinitis. Subdivided into:

atrophic rhinitis. Causes: A complex chronic type of runny nose, the causes of which are hereditary predisposition, viral infections and long-term diseases of the nasal cavity. This type of rhinitis is called "Fetid rhinitis of the lake."

hypertrophic rhinitis. Causes: Occurs upon contact with dust and gas contamination. Because of these factors, the bone frame of the turbinates and mucous membrane grows.

  • Medical rhinitis. The cause of drug-induced rhinitis, as a rule, is dependence and abuse of various drops and sprays.
  • Traumatic rhinitis. Caused by damage to the nasal septum.

The main causes of a runny nose

To summarize, we can distinguish the following main causes of a runny nose (rhinitis):

  • Symptoms of neurovegetative rhinitis:

- labored breathing;
- liquid watery discharge;
- frequent bouts of copious liquid discharge after sleep.

Treatment of this type of runny nose should include treatment of the nervous system, sedatives and water treatments.

  • Symptoms of acute rhinitis:

- frequent sneezing;
- lacrimation;
- general malaise;
- Abundant serous-mucous discharge, acquiring a mucopurulent character.

  • Symptoms of a viral cold

- dryness and burning in the nose;
- swelling of nasal conchas;
- difficulty breathing through the nose;
- sneezing;
- (over time).

If you have these symptoms, it is best to see a doctor.

  • Symptoms of a bacterial cold:

- increase in body temperature;
— ;
- swelling of nasal conchas;
- cloudy, thick yellow or green discharge;
- redness above the upper lip and near the nose.

Prolonged bacterial runny nose can lead to inflammation of all the sinuses (sinusitis), and other more serious diseases.

  • Symptoms of atrophic rhinitis:

- atrophy of the mucous membranes and bone walls of the nasal cavity;
- allocation of a purulent secret with a sharp unpleasant odor;
- dried crusts;
- Loss of smell.

Having this type of runny nose, it is better to immediately consult a doctor.

  • Symptoms of hypertrophic rhinitis:

- Constant difficulty in nasal breathing.

It is treated by removing hypertrophied areas of the bone and mucous membrane.

  • Symptoms of drug rhinitis:

- mucosal vessels stop working independently.

This is a type of runny nose that is difficult to treat, since the nutrition of the mucosa is disturbed, and it dies.

  • Symptoms of traumatic rhinitis:

- often, one half of the nose suffers from rhinitis, and the other from dryness of the mucous membrane;
- no snot comes out. They thicken and flow down the wall of the larynx into the throat.

In this case, it is necessary to lower the temperature and increase the humidity in the room where the person is most often located. This can be done, for example, with a humidifier.

As we already know, rhinitis (runny nose) is a symptom, therefore, for its treatment, it is necessary to identify the disease that provoked the runny nose.
It is also worth noting that some types of rhinitis do not require treatment as such, but simply the prevention of its irritants. For example: sometimes, to stop a runny nose, it is enough to carry out wet cleaning in the living room and remove the source of the pathogen (an animal, some flowering houseplants, an old carpet, or even change the pillow).

For the treatment of the common cold, vasoconstrictor drops and sprays are mainly used, as well as antiviral drugs that are effective against many types of SARS viruses.

Vasoconstrictor drugs against the common cold

Various drops and sprays against the common cold, falling on the nasal mucosa, cause constriction of blood vessels. In the nasal cavity, swelling decreases, which blocked the air. The rate of formation of new mucus decreases, and it becomes thicker.

If you choose between drops and a spray, then it is better to give preference to a spray, as it has an exact dosage of the drug, which is why it is more economical, prevents overdose and side effects from it.

Products containing xylometazoline:"Galazolin", "Dlyanos", "Rinonorm", "Xymelin", "Farmazolin".

The duration of action of drugs with xylometazoline is about 4 hours.

Products containing oxylometazoline:"Nazivin", "Fervex", "Nazol", "Knoxprey", "Fazin".

The duration of action of drugs with oxylometazoline is 10-12 hours.

Preparations containing oxymetazoline are strictly contraindicated in: pregnancy, impaired renal function and children under 1 year of age.

Products containing naphazoline:"Sanorin", "Naftizin".

The duration of action of drugs with naphazoline is 4-6 hours.

All vasoconstrictor drops and sprays against the common cold are not recommended for use for more than 7 days in a row. With a weekly use of such drugs, side effects are not observed, but with regular long-term use, the vessels become dependent on the drug.

Tablets against the common cold

"Sinupret". They are used to treat colds in the bronchi, lungs and nasopharynx. They have mucolytic, expectorant and anti-inflammatory effects. Contains extracts of gentian, shevel, verbena, elderberry, primrose flowers with a calyx. Contraindicated in children under 3 years of age.

"Koldakt". A complex preparation based on chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride. It is used to eliminate the symptoms of many colds, accompanied by allergies, swelling of the respiratory blunts and nasopharynx, runny nose. Contraindicated in children under 12 years of age, pregnant women, suffering from and. With the permission of a doctor, take with bronchial asthma, diabetes and the elderly.

Rhinopront. A vasoconstrictor and antihistamine drug, it alleviates the course of a runny nose of any kind up to 12 hours, reduces the permeability of capillary walls and exudative manifestations.
Contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women suffering from glaucoma, hypertension and prostate enlargement.

For a correct diagnosis and proper treatment, you need to see a doctor.

Inhalations

Essential oils. In 0.5 liters of boiling water, drop 2-3 drops of oil: eucalyptus, juniper, fir or pine. Or a mixture of oils, 1 drop each: + cinnamon, pine + eucalyptus or pine +.

Inhalations with essential oils should not be carried out for children under 3 years old, for everyone with bronchial asthma, allergies and individual intolerance to oils.

Kalanchoe. In 0.5 liters of boiling water, add 2 tbsp. spoons of freshly squeezed juice and proceed.

Onion or garlic juice. Add a few drops of freshly squeezed onion or garlic juice to hot water and begin the procedure.

Decoction of herbs. In 1-2 liters of boiling water, add the selected herb: 2 tbsp. spoons of eucalyptus or chamomile leaves, 3 tbsp. spoons of pine buds or 2 tbsp. spoons of chamomile and eucalyptus leaves. Boil for 5 minutes and breathe.

The drug "Rotokan". Contains chamomile extract, and. In half a liter of hot water we drip 2 tbsp. spoons of the drug and proceed.

- this is one of the manifestations of a cold, which causes a lot of inconvenience, partially deprives the sense of smell, reduces appetite, and creates difficulty breathing during sleep.

The common cold has a second name - rhinitis (inflammatory process of the nasal mucosa). There are two types of rhinitis: acute and chronic.

Causes of a runny nose.

The most common cause of a runny nose are viral infections that cause SARS (acute respiratory viral infection). Bacteria infect the nasal mucosa again, after viruses, which is the cause of complications.

Hypothermia affects the development of the disease. Less often, a runny nose is caused by injuries of the nasal mucosa by foreign bodies, harmful factors (smoke, dust), and surgical manipulations with the nose. Viruses enter the air during inhalation, penetrate into cells that have cilia, and develop there for up to three days. Because of this, the work of cells is disrupted, the removal of foreign bodies from the mucous membrane. During normal operation of the body, cleansing is performed daily, but when an infection enters, conditions are created for accession and a bacterial infection.

Cold stages.

With a cold, there are three stages of development.

The first stage of the common cold (reflex).

It develops quite quickly due to hypothermia of the body. First, there is a narrowing, and then the expansion of blood vessels, swelling of the nasal conchas appears. The common cold is characterized by dryness, burning in the nose, shortness of breath, sneezing. Duration several hours.

The second stage of the common cold (catarrhal).

The duration of the second stage lasts up to 3 days, develops due to viruses. There is a decrease in the sense of smell, watery discharge from the nose, shortness of breath, stuffy ears, hoarseness of the voice, lacrimation. There is a clear redness of the nasal mucosa.

The third stage of the common cold.

The general condition begins to return to normal, nasal breathing and smell are restored. Discharge from the nose becomes thick, yellow-green in color. The redness of the nasal mucosa decreases, the lumen of the nasal passages increases. As a rule, the disease cycle lasts no more than 10 days, but with weakened immunity or prolonged treatment, the disease can drag on up to 3 weeks, which leads to serious complications.

Acute and chronic runny nose.

In acute rhinitis, a sharp onset is noted. The infection affects both nasal passages. There is a burning sensation and a feeling of dryness in the nose, sneezing and sore throat. Acute rhinitis may be accompanied by weakness, fever, decreased performance. There is a liquid transparent discharge from the nose, which after a while becomes thicker and acquires a yellow-green color. Difficulty breathing, deterioration in the perception of taste, the sense of smell disappears, the nasal membrane swells. In some cases, there is noise in the ears, tingling.

Chronic rhinitis has several varieties:

hypertrophic.

It is characterized by inflammation and thickening of the nasal mucosa, leading to the closure of the lumen of the nasal passage. There is a headache, dry mouth, worsening sleep, mouth breathing.

atrophic.

With this type of runny nose, the nasal mucosa becomes thinner, mucus is secreted, crusts appear that make it difficult to breathe.

Allergic.

Manifested by watery year-round discharge from the nose. There is burning, itching, an attack of sneezing. Allergic rhinitis may cause allergic conjunctivitis.

Causes of chronic rhinitis.

Prolonged acute runny nose

Disturbance of blood flow in the nasal mucosa in diseases of the lungs, kidneys, heart, hormonal system

Irritation of the nasal mucosa by secretions of pus

Prolonged exposure to harmful factors (odors, harmful fumes, dust)

The flowering period of certain plants

Cold treatment.

At the first manifestations of signs of acute rhinitis, it is necessary to take a hot foot bath with the addition of mustard for 10 minutes. After the bath, it is best to drink hot tea with lemon, linden or raspberry, or a decoction of blackcurrant or rosehip. Hot baths and bed rest are recommended. Wear socks with mustard sprinkled on your feet. Mustard has an irritating effect on the soles of the feet and has a temperature effect. It is recommended to take vitamin C - it stimulates the immune system, has an anti-cold effect.

For the treatment of the common cold, inhalations with aromatic oils are used - mint, lemon, tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender. At a high temperature, an antipyretic drug should be taken. People with allergies are advised to take antihistamines.

A runny nose is probably the most unpleasant symptom of a cold. It creates a lot of inconvenience: it deprives you of appetite, makes it difficult to breathe, does not allow you to sleep normally and even communicate poorly. And if we take into account the frequent occurrence of a runny nose, then we can seriously state that a runny nose poisons our lives. And it’s not at all about the countless scarves from which we swell up ...

Runny nose affects us on a psychological, emotional level. 80% of women believe that during a cold, not only the romantic mood disappears, but also external attractiveness disappears. 90% of women think that a runny nose affects their performance and almost 100% talk about the impact of a runny nose on relationships with the opposite sex. At least for the sake of this, it is necessary to fight the common cold with all improvised means. This article will be about this.

In medical terminology, a runny nose is rhinitis or inflammation of the nasal mucosa. There are two types: chronic and acute. The cause of acute rhinitis, in most cases, are viruses that cause SARS (acute respiratory viral infection). Bacteria, which infect the nasal mucosa after viruses, cause complications.

Also, one of the reasons for the development of a runny nose may be hypothermia of the body. There are other, rarer causes: trauma to the nasal mucosa, foreign bodies, surgical operations in the nasal cavity, irritants, etc.

Getting together with air currents on the nasal mucosa, viruses are introduced into the upper layer of cells and begin to develop within 1-3 days. As a result of their activity, the functionality of cells is disrupted, including the removal of harmful bacteria.

The fact is that the surface layer of the nose is lined with cilia, which, making shimmering movements, drive any foreign body "to the exit", so it is difficult for bacteria to infect the body through a healthy nose. But viruses disrupt cells and create all the conditions for a bacterial infection, and this is already much worse than a common cold.

Runny nose stages

Groups of drugs against the common cold

  • bacterial vaccines;
  • antibacterial;
  • homeopathic and complex preparations;

Vasoconstrictor drugs against the common cold

To reduce nasal congestion, in the complex treatment of the common cold, vasoconstrictor drops are also used, which can affect the narrowing of the blood vessels of the nose, which reduces swelling of its mucosa. This allows you to expand the nasal grooves and make breathing easier.

It is worth remembering that this type of drops has strict contraindications and they can be used for no more than 7 days. Otherwise, you run the risk of provoking structural changes in mucosal cells, which is fraught with a violation of the olfactory function in the future.

Pay attention to the form of release of the medicine. When treating with drops, the liquid flows into the nasopharynx, so an overdose of the drug is especially dangerous. if there is a choice between drops and aerosol, it is better to choose the latter. It's more secure.

With atrophic rhinitis, vasoconstrictor drugs are prohibited.

Moisturizers for colds

This group, in fact, is not a drug; their purpose is an auxiliary effect - facilitating the discharge of mucus by improving its properties. Moisturizers are good in combination with any medications and for any form of rhinitis, they are especially in demand in chronic atrophic rhinitis. They are prepared from mineral or sea water. The rich mineral composition of moisturizers increases the activity of cilia and normalizes the function of the glands of the nasal mucosa. The daily rate is not limited, because. they have no contraindications.

Antiviral drugs for the common cold

Antiviral drugs are means of prevention and the initial stage of the common cold. They are obtained from white blood cells or created using genetic engineering. Their purpose is to eliminate the cause of the disease - to suppress the development of a viral infection.

With prophylactic use, antiviral drugs should be started when there is a threat of infection and should be stopped when the threat is removed. When treating, the reception begins immediately, as soon as the first signs of infection appear - sneezing, coughing, malaise. Antivirals come in the form of capsules, drops, suppositories, etc.

Homeopathic and complex preparations against the common cold

These are preparations with essential oils, such as peppermint oil (menthol). Inside the nasal cavity, this kind of oil has an antiseptic (in a mild form) and refreshing effect. By itself, menthol does not cure - it does not expand the nasal passages and does not reduce swelling, but its effect allows you to feel easier breathing due to the effect of menthol on the receptors of the nasal mucosa.

Also popular are drops with an admixture of silver, which have an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect. They can be taken with a long runny nose, especially if it is a protracted initial stage of a hypertrophic runny nose.

Homeopathic medicines are widely used in the form of drops, sprays and other forms. They have a complex effect on the body - decongestant, immunostimulating, antiviral. They should be used for acute rhinitis at the initial stage, within a couple of hours, every 15-20 minutes, following the age recommendations on the package.

Antibacterial drugs for the common cold

To treat the complications that have arisen with a runny nose or with a bacterial infection, antibacterial drugs are used, which are available in the form of aerosol dispensers. Due to their small size, aerosol particles are able to penetrate deeply into the far parts of the nose and even into the paranasal sinuses. This group of drugs has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action, fighting the cause of the complication - bacteria. The effect of such treatment does not apply to the entire body, but it allows you to point to the infected areas. Due to its limited action, this kind of drugs are not prohibited for pregnant and lactating mothers. There are also antibacterial drops. There is also a separate group of combined drugs, the chemical composition of which includes both antibacterial agents and vasoconstrictor and / or hormonal drugs.

Bacterial flu vaccines

This group of drugs that contain antigens of infectious agents (bacteria). When a vaccine from such a medicine enters the body, the latter produces antibodies (protective substances). Bacterial vaccines are produced in the form of an aerosol with a dispenser, it is advisable to use them as a means of prevention even before the disease. In this case, antibodies developed in a timely manner can prevent the disease itself or significantly reduce its duration. The appointment of bacterial preparations is indicated for frequent or prolonged rhinitis.

Methods for the treatment of chronic rhinitis

In chronic rhinitis, it is necessary to involve a specialist in the treatment - an ENT doctor. The tactics of treating a runny nose, in many respects, depends on the reasons that caused it. It consists in physiotherapeutic, restorative and drug methods. Even if complex treatment does not help, then there is only one way - surgical intervention.

Recently, the treatment of the common cold with a laser has been widely used. With it, swelling of the mucous membrane is removed, which improves breathing and reduces mucus secretion.

In the event that you have an allergic chronic rhinitis, you need to contact an allergist. It will help identify the allergen, and based on this, you can choose the treatment tactics.

In any case, if a runny nose lasts more than 3 weeks and there are no noticeable successes in the cure, you should consult a doctor. Also, if after the second week of treatment of a runny nose, discomfort is still felt, it is difficult to breathe, lacrimation appears, pain in the eyes, headache, purulent discharge, this means that some complications have developed and you should re-visit the ENT doctor.

It is worth remembering that although there are many means and methods against chronic and acute rhinitis, you cannot apply them all at once, hoping that at least something will help. Such a path is harmful and even dangerous. It is better to consult a specialist if you cannot understand the causes and identify the form of a runny nose.

Complications with a runny nose

Sinusitis

Sinusitis - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the maxillary paranasal sinuses. It can occur with acute rhinitis, measles, influenza and other diseases of an infectious type, as well as from diseases of the back teeth.

Symptoms: respiratory failure through the nose, sensation of pain and tension in the affected sinus, olfactory disorder, purulent nasal discharge, lacrimation and photophobia. Indefinite pain or localized in the forehead and temples, occurs periodically at the same time of day. Elevated temperature.

Otitis

Otitis media is an inflammation of the middle ear of an acute nature, which is caused by microbes penetrating through the auditory tube into the tympanic cavity, which is facilitated by inflammation in the nose, its sinuses, nasopharynx, as well as infectious diseases - influenza, measles and others. A little less often, the infection enters the middle ear along with the blood flow in case of injuries or infectious diseases.

Symptoms: Acute otitis media begins unexpectedly and is characterized by: sudden, severe pain in the ear, fever, malaise, feelings of stuffiness in the ear, noise in it, hearing loss.

Similar posts