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How to prevent a uti after intercourse. Preventing UTIs After Intercourse: Essential Guide for Women’s Health

by alexxlab

How do UTIs occur after sexual activity. What are the main symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Why are some women more prone to UTIs after intercourse. How can you effectively prevent UTIs when sexually active. What are additional ways to minimize UTI risk. How are urinary tract infections typically treated.

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Understanding the Link Between Sexual Activity and UTIs

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common health concern for many women, often occurring as a result of sexual activity. The anatomical structure of the female body makes women more susceptible to UTIs compared to men. The short length of the female urethra allows bacteria to easily travel from the anus to the bladder, potentially causing an infection.

During sexual intercourse, bacteria can be pushed towards the urethra, increasing the risk of a UTI. This phenomenon has led to the nickname “honeymoon cystitis” for UTIs that occur frequently in sexually active individuals.

Factors Increasing UTI Risk During Sex

  • Frequent sexual activity
  • New sexual partners
  • Use of certain birth control methods (e.g., diaphragms, spermicides)
  • Inadequate hygiene practices before and after intercourse
  • Dehydration

Recognizing UTI Symptoms: Early Detection is Key

Identifying the symptoms of a UTI early can lead to prompt treatment and prevent complications. Common signs of a urinary tract infection include:

  • A strong, persistent urge to urinate
  • A burning sensation during urination
  • Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
  • Cloudy urine
  • Red, bright pink or cola-colored urine (a sign of blood in the urine)
  • Strong-smelling urine
  • Pelvic pain in women

Are certain symptoms more indicative of a severe UTI? While any UTI symptom should be taken seriously, the presence of fever, chills, or pain in the upper back or sides may indicate that the infection has spread to the kidneys, requiring immediate medical attention.

Why Some Women Are More Prone to Post-Intercourse UTIs

While sexual activity can increase the risk of UTIs for all women, some individuals seem to be particularly susceptible. Several factors can contribute to this increased vulnerability:

  1. Genetic predisposition: A family history of frequent UTIs may indicate a genetic susceptibility.
  2. Anatomical differences: Some women have a shorter distance between their urethral opening and anus, making bacterial transfer more likely.
  3. Hormonal changes: Menopause can lead to changes in vaginal pH and decreased estrogen levels, potentially increasing UTI risk.
  4. Medical conditions: Conditions such as diabetes or pelvic organ prolapse can increase UTI susceptibility.
  5. Difficulty emptying the bladder completely: This can allow bacteria to multiply in residual urine.

Can certain sexual practices increase the risk of UTIs? Yes, practices that introduce bacteria to the urethral area, such as anal sex followed by vaginal sex without proper cleaning, can significantly increase the risk of UTIs.

Effective Strategies to Prevent UTIs When Sexually Active

Preventing UTIs doesn’t mean abstaining from sexual activity. By adopting certain habits and practices, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing a UTI after intercourse:

  • Urinate before and after sexual activity to flush out bacteria
  • Clean the genital and anal areas before and after sex, always wiping from front to back
  • Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially after sex
  • Use a water-based vaginal lubricant to reduce friction and irritation
  • Consider alternative birth control methods if you’re prone to UTIs and currently using a diaphragm or spermicide

Is there a specific time frame within which urinating after sex is most effective for preventing UTIs? While it’s best to urinate as soon as possible after sexual activity, try to empty your bladder within 30 minutes of intercourse for optimal protection against UTIs.

Additional Measures to Minimize UTI Risk

Beyond sexual activity-related precautions, there are several other steps you can take to reduce your overall risk of developing UTIs:

  1. Avoid using douches, sprays, or powders in the genital area, as these can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria
  2. Practice proper wiping technique after bowel movements, always moving from front to back
  3. Consider taking cranberry supplements, which may help create an acidic environment that discourages bacterial growth
  4. Explore the use of probiotics to promote a healthy balance of bacteria in the urogenital tract
  5. Wear breathable, cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting pants
  6. Change out of wet swimsuits or sweaty workout clothes promptly

Do natural remedies like cranberry juice really help prevent UTIs? While the evidence is mixed, some studies suggest that cranberry products may help prevent UTIs by making it harder for bacteria to adhere to the urinary tract walls. However, it’s important to note that cranberry juice should not be used as a treatment for an active UTI.

Treatment Options for Urinary Tract Infections

If you develop a UTI despite preventive measures, prompt treatment is essential to avoid complications. The standard treatment for UTIs typically involves:

  • Antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider
  • Increased fluid intake to help flush out bacteria
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort
  • Avoiding irritants like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods until the infection clears

For women who experience recurrent UTIs, additional preventive strategies may be recommended, such as:

  • Low-dose antibiotic prophylaxis
  • Post-intercourse antibiotic use
  • Vaginal estrogen therapy for postmenopausal women

How long does it typically take for UTI symptoms to improve with antibiotic treatment? Most people start to feel better within 24 to 48 hours of starting antibiotics. However, it’s crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is fully eradicated.

The Importance of Proper Diagnosis for Recurrent UTI Symptoms

If you find yourself experiencing frequent UTI-like symptoms, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis. In some cases, what appears to be recurrent UTIs may actually be a different condition, such as:

  • Interstitial cystitis (IC): A chronic bladder condition that can mimic UTI symptoms
  • Overactive bladder syndrome
  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Vaginal infections or irritation

A healthcare provider can perform a urine culture to confirm the presence of bacteria and determine the most effective treatment approach. This is particularly important for individuals who experience frequent UTI symptoms, as it helps ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

What specific tests might a doctor perform to diagnose recurrent UTIs? In addition to a urine culture, your healthcare provider may recommend further testing such as a urinalysis, bladder ultrasound, or cystoscopy to rule out other underlying conditions and assess the health of your urinary system.

Addressing UTI Prevention with Your Partner

Preventing UTIs is not solely the responsibility of one partner. Open communication and cooperation between sexual partners can significantly contribute to reducing UTI risk. Consider the following strategies:

  1. Discuss the importance of proper hygiene before and after sexual activity
  2. Encourage your partner to wash their hands and genitals before intimate contact
  3. Explore alternative sexual practices that may reduce the risk of bacterial transfer
  4. Be open about any discomfort or symptoms you experience, and seek medical attention together if needed

How can you approach the topic of UTI prevention with a new sexual partner? Start by explaining that UTIs are a common health concern for many women and that taking preventive measures together can enhance both partners’ sexual health and enjoyment. Frame the conversation as a mutual effort to maintain a healthy and comfortable sexual relationship.

The Role of Hydration in UTI Prevention

Proper hydration plays a crucial role in preventing UTIs, both in general and specifically after sexual activity. Adequate fluid intake helps:

  • Flush bacteria out of the urinary system
  • Dilute urine, making it less hospitable for bacterial growth
  • Encourage more frequent urination, reducing the time bacteria can multiply in the bladder

While water is the best choice for hydration, other beverages can contribute to your daily fluid intake. However, it’s important to be mindful of drinks that may irritate the bladder, such as those containing caffeine or alcohol.

How much water should you drink daily to help prevent UTIs? While individual needs vary, aiming for 6-8 glasses (1.5-2 liters) of water per day is a good general guideline. Increase your intake during hot weather, physical activity, or after sexual intercourse to promote optimal urinary tract health.

Understanding the Impact of Birth Control on UTI Risk

Certain forms of birth control can influence a woman’s susceptibility to UTIs. Understanding these effects can help you make informed decisions about contraception and UTI prevention:

  • Diaphragms: Can press against the urethra, making it harder to empty the bladder completely
  • Spermicides: May alter the vaginal flora, potentially increasing UTI risk
  • Birth control pills: Generally do not increase UTI risk and may even offer some protection
  • Intrauterine devices (IUDs): Typically do not increase UTI risk

If you’re prone to UTIs and using a method that may increase your risk, consider discussing alternative options with your healthcare provider. They can help you find a contraceptive method that balances your pregnancy prevention needs with UTI risk reduction.

Are there any birth control methods that may help reduce UTI risk? Some studies suggest that hormonal contraceptives, particularly those containing estrogen, may offer a protective effect against UTIs by influencing vaginal pH and bacterial colonization. However, the choice of birth control should be based on overall health considerations and personal preferences, in consultation with a healthcare provider.

Causes and How to Prevent Them

One common way women get urinary tract infections is by having sex. But that doesn’t mean you have to banish sex from your life to prevent painful infections.

By Meryl Davids LandauMedically Reviewed by Kacy Church, MD

Reviewed:

Medically Reviewed

What you do before and after sex is more important than what you do during it when it comes to UTIs.Mosuno/Stocksy

Pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) aren’t the only consequences of having sex. For some women, a urinary tract infection (UTI) can also be a result.

Blame it on anatomy, which makes a UTI (also called a bladder infection) more likely for women than for men, says Sujata Yavagal, MD, a urogynecologist at Baptist Health South Florida in Miami.

Still, it isn’t inevitable that having sex will cause a UTI. Taking proper precautions can minimize your odds.

RELATED: 8 Home Remedies for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Symptoms

What May Cause a UTI After Sex?

The urethra is the tube through which urine exits the body from the bladder. In women, this tube is short, making it quicker and easier for bacteria to enter the opening and infiltrate the bladder.

The bacteria that cause a UTI live in the area around the anus, Dr. Yavagal says. Sex can shift bacteria toward the front. From there, it’s just a short hop up the urethra into the bladder, where it can multiply and cause a UTI.

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What Are the Symptoms of a UTI?

Not surprisingly, some of the symptoms of a UTI involve the frequency and quality of pee. Women suffering from a UTI, whether they get the infection from sex or other ways, can have a strong urge to urinate, have cloudy or red or pink urine, and may experience pain or burning during urination.

You might also get fever, shaking, or chills, and even pain in your upper back, your side, or the pelvic region.

Why Are Some People Prone to Getting a UTI Every Time They Have Sex?

You probably don’t get a UTI every time you have sex. But it can feel that way if you come down with UTIs often.

Sex definitely can trigger the condition. In fact, urinary tract infections have been nicknamed “honeymoon cystitis” — cystitis is another name for an infection of the bladder — because frequent intercourse can lead to the development of a UTI.

Other reasons you might get recurrent UTIs are: having a new partner, having a family history of them, living with diabetes or pelvic organ prolapse, transitioning to menopause (the increased dryness that results when estrogen levels drop can increase your odds), or having difficulty fully emptying your bladder, Yavagal says.

Men get UTIs, but much less frequently than women.

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How to Prevent UTIs When You’re Sexually Active

You don’t have to stop having sex to prevent UTIs. Here are some steps you can take to minimize bacteria buildup and reduce your risk of getting UTIs from sex.

  • Urinate before sex and promptly after. This will flush your system and keep bacteria that has entered your urinary tract from gaining a foothold.
  • Clean your genital and anal areas (wiping front to back only) before and after sex.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, then have an extra glass after intercourse. This will help rid your urinary tract of unwanted bacteria.
  • Use a vaginal lubricant. Friction during sex can irritate the urethra.
  • Consider a new form of birth control. If you’re prone to UTIs, you may want to avoid using a diaphragm or spermicide as your form of pregnancy prevention. These can introduce bacteria into the area and can kill off healthy bacteria that keep the problem germs in check.

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Other Ways to Minimize Your Chances of Getting a UTI

Yavagal also recommends these steps to her patients who are prone to the condition.

  • Don’t use douches, sprays, or powders in the genital area. “There are protective bacteria in the vagina that we don’t want to wash away,” she says.
  • Clean your anus well after having a bowel movement. Use a separate sheet of toilet paper (or even a wet wipe) to clean the front and the back.
  • Consider drugstore supplements. Yavagal especially likes concentrated cranberry pills, which are thought to create an acidic environment that minimizes the colonization of the wrong bacteria; probiotics; and d-mannose, which tiny pilot studies have linked to improvements in UTIs.
  • Talk to your doctor about whether you need a prescription for antibiotics after you have sex.

How Are UTIs Treated?

Your doctor will typically prescribe an oral antibiotic to rid you of the UTI.

Yavagal says if you come down with a UTI frequently, ask your doctor to do a culture one time to be sure this is actually what you have. A chronic bladder condition known as interstitial cystitis (IC) is sometimes mistaken for a UTI, she says. You should be especially suspicious if the antibiotics you have taken for your UTIs in the past have not sufficiently helped.

Can You Have Sex if You Have a UTI?

In general, it is recommended that you avoid having intercourse when you have an active urinary tract infection. When you get an antibiotic prescription, ask your doctor when the right time to resume sexual activity would be. Of course, you can still kiss and have other intimate and emotional connections.

Once you have completed a course of antibiotics and the UTI has cleared away, you should be able to resume sexual activity. But be sure to take the careful steps necessary to prevent the sex from putting you on the road to yet another one.

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What Is Interstitial Cystitis? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Signs and Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial cystitis causes mild symptoms in some people and terrible pain and disruption in others. For some, symptoms come and go, while in others they’re present all the time.

Symptoms of IC may go away for a while, only to return months or even years later.

Changes in the bladder caused by interstitial cystitis may have the following symptoms:

Pain Interstitial cystitis can cause sensations of pressure, discomfort, or pain in or around the bladder. The pain may be mild or severe and may also affect the vaginal, urethral, or scrotal areas.

Pain in IC often gets worse as the bladder fills up and is relieved with urination.

Frequent Urination Because the bladder becomes stiff and loses elasticity, people with interstitial cystitis often have the urge to urinate frequently both day and night.

Urinating fewer than eight times during the day and no more than once at night is considered normal. In severe cases of IC, a person may need to urinate up to 60 times per day.

Urgency In people with interstitial cystitis, the need to urinate can be intense and hard to control. In some people, this sensation never goes away, even right after urination.

While certain other disorders that affect the bladder can cause urine leakage, IC typically does not. In fact, leakage can be a clue that you have a different condition.

Sexual Dysfunction Many people with interstitial cystitis experience pain during sexual intercourse. In men, this may include pain after ejaculation.

Nocturia This term denotes the need to urinate multiple times during the night. If it causes nocturia, IC can lead to significant sleep disruption. (1,2)

Causes and Risk Factors of Interstitial Cystitis

Doctors don’t know the exact cause of interstitial cystitis, but many researchers believe that it is initially triggered by damage to the bladder lining. (2)

In a 2017 study, researchers found that many people with IC produce a protein, called antiproliferative factor, that makes the bladder sensitive to urine. (3)

This protein prevents the growth of bladder cells, so it may prevent the bladder from healing itself when damage occurs. (2)

Many researchers believe that IC may develop for a number of different reasons, such as the following:

Damage to the Bladder Surgery or other types of trauma may damage the bladder, contributing to this condition.

Bladder Distention The inability to empty your bladder for long periods of time has been associated with interstitial cystitis.

Nerve Damage Spinal cord trauma and inflammation of the pelvic nerves have been suspected as causes.

Bacterial Infection A bladder infection, or cystitis, may contribute to the onset of IC in some people.

Muscle Dysfunction When the pelvic floor muscles aren’t working right, they may contribute to bladder problems.

Autoimmune Disorder Some researchers suspect that the body’s own immune system may attack certain bladder cells in some people with IC. (1,2)

In recent years, the relationship between interstitial cystitis and forms of abuse — including physical and sexual abuse — has been widely discussed. Different studies have come to vastly different conclusions about whether any relationship exists between IC and abuse. (2)

How Is Interstitial Cystitis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing interstitial cystitis typically isn’t a simple process. There isn’t any single medical test that can definitively diagnose IC, or rule it out.

To diagnose IC, your doctor will consider your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical and neurological exam. Your doctor may also give you a questionnaire about bladder or pelvic pain.

Your doctor may also order or administer other tests to help diagnose IC, or to rule out other health conditions. These tests may include:

Urine Tests Simple tests of a urine sample can rule out other conditions by detecting signs of an active infection or blood in your urine.

Ultrasound of Bladder This noninvasive test allows doctors to see the shape and structure of your bladder, as well as how well you empty it after urination.

Urodynamic Evaluation This test involves filling your bladder with water through a catheter (narrow tube) to measure pressure as it fills and empties.

Cystoscopy This procedure involves inserting a specialized viewing instrument into your bladder to look for ulcers or lesions caused by IC, or other problems, such as a tumor. (1)

Prognosis of Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial cystitis may come and go on its own, even for extended periods of time. But in some people, meaningful relief from symptoms will occur only with treatment.

Symptom relief may not occur right away with treatment, and it may take several attempts to find a treatment strategy that works for you. But most people with IC eventually achieve significant relief and can live a normal life. (1,2)

Treatment and Medication Options for Interstitial Cystitis

There isn’t any single treatment that works for everyone with interstitial cystitis. Your doctor will recommend treatments on the basis of your symptoms and whether previous treatments have failed to control them. (1)

The American Urological Association recommends starting with more conservative therapies in most cases (e.g. when ulcers or lesions are not present), before gradually moving to more invasive treatments when “other treatments have not provided adequate symptom control and quality of life improvement. ” (4)

Treatment strategies for IC typically follow this series of phases.

Phase 1: Lifestyle measures and physical therapy. The first step in treating IC is to identify things that trigger your symptoms, such as stress or certain foods and beverages. Your doctor may also recommend that you see a pelvic floor physical therapist, who can manipulate muscles in the area or prescribe exercises to help with symptoms.

Phase 2: Medications. Your doctor may prescribe a number of drugs to treat IC symptoms. Some of these medications are taken by mouth, while others are applied directly to the bladder through a catheter (narrow tube).

Phase 3: Neuromodulation, ulcer cauterization, and Botox. Neuromodulation involves delivering electrical impulses to nerves to change how they work. Cauterizing bladder ulcers (known as Hunner’s ulcers or Hunner’s lesions) can offer long-term pain relief, and botulinum toxin (Botox) injections into the bladder muscle may help reduce IC pain when other treatments don’t.

Phase 4: Cyclosporine. The immunosuppressant drug cyclosporine (Neoral) carries many risks, but it may help when other treatments for IC are ineffective.

Phase 5: Surgery. As a last resort, surgery to divert the flow of urine or remove the bladder may be considered. (1,2)

Medication Options

At first, your doctor may recommend that you take over-the-counter pain relief medications for interstitial cystitis. If additional drug treatments are needed, your doctor may recommend the following oral drugs (taken by mouth):

  • amitriptyline (Elavil)
  • cimetidine (Tagamet)
  • hydroxyzine (Vistaril)
  • pentosan polysulfate (Elmiron)

Your doctor may also consider administering the following drugs by injection to your bladder:

  • dimethyl sulfoxide (Rimso-50)
  • heparin
  • lidocaine

As an alternative to cauterization, your doctor may decide to inject the steroid drug triamcinolone at the site of a bladder ulcer.

Botox is a drug that paralyzes muscles when injected into them, and may be considered as a bladder treatment for IC when prior treatments are no longer adequate.

Cyclosporine, the last drug that is typically considered for IC, is an oral drug that suppresses the immune system. While it may provide symptom relief, it carries significant risks, including a generally higher risk of infection. (1,4)

Prevention of Interstitial Cystitis

Since the causes of interstitial cystitis are unclear, and the condition may have multiple causes, there aren’t any specific steps you can take to avoid IC in the first place.

But once you have IC, there are a number of lifestyle measures that may help reduce your symptoms.

Avoiding foods that cause bladder irritation may help relieve symptoms of interstitial cystitis.

Common bladder-irritating foods include:

  • Tomatoes
  • Citrus fruits
  • Spicy foods
  • Chocolate
  • Coffee and caffeinated beverages
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Carbonated beverages

Since so many foods can contribute to symptoms of interstitial cystitis, you may benefit from an elimination diet, in which you stop eating all potential irritant foods for one to two weeks. If your symptoms improve, you can then gradually reintroduce eliminated foods to see if they trigger any symptoms.

Emotional or mental stress can contribute to IC symptoms, so it’s important to identify potential sources of stress in your life and avoid or cope with them to the best of your ability. (1)

Resources We Love

The following organizations and websites offer information and support on interstitial cystitis and related health conditions.

Interstitial Cystitis Association

This nonprofit group is the only charitable organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with interstitial cystitis. Its website provides information on countless aspects of IC, online support groups and forums, virtual education resources, and tips for how to get involved in research or advocacy.

Urology Care Foundation

This website from the American Urological Association provides information on various health conditions, including IC, as well as an overview of the organization’s research efforts and tips for general urological health.

American Chronic Pain Association

This organization’s website provides an overview of different health conditions that can cause chronic pain, as well as online support groups for people with chronic pain and resources for dealing with pain.

International Pelvic Pain Society

This group aims to support people living with conditions that cause pelvic pain, and advocates for greater awareness and “interdisciplinary approaches” to evaluating and treating these conditions. Its website has information on meetings and membership, the group’s annual convention, and fundraising events (all of which follow a virtual format this year).

Bladder and Bowel Community

This website has articles on a wide range of topics related to bladder and bowel dysfunction, including helpful forms of exercise, mental health concerns, and problems that could be causing bladder symptoms.

Additional reporting by Chris Iliades, MD.

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Self-care: Self-care: Lenta.ru

They say that if you treat a runny nose, it will pass in a week, and if not treated, then in seven days. This myth is refuted by doctors and scientists: in fact, if nothing is done about rhinitis, it can lead to serious complications or become chronic. About how to quickly get rid of a runny nose, how to prevent it and what to do if it does not go away for a long time – in the material “Lenta.ru”.

What is a runny nose and why is it important to treat it in a timely manner?

Runny nose (rhinitis) is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa, due to which blood stagnates in the vessels and part of the plasma escapes through the vascular walls into the surrounding tissues.

In most cases, the appearance of a runny nose is associated with hypothermia or exposure to infections, allergens and dust. Sometimes rhinitis can be associated with the presence of a foreign body in the nasal cavity, the occurrence of polyps, as well as with a tumor of the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses.

Photo: RossHelen / Shutterstock / Fotodom

The most common symptoms of a runny nose in children and adults are:

  • green or yellow discharge from the nose;
  • difficulty in nasal breathing;
  • feeling of dryness in the nasopharynx;
  • itching and burning in the nose;
  • frequent sneezing and watery eyes;
  • partial or total loss of smell;
  • headache.

There are two types of runny nose:

acute – may be an independent disease or indicate the presence of another acute infectious disease, such as influenza or measles. Acute coryza symptoms usually last two to three days and then subside;

chronic – a long-term sluggish inflammatory process, in which the symptoms of the disease appear and disappear. In most cases, it occurs due to improper treatment of the common cold.

The nasal mucosa is the main barrier that protects the human body from the harmful effects of the external environment. Damage to this barrier leads to changes throughout the body and can be the beginning of acute or chronic inflammatory, as well as allergic diseases of the respiratory system

Gleb Simonov Otorhinolaryngologist

That is why it is so important to treat a runny nose in time – ignoring the symptoms of the disease sometimes leads to serious complications. Inflammation of the nasal mucosa can spread to the paranasal sinuses, and infected mucus can enter the auditory tubes or go down into the throat, larynx, and lower respiratory tract.

Photo: Maridav / Shutterstock / Fotodom

“Especial attention should be paid to the common cold in newborns and infants. In the first place, they may not have a violation of nasal breathing, but general symptoms, such as fever, nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbances, increased intracranial pressure, and symptoms of irritation of the meninges. Breathing through the mouth during feeding is accompanied by a violation of the act of sucking and swallowing air, ”explains Gleb Simonov, otorhinolaryngologist of the Semeynaya clinic network.

Timely treatment of the common cold prevents the development of diseases such as sinusitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, tracheitis and otitis

Causes of rhinitis:

  • exposure to the body of viral, bacterial, fungal or mixed infections;
  • trauma of the nasal mucosa, in response to which acute inflammation occurs;
  • exposure to the body of aggressive agents: dust, smoke, chemicals in the form of aerosols or vapors;
  • hormonal changes during pregnancy or puberty, as well as medications such as hormone replacement therapy and birth control pills;
  • reaction to external stimuli – alcohol, spicy food, anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as ibuprofen;
  • overuse of decongestant nasal sprays.

In addition, there is such a thing as vasomotor rhinitis. It occurs as a result of a malfunction of the blood vessels. By itself, vasomotor rhinitis is not considered dangerous, but if left untreated, it can lead to the development of chronic sinusitis.

Photo: Antonina Kuznetsova / Shutterstock / Fotodom

Quick ways to relieve a runny nose and snot, dead cells and pathogens infections, clears the nasal passages and moisturizes the mucous membranes. You can buy a seawater-based solution at a pharmacy or make your own by adding two teaspoons of salt to a liter of water.

2. The use of vasoconstrictor (vasoconstrictor) drugs for the common cold

Edema and nasal congestion occur due to vasodilation. Vasoconstrictor drops in the nose help narrow blood vessels, relieve swelling and make breathing easier.

Vasoconstrictors do not cure a runny nose, but help to temporarily reduce the amount of discharge and improve breathing. The use of vasoconstrictor drugs for more than three to five days can cause addiction and dependence on the drops. The use of vasoconstrictors in children or in patients with glaucoma and hypertension is not recommended due to side effects

Gleb Simonov Otorhinolaryngologist

3. Hydration and air humidification

Low air humidity leads to dryness in the sinuses – this increases the risk of inflammation, runny nose and nasal congestion, and also leads to frequent bleeding. A humidifier will help alleviate the condition and reduce the level of inflammation inside the nose and sinuses.

4. Rest and sleep

The main condition for the development of a runny nose is the weakening of the body’s defenses, so strengthening the immune system is one of the main factors contributing to recovery, says otorhinolaryngologist Gleb Simonov. Normalization of the daily regimen, hardening of the body, rest, avoidance of chronic stressful situations, smoking cessation, as well as a balanced diet rich in vitamins can help with this.

Home remedies for a runny nose

  • warm drinks – to thin the mucous discharge from the nose, you need to drink more liquid. Hot tea with medicinal herbs, such as chamomile and mint, will help reduce swelling of the mucous membrane and facilitate nasal breathing;
  • natural oils – to relieve the symptoms of a runny nose, you can put a small amount of coconut, sesame or almond oil on a swab and lubricate the inside of the nose;
  • warm, moist air will help relieve dry nose. You can take a hot shower or just sit in the bathroom with the door closed and the shower turned on. Before doing inhalations with essential oils, it is better to consult a specialist, as individual intolerances and burns of the nasal mucosa are possible.

Prevention of the common cold

Firstly, the common cold develops when the immune system is weakened, so to prevent it, it is necessary to support the body’s defenses.

Photo: Estrada Anton / Shutterstock / Fotodom

How to strengthen the immune system:

  • sleep hygiene: go to bed and wake up at the same time, put away all gadgets an hour before bedtime, sleep in a dark, cool room seven to nine hours a day;
  • give up alcohol and smoking;
  • reduce stress or learn to control its level through breathing practices and meditation;
  • eat a balanced and varied diet rich in vitamins and trace elements;
  • lead an active lifestyle, exercise regularly;
  • practice good hygiene: wash hands after returning from the street, going to the toilet, coughing and sneezing.

Second, avoid contact with allergens such as house dust mites, mold, smoke or smog, pollen, pet dander.

Distinguishing allergic rhinitis from rhinitis that occurs due to the action of any irritant (dust, chemical, foreign body, anatomical defect of the nose) is quite difficult. It is necessary to take into account the patient’s allergic history, the result of skin tests for the presence of allergens, the level of general and specific IqE in the blood serum, as well as the results of cytological examination of the nasal mucosa

Gleb Simonov Otorhinolaryngologist

Thirdly, you need to observe hygiene and regularly ventilate the premises – this way the house will not create a favorable environment for the reproduction of bacteria and viruses. It is better to wash bedding once a week, vacuum the mattress once a month, but going to bed sweaty, dirty or with makeup on your face is highly discouraged, just like eating right in bed. All this contributes to the reproduction of dust mites.

When to see a doctor

You can often deal with a runny nose on your own, but there are cases in which it is worth contacting a specialist. For example, nasal congestion after an injury and yellow or green snot that stand out for more than a week.

Another reason to go to the doctor is toothache associated with a runny nose. The roots of the upper teeth are located near the sinuses, and infection resulting from dental treatment or trauma can spread into the sinuses and cause purulent inflammation. Such cases require treatment by an ENT and a dentist at the same time.

If a runny nose persists for more than seven to ten days, the color of the discharge changes and other complaints appear – for example, facial pain and headache, severe nasal congestion, increasing general malaise – or inflammation is more pronounced on one side, then immediately see a doctor

Gleb Simonov otorhinolaryngologist

Sometimes a common cold can hide serious illnesses that require specialist advice, the otorhinolaryngologist emphasized. Timely treatment of acute rhinitis significantly reduces the risk of the disease becoming chronic. If you do not start therapy for the common cold on time, tonsillitis, sinusitis, sinusitis, or other infectious diseases may develop.

Is it possible to cure a runny nose quickly? 7 tips from an otorhinolaryngologist

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August 18, 2021

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A runny nose seems to be a frivolous problem, at the same time it significantly affects the general well-being and reduces personal efficiency.

Be prepared to go through all stages

Runny nose is one of the manifestations of a viral disease that has a certain staging (autochthonism). When you become infected, the body must go through all the stages of inflammation, the last of which is recovery. It is rightly said: “If you treat a runny nose, then it will pass within seven days, and if not treated, then in a week.” Therefore, there are no remedies that allow you to quickly get rid of or “cure” from the common cold. Moreover, a runny nose does not always occur with viral infections. It is also observed in allergic rhinitis or sinusitis, therefore, if your runny nose has a longer duration, I recommend not to leave it unattended and consult a doctor.

Use proven products

Traditional medicine, which was once almost the basis for doctors of various specialties, is becoming a thing of the past. Scientific research allows us to evaluate the true effects of certain drugs for the treatment of various pathologies. So, for example, it was found that the use of garlic may have a beneficial effect in the prevention of colds, but there is little scientific evidence for this. Therefore, I urge you to be wary of folk remedies, since most of them have not been tested by scientific research or it has been proven that they are not effective.

What folk remedies help with a cold

If you still want to use proven methods of traditional medicine, then you should pay attention to those remedies that have little effectiveness. For example, drinking a large amount of liquid allows you to effectively thin out the mucus that is produced in large quantities during a cold. Drink hot tea, it will help alleviate the symptoms of a cold due to high temperature vapors. Add natural decongestants to it (drugs that relieve swelling of the mucous membrane): mint, menthol and chamomile. These medicinal plants will help ease nasal breathing. It used to be thought that topical warming (hot showers or inhaling hot vapors) could be effective in reducing nasal congestion and runny noses, but modern scientific evidence has shown little effectiveness for this practice.

Salt is the best remedy for colds

Saline solutions are one of the oldest remedies used by mankind to combat the common cold. The first mention of this method of treatment dates back to the 3rd century BC, when the Hindu tribes developed special teapots for the nose, in which sea water was added. Salt solutions have a number of useful properties and help reduce swelling, as well as facilitate the discharge of mucus. A decrease in the amount of secretions occurs due to an increase in the protective properties of the mucous membrane and its ability to self-clean. Saline solutions can be used from a very early age, they are available in the form of sprays or special bottles for washing.

Be careful with vasoconstrictor sprays and drops

This class of drugs is not particularly effective in reducing mucosal edema and only helps to temporarily reduce the amount of discharge. You should follow the basic rules and restrictions in their use. According to current scientific data, vasoconstrictors can be used for about 3-5 days, but longer use can be addictive. This is literally dependence on drops – a serious problem in modern ENT practice. Moreover, their use is not recommended in pediatric practice or in patients with ocular (glaucoma) or cardiovascular pathologies (hypertension) due to undesirable side effects.

What is better not to treat a runny nose?

Of course, in addition to the drugs described above, other drugs can be recommended. These include antihistamines and topical antibacterials, colloidal silver sprays, and mucus-thinning medications. However, scientists talk about the weak effectiveness of these classes of drugs in the treatment of colds. For example: a review study showed that antihistamines have little effect on the symptoms of SARS on the first and second days of treatment, but do not affect the runny nose or nasal congestion. Therefore, it is better to check with the doctor for what purpose antihistamines are prescribed. And, if for the treatment of a cold, then it is better not to use them.

If a runny nose does not go away – go to the doctor

As already mentioned, the most common cause of a runny nose is SARS and other colds. But not only they can cause a runny nose. The list of reasons is quite large, the most important thing to understand is that a cold runny nose does not last more than seven to ten days. If a runny nose is observed for more than ten days, the color of the discharge changes and other complaints appear (pain in the face, severe nasal congestion, headache) or inflammation occurs on one side, you should consult a doctor. Sometimes a banal runny nose can hide serious diseases that require specialist advice.

Pediatric otolaryngologist
Otorhinolaryngologist / ENT
Surgeon

Source RBC Style

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