How does cold weather affect your nose. What causes a runny nose and nasal congestion. Which home remedies can provide relief from nasal symptoms. How can you clear a stuffy nose quickly. What role does hydration play in alleviating nasal congestion. How can steam inhalation help with nasal symptoms. What over-the-counter solutions are available for runny noses.

Understanding Runny Nose and Nasal Congestion: Causes and Symptoms

A runny nose and nasal congestion are common upper respiratory symptoms that can significantly impact our daily comfort. While they may seem similar, these conditions have distinct underlying causes:

• Runny nose: Characterized by excess mucus production, resulting in watery nasal secretions
• Nasal congestion: Caused by inflammation of the nasal cavity linings, leading to restricted airflow and a feeling of stuffiness

Common triggers for these symptoms include:

• Common cold
• Flu
• Allergies
• Cold weather

Accompanying symptoms may include sneezing, coughing, chest congestion, sore throat, headaches, and body aches. Understanding the root cause of your nasal symptoms can help you choose the most effective relief methods.

Hydration: The Key to Thinning Mucus and Promoting Drainage

Proper hydration plays a crucial role in managing nasal congestion and runny nose symptoms. Increasing your fluid intake can help thin mucus, making it easier to expel and promoting faster drainage from your nasal passages.

Recommended Hydration Strategies:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day
• Consume clear chicken broth for added nutrients and hydration
• Avoid caffeinated beverages, as they can lead to dehydration

Why is hydration so effective for nasal relief? When you’re well-hydrated, the mucus in your nasal passages becomes less viscous, allowing it to flow more freely. This increased fluidity helps to flush out irritants and pathogens, potentially speeding up your recovery process.

Steam Inhalation: A Natural Decongestant for Nasal Relief

Steam inhalation is a time-tested remedy for nasal congestion and can provide quick relief from stuffiness. The warm, moist air helps to soothe irritated nasal passages and thin out mucus, making it easier to clear your airways.

Effective Steam Inhalation Methods:

1. Take a hot shower and breathe in the steam-filled bathroom
2. Lean over a bowl of hot water with a towel draped over your head to trap the steam
3. Use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer in your living space

How does steam inhalation work to relieve nasal congestion? The warm moisture helps to dilate blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing inflammation and allowing mucus to drain more effectively. Additionally, the humidity can help prevent the mucus from becoming too thick or dry, which can exacerbate congestion.

Saline Solutions: Clearing Nasal Passages Naturally

Saline nasal sprays and rinses are gentle yet effective tools for managing nasal congestion and runny noses. These salt-water solutions help to moisturize nasal passages, flush out irritants, and thin mucus for easier removal.

Popular Saline Treatment Options:

• Over-the-counter saline nasal sprays (e.g., Sinex Saline Ultra Fine Nasal Mist)
• Neti pots for nasal irrigation
• Squeeze bottles designed for nasal rinsing

What makes saline solutions so effective for nasal relief? The salt concentration in these products is similar to that found in your body’s cells, making them non-irritating and safe for frequent use. Saline rinses can help remove allergens, dust, and other particles that may be contributing to your nasal symptoms, while also providing moisture to dry, irritated nasal passages.

Warm Compresses: Soothing Relief for Nasal Discomfort

Applying a warm compress to your nose and forehead can provide comforting relief from nasal congestion and associated sinus pressure. This simple technique can be easily incorporated into your daily routine for symptom management.

How to Use Warm Compresses Effectively:

1. Soak a clean washcloth in warm (not hot) water
2. Gently wring out excess water
3. Apply the warm cloth to your nose and forehead
4. Leave in place for 5-10 minutes
5. Repeat several times throughout the day as needed

Why do warm compresses help with nasal congestion? The heat from the compress helps to increase blood circulation in the nasal area, which can reduce inflammation and promote mucus drainage. The warmth also provides a soothing sensation that can alleviate discomfort associated with sinus pressure.

Medicated Hot Drinks: Combining Comfort and Symptom Relief

When you’re dealing with a runny nose or nasal congestion, a medicated hot drink can provide both comfort and targeted symptom relief. These specially formulated beverages combine the soothing effects of warm liquid with active ingredients designed to address multiple cold and flu symptoms.

Benefits of Medicated Hot Drinks:

• Provide hydration to help thin mucus
• Contain antihistamines to dry up nasal passages
• Include decongestants to relieve nasal stuffiness
• Offer a comforting warmth that can soothe sore throats

How do medicated hot drinks work to alleviate nasal symptoms? The combination of warmth and active ingredients helps to address multiple aspects of nasal discomfort. The heat helps to loosen mucus, while antihistamines and decongestants work to reduce inflammation and mucus production. Additionally, the act of sipping a warm beverage can be psychologically comforting when you’re feeling under the weather.

Rest and Sleep: Boosting Your Body’s Natural Defenses

When battling a runny nose or nasal congestion, getting adequate rest and sleep is crucial for recovery. Your body performs important immune-boosting functions during sleep, which can help you fight off the underlying causes of your nasal symptoms more effectively.

How Sleep Supports Immune Function:

• Promotes the production of new immune system cells
• Increases the release of cytokines, proteins important for fighting infection and inflammation
• Allows your body to focus energy on healing and recovery

Why is sleep so important when dealing with nasal symptoms? During sleep, your body enters a restorative state that allows it to repair and regenerate tissues. This includes the delicate tissues in your nasal passages that may be irritated or inflamed. Additionally, proper rest can help reduce stress levels, which can negatively impact immune function if left unchecked.

Environmental Modifications: Creating an Optimal Healing Environment

Making simple changes to your environment can significantly impact the severity and duration of your nasal symptoms. By creating conditions that support nasal health, you can enhance the effectiveness of other relief methods and promote faster recovery.

Key Environmental Modifications:

1. Use a humidifier to add moisture to dry air
2. Keep your living space clean and free of allergens
3. Avoid exposure to irritants like smoke or strong odors
4. Maintain a comfortable room temperature

How does environmental modification help with nasal symptoms? A humidified environment helps prevent nasal passages from drying out, which can exacerbate congestion and irritation. Reducing exposure to allergens and irritants can prevent further inflammation of nasal tissues. Maintaining a comfortable temperature can help your body direct more energy towards fighting infection rather than regulating body heat.

By implementing these expert-recommended strategies, you can effectively manage your runny nose and nasal congestion symptoms. Remember that while these methods can provide significant relief, persistent or severe symptoms may require medical attention. Always consult with a healthcare professional if your nasal symptoms worsen or persist for an extended period.

As you navigate through your nasal discomfort, keep in mind that a combination of these approaches often yields the best results. Experiment with different methods to find what works best for you, and don’t hesitate to adjust your approach as your symptoms evolve. With patience and consistent care, you can find relief from your nasal symptoms and return to breathing freely once again.

10 Tips to Relieve Runny or Stuffy Nose Symptoms

Got a case of the sniffles? Chances are that your nose is running faster than a waterfall. Or maybe your nose feels all stuffed up, forcing you to breathe out of your mouth. Or worse-both. A runny nose and nasal congestion are both uncomfortable upper respiratory symptoms with their own underlying causes. But once they start, you want relief, fast.

A runny nose is a discharge of mucus from the nostrils. It’s the result of excess nasal mucus production. The excess nasal mucus leads to watery nasal secretions that flow out of your nostrils or drip down into your throat.

Nasal congestion is due to the inflammation of the linings of the nasal cavity. Swollen nasal passages constrict air flow, making it harder to breathe through your nose. The inflammation also makes it harder to get mucus out of your nose, so you may also have a build-up of thick, dry mucus, as well. It causes you to feel stuffed up, which is why it’s also referred to as a stuffy nose.

The common cold and the flu are often the culprits of a runny nose and/or nasal congestion,¹ but they can both also be caused by allergies.

These are not the only symptom of the cold or flu. You may also experience other associated symptoms, like sneezing, coughing, chest congestion, a sore throat, headaches, and body aches.

Find out how to relieve your upper-respiratory symptoms like nasal congestion and runny nose so you can feel better fast.

1. Drink plenty of fluids.

If you have a stuffy nose, keeping yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water and clear chicken broth to help make your mucus thinner and more fluid. That will allow it to drain faster from your nose and sinuses. Downing lots of liquids will also keep the membranes in your airways lubricated.

Avoid liquids like caffeine that can cause dehydration.

2. Sip a medicated hot drink.

Hot drinks are comforting when you’re feeling under the weather. When you add FluTherapy Night Time into 8 oz. of hot water, you’ll soon feel relief from nasal congestion, runny nose, and other cold and flu symptoms, too. Be sure to take all of the medicated hot drink within 10-15 minutes. It has an antihistamine to dry up your nasal passages and relieve your runny nose symptoms and cough, as well as a nasal decongestant to relieve the stuffiness from nasal congestion. Then drift off into a good night’s sleep.

3. Get plenty of rest.

Speaking of sleep… when you’re not feeling well, it’s crucial to get plenty of sleep so your body can heal. Research shows that your body makes new immune system cells when you are asleep.³ Proteins known as cytokines that are important for fighting infection and inflammation are produced and released during sleep.⁴ This means that sleep can keep your immune system in good shape. Plus, resting will give you a much-needed break from blowing your nose.

4. Apply a warm compress.

Putting a warm compress to your nose and forehead multiple times a day can help relieve upper respiratory symptoms like nasal congestion. If you don’t have a compress, try moistening a washcloth with warm water and applying it to your face several times a day. This will help to loosen your mucus to help relieve nasal congestion.

5. Get steamy.

The next time you have a stuffy nose, try sitting in the bathroom with a warm shower running. You can also breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water.

Inhaling warm (not hot) steam can help soothe the mucous membranes lining the nose and make the mucus thinner. This will help you drain your mucus faster.

6. Use a humidifier.

A clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer is a great way to add moisture back into your environment, which will help with nasal congestion. When the air is too dry, your mucus may get thicker and not flow very well, and your sinuses may not drain properly. You can use a humidifier or cool mist vaporizer to add humidity into the air, which will keep your nasal passages moist, allowing mucus to drain faster.

7. Try a saline nasal spray.

Using a gentle saline nasal spray like Sinex Saline Ultra Fine Nasal Mist can help clear congestion from a cold or allergies. A saline nasal spray helps keep nasal passages open by washing out any allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander that can lead to nasal congestion. It can also loosen thick or dried mucus to make it easier to remove. The saline solution also helps to soothe dry, irritated nasal passages.

8. Rinse your nose with a neti pot.

You can use a neti pot to rinse particles or mucus from your nose if you have nasal congestion symptoms. A neti pot is specially designed to help you flush out mucus. To use it, bend your head sideways over the sink and place the spout of the neti pot in the upper nostril, and then pour a saltwater solution into your upper nostril and let the water drain down the lower nose. ⁵ You can also use other devices such as squeeze bottles and pressurized canisters in place of a neti pot.

9. Eat a spicy meal.

The chemical in spicy foods, capsaicin, can help relieve a runny nose that is not caused by allergies. Capsaicin is the compound that gives chili peppers their heat. While eating spicy foods, your runny nose may get worse at first, but in the long run the heat will relieve your runny nose.⁶

10. Use the right over-the-counter medicines.

Over-the-counter cold and flu medicines can help relieve your runny nose and nasal congestion symptoms from a cold or flu, along with other common symptoms. Be sure to identify what symptoms aside from runny nose and nasal congestion you may have to make sure you get the relief you need.

Cold medicines, like NyQuil™ SEVERE, will help dry up your nasal passages to help relieve your runny nose with an antihistamine. It also has a nasal decongestant to relieve your stuffy nose. If you want a soothing rush of Vicks Vapors with the same NyQuil relief, try Nyquil™ SEVERE + VapoCOOL™ Cold & Flu. These multi-symptom products can also relieve other cold and flu symptoms you may experience—like cough, fever, minor aches and pains, nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and sneezing.

If your symptoms become severe or last more than 10 days, please contact your healthcare provider.¹

Nasal Congestion and Runny Nose Etiquette: What to Do if You Have a Runny Nose

If you have a runny nose or nasal congestion, you may have the common cold, flu, or allergies. The first two are caused by viruses, which can easily spread to other people if you are not careful enough.

To prevent spreading the cold and flu viruses that give you runny or stuffy nose to those around you, follow these CDC tips¹:

• Stay at home while you are sick and keep children home.
• Don’t make close contact with other people – avoid hugging, kissing, or shaking hands.
• Before you cough, sneeze, or blow your runny nose, make sure that you are a safe distance away from people.
• Cough and sneeze into a tissue and then throw it away, or cough and sneeze into your upper shirt sleeve while completely covering your mouth and nose.
• Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, including toys and doorknobs.

1. CDC. Common Colds. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published February 11, 2019. Accessed June 10, 2020. http://www.cdc.gov/features/rhinoviruses/index.html

2. Sanu A, Eccles R. The effects of a hot drink on nasal airflow and symptoms of common cold and flu. Rhinology. 2008;46(4):271-275.

3. Besedovsky L, Lange T, Born J. Sleep and immune function. Pflugers Arch. 2012;463(1):121-137. doi:10.1007/s00424-011-1044-0

4. Besedovsky L, Ngo H-VV, Dimitrov S, Gassenmaier C, Lehmann R, Born J. Auditory closed-loop stimulation of EEG slow oscillations strengthens sleep and signs of its immune-supportive function. Nat Commun. 2017;8. doi:10.1038/s41467-017-02170-

5. Fokkens W, Hellings P, Segboer C. Capsaicin for Rhinitis. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2016;16(8):60. doi:10.1007/s11882-016-0638-1

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10 Home Remedies That Work

Home remedies that help you stay hydrated and keep the nasal area moist can make you feel more comfortable if you have a runny nose. Treatment can also depend on the underlying cause.

A runny nose is caused by excess mucus production in your nasal passages. This leads to watery secretions that drip from your nose and sometimes also drip down the back of your throat.

A runny nose can occur with or without nasal congestion, also known as a stuffy nose. Nasal congestion is caused by inflammation of the lining of your nasal passages, which makes it harder to breathe through your nose.

There are a few reasons why you might have a runny nose. The most common is a viral infection of the sinuses — typically the common cold. In other cases, a runny nose may be due to cold weather, allergies, sinusitis, or other causes.

When you breathe in a virus or an allergen like dust or pollen, it irritates the lining of your nasal passages and sinuses. This causes your nose to start making clear mucus that traps the germs or allergens and helps flush these harmful substances out of your nose.

This article explores home remedies you can use to help ease the symptoms of a runny nose.

On its own, a runny nose isn’t usually a cause for concern. If you don’t have any other symptoms, there are several ways to manage a runny nose at home with natural self-care options that don’t involve medication.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the at-home treatments that may help a runny nose.

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking fluids and staying hydrated when dealing with a runny nose can be helpful if you also have symptoms of nasal congestion.

This ensures that mucus in your sinuses thins out to a runny consistency and is easy for you to expel. Otherwise, it may be thick and sticky, which can make your nose more congested.

Avoid beverages that dehydrate rather than hydrate. This includes drinks like coffee and beverages containing alcohol.

2. Hot teas

On the other hand, hot beverages like tea may sometimes be more helpful than cold ones. This is because of their heat and steam, which help open and decongest airways.

Certain herbal teas contain herbs that are mild decongestants. Look for teas that contain anti-inflammatory and antihistamine herbs, such as chamomile, ginger, mint, or nettle.

Make a cup of hot herbal tea (preferably noncaffeinated) and inhale the steam before drinking. Sore throats often accompany runny noses — drinking hot herbal tea can help soothe a sore throat, too.

3. Humidifier

According to a 2019 study, inhaling warm steam from a humidifier significantly improves mucus buildup caused by allergic rhinitis.

Similarly, a 2015 study of people with the common cold found that using steam inhalation was quite effective. It reduced illness recovery time by about 1 week compared to no steam inhalation at all.

Humidifiers work by transforming water into vapor to moisten otherwise dry air. When you breathe in moisture, it helps to thin and dislodge mucus and soothe irritated sinuses.

If you decide to use a humidifier, it’s important to clean it regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Otherwise, it can become a breeding ground for microorganisms such as mold and bacteria, which can exacerbate sinus problems.

4. Facial steam

Much like a humidifier or a hot cup of tea, a facial steam can help loosen mucus and relieve your runny nose. Here’s how to do it:

1. Heat water in a clean pot on your stove, just enough so that steam is created — DON’T let it reach a boil.
2. Place your face about 8 to 12 inches above the steam for about 5 minutes at a time. Don’t let your face touch the water. Close your eyes and take deep breaths through your nose. Take breaks if your face gets too hot.
3. Blow your nose afterward to get rid of mucus.
4. Repeat the process 2 or 3 times a day if you still have symptoms.

If desired, add a few drops of decongestant essential oils to your facial steam water. About 2 drops per ounce of water is sufficient.

Eucalyptus, peppermint, pine, rosemary, sage, spearmint, tea tree (melaleuca), and thyme essential oils are great options. Compounds in these plants (like menthol and thymol) are also found in many over-the-counter (OTC) decongestants.

If you don’t have these essential oils, you can use these herbs in dried form instead. Make your facial steam into an herbal tea and inhale the vapors — you’ll get the same benefits.

While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.

5. Hot shower

Need some quick relief? Try a hot shower. Just like humidifiers and facial steam, a shower’s hot vapors can help alleviate a runny and stuffy nose.

Place your face and sinuses directly in the steam and spray of the shower for best results.

6. Neti pot

Using a neti pot for nasal irrigation (also called nasal lavage) is a common approach to sinus issues. This includes runny nose problems and discomfort.

Neti pots are small teapot-like containers with a spout. You add a warm saline or saltwater solution to the pot and then pour the solution through one nostril and out the other. This rinses out your sinuses quite thoroughly.

You can purchase a neti pot kit at your local pharmacy, store, or online. Make sure to follow directions for your neti pot exactly. Improper use of neti pots can, on rare occasions, make runny noses worse or cause sinus infections.

Make sure to use sterile and distilled water rather than tap water.

7. Nasal spray

Nasal sprays are a common OTC treatment for a runny nose. While medicated nasal sprays are available, saline nasal sprays are a natural treatment to help rinse the nose.

Much like nasal irrigation, they target nasal congestion and mucus using gentle salt water.

According to a 2021 study of people with upper respiratory infections, the use of a saline nasal spray improved symptoms including a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sleep quality.

You can purchase a saline nasal spray at a neighborhood pharmacy or online.

8. Warm compress

Applying a warm compress or washcloth to your forehead and nose several times per day may help improve your runny nose and soothe sinus pressure.

A warm compress works by boosting blood circulation in your sinus area. A washcloth or wet compress can help break up nasal stuffiness by adding moisture to the air you breathe.

To make your own warm compress at home, soak a clean cloth in hot (not boiling) tap water and place it across your forehead and nose for 15 to 20 minutes. Reapply as needed.

9. Eating spicy foods

Spicy foods can make a runny nose worse. However, if you’re also having symptoms of nasal congestion, eating spicy foods may help.

If you can tolerate a bit of heat in your food, give it a try. If you’re unaccustomed to spiciness, try a small amount of spicy seasoning at first to see if it helps.

Hot spices like cayenne pepper, ghost pepper, habanero, wasabi, horseradish, or ginger are great options. These spices, while also creating a feeling of heat when eaten, dilate passageways in the body and can relieve sinus issues.

10. Capsaicin

Capsaicin is the chemical that makes chili peppers spicy. It’s been used to treat nerve pain and psoriasis, but if you apply it on your nose, it can help with a runny nose caused by congestion.

Several studies have found that capsaicin is more effective at treating runny noses than the OTC medication budesonide.

When a runny nose is caused by an allergy, the easiest way to clear it up is to avoid the allergen. For example, if you are allergic to ragweed, stay inside on days when ragweed pollen counts are high. Instead of opening your windows, use a fan or air conditioner to cool your home.

Keep in mind, however, that it’s not always possible to completely avoid allergens. If you’re allergic to pet dander, for instance, you might not be able to avoid all contact with pets. Still, limiting contact or removing yourself from the situation will typically relieve your symptoms.

Other common allergy treatments to clear up a runny nose caused by an allergy include the following OTC and prescription drugs:

• antihistamines
• nasal and/or oral corticosteroids
• nasal sprays

If you have a severe allergy, your doctor might suggest other treatments, such as allergy drops.

A runny nose is a sign of an immune system reaction. Your immune system is working, which could leave you feeling more tired than usual. Although you might not have other symptoms, you should still go easy on yourself.

To cope with a runny nose, try the following:

• Get lots of rest. Make sure your runny nose doesn’t get in the way of your sleep — take a shower before bed or use a humidifier in your bedroom.
• Stay hydrated. To prevent dehydration, make sure you’re taking in plenty of fluids.
• Blow your nose. Use a soft tissue to wipe or blow excess mucus from your nasal passages. Moisturize the skin around your nose to help prevent soreness.
• Wash your hands. Avoid spreading germs by frequently washing your hands with soap and water.
• Disinfect surfaces. Take a moment to wipe down surfaces and items that you touch regularly with a disinfectant.
• Stay home. Even if you don’t have other symptoms, it’s a good idea to stay home when you have a runny nose so you don’t get others sick.

How do I stop a runny nose fast?

The only way to stop a runny nose fast is to blow your nose, as this will temporarily remove mucus from the nasal passage. Applying capsaicin may help clear the nasal passages for a while. If your runny nose is due to an allergy, antihistamine tablets may help.

What makes a runny nose go away?

The only way to make a runny nose go away is by treating the underlying cause, such as an allergy. If it is due to a cold or flu, you will have to wait until the infection runs its course.

How long do runny noses last?

This will depend on the cause. If it stems from an allergy, the symptoms should improve when you move away from the allergen. A cold usually clears up in 7–10 days. If symptoms last more than 10 days, you may have sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinuses. In this case, it may be a good idea to see a doctor.

Why is my nose running like water?

A runny nose that is very watery may be due to an allergy, eating spicy food, or being out in cold weather. Viral and bacterial infections are more likely to produce thicker mucus.

There are many home remedies you can try to get relief from a runny nose without using medication.

None of these remedies are designed to actually cure or completely get rid of the underlying cause of a runny nose — namely colds, viral infections, or allergies.

These approaches will only give you relief. Make sure to seek more direct treatment if you’re experiencing colds, viruses, and allergies, or have other concerning symptoms.

what to do for proper treatment, how to get rid of a runny nose at home?

07/26/2022

9-12 minutes

10 802

Contents

• Mechanism of a runny nose with a cold
• Zones of location of foci of inflammation in colds
• Complications of the common cold
• What to do with a cold?

Acute coryza is the most common infectious disease in the world. Every year, seasonal influenza and SARS epidemics affect up to 15% of the world’s population. Therefore, timely and effective treatment of the common cold in adults and children is one of the pressing issues of modern healthcare.¹

The mechanism of the occurrence of a runny nose with a cold

Acute rhinitis is an inflammatory process that affects the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity. Most often, the disease is caused by viruses or bacteria.

Even in a healthy person, the cells lining the nasal cavity secrete mucus. It catches pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Cilia (hair-like structures of the ciliated epithelium) drain pathogen-retaining mucus from vulnerable parts of the respiratory system.

When the virus manages to infiltrate the nasal mucosa, the immune system launches a series of protective processes. Specific proteins, the so-called cytokines, primarily send a signal to T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes. The main task of these immune cells is to search for and destroy pathogens.

At the same time, cytokines cause the cells in the nose to produce more mucus to “wash away” the viruses. This process is called rhinorrhea. In addition to abundant discharge from the nose, there is swelling of the mucous membrane, followed by a violation of nasal breathing (nasal congestion). The complex of these symptoms is usually associated with a runny nose with a cold.²

Location zones of foci of inflammation in case of a cold

Colds are characterized by an inflammatory process that affects the upper respiratory tract, but can subsequently spread to the lower ones.

Rhinitis and rhinosinusitis

Tonsillitis

Pharyngitis

Rhinitis and rhinosinusitis TonsillitisPharyngitis

As a rule, it all starts with rhinitis. In some cases, inflammation develops not only in the nose, but also in the paranasal sinuses (sinuses). This disease is called rhinosinusitis. Mucus accumulates in the sinuses. With obstructed outflow, a bacterial infection may join. Depending on which sinus is affected, various forms of the disease are distinguished. With frontitis, the frontal sinuses become inflamed, with sinusitis, the maxillary sinuses.

If the pathogen infects the tonsils, tonsillitis develops. Tonsils are collections of lymphoid tissue located at the back of the throat. Most of the microorganisms that enter the respiratory tract settle on them. Most cases of tonsillitis (up to 70%) are caused by viruses.⁹ Acute bacterial tonsillitis is more commonly referred to as tonsillitis. The main symptoms of the disease are severe pain when swallowing, sore throat, redness and swelling of the tonsils.

With a runny nose, mucus flows down the back wall of the pharynx, which often leads to its infection. In this case, we are talking about pharyngitis. The main manifestations of the disease are redness, swelling and soreness of the pharyngeal mucosa. Most often, pharyngitis is caused by viruses, but sometimes a bacterial infection can also join.

Rhinitis and rhinosinusitis

As a rule, it all starts with rhinitis. In some cases, inflammation develops not only in the nose, but also in the paranasal sinuses (sinuses). This disease is called rhinosinusitis. Mucus accumulates in the sinuses. With obstructed outflow, a bacterial infection may join. Depending on which sinus is affected, various forms of the disease are distinguished. With frontitis, the frontal sinuses become inflamed, with sinusitis, the maxillary sinuses.

Tonsillitis

If the pathogen infects the tonsils, tonsillitis develops. Tonsils are collections of lymphoid tissue located at the back of the throat. Most of the microorganisms that enter the respiratory tract settle on them. Most cases of tonsillitis (up to 70%) are caused by viruses. ⁹ Acute bacterial tonsillitis is more commonly referred to as tonsillitis. The main symptoms of the disease are severe pain when swallowing, sore throat, redness and swelling of the tonsils.

Pharyngitis

With a runny nose, mucus flows down the back wall of the pharynx, which often leads to its infection. In this case, we are talking about pharyngitis. The main manifestations of the disease are redness, swelling and soreness of the pharyngeal mucosa. Most often, pharyngitis is caused by viruses, but sometimes a bacterial infection can also join.

Complications of the common cold

Rhinorrhea is one of the most common clinical manifestations of SARS. Viral damage to the nasal mucosa leads to its hyperemia, edema and increased mucus secretion. As a result, the lumen of the nasal passages narrows, causing difficulty in nasal breathing. Swelling of the nasal mucosa also impairs sinus drainage and middle ear aeration, which increases the risk of complications such as sinusitis, eustachitis, and otitis media. ⁴

In addition, one of the frequent complications of colds is acute bacterial rhinosinusitis. It occurs in 2% of cases in adult patients and in 5% in children.
Chronic inflammation of the nose and paranasal sinuses can lead to polypous changes in the mucous membrane. However, more serious consequences are orbital and intracranial complications such as orbital abscess, rhinogenic purulent meningitis, brain abscess, meningoencephalitis, cerebral vein thrombophlebitis.⁵

Thus, it is necessary to take measures to get rid of a runny nose with a cold, not only because this symptom reduces the quality of life, but also in order to prevent the development of serious diseases.

What to do with a runny nose?

What to do if you have a runny nose? For viral rhinitis or rhinosinusitis caused by colds, symptomatic treatment is recommended, which should be prescribed by a doctor. Sometimes complex preparations are used that help reduce the severity of the manifestations of a cold. One of these medicines is Coldrex.

The composition of the drug includes paracetamol, which can reduce body temperature, relieve headaches, pain in the joints and muscles. Phenylephrine activates alpha1-adrenergic receptors of the vessels of the nasal mucosa, which leads to vasoconstriction and a decrease in swelling of the nasal mucosa, leading to easier nasal breathing. Ascorbic acid helps to fill the increased need for vitamin C in case of colds and flu, especially in the initial stages of the disease. The use of Coldrex in the treatment of colds can help to cope with the symptoms of the disease and alleviate the patient’s condition during the period when the immune system is fighting a viral infection.⁶

The use of Coldrex in the treatment of colds can help to cope with the symptoms of the disease and alleviate the patient’s condition during the period when the immune system is fighting a viral infection.⁶

• The composition of the drug includes paracetamol , which can reduce body temperature, relieve headaches, pain in the joints and muscles.

• Phenylephrine activates alpha1-adrenergic receptors of the vessels of the nasal mucosa, which leads to vasoconstriction and a decrease in swelling of the nasal mucosa, leading to easier nasal breathing.

• Ascorbic acid helps to fill the increased need for vitamin C in colds and flu, especially in the initial stages of the disease.

Choose your Coldrex

Treatment for a runny nose at home may include rinsing the nose with sterile saline solutions. Such therapy is especially relevant if a child suffers from acute rhinitis. Nasal irrigation allows you to remove most of the viruses and bacteria from the surface of the nasal mucosa and nasopharynx, thereby eliminating the cause of inflammation and speeding up the healing process.⁷

Antibiotic therapy for acute sinusitis is prescribed if there is no improvement in the patient’s condition within 2 to 7 days from the start of symptomatic therapy, or if the course of the disease worsens during treatment.⁸

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References

1. Krivopalov A.A., Ryazantsev S.V., Shamkina P.A. Complex therapy of acute infectious rhinitis // MS. – 2019. – No. 8.
   https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/kompleksnaya-terapiya-ostrogo-infektsionnogo-rinita
2. Kunelskaya N.L., Turovsky A.B., Luchsheva Yu.V., Khamzalieva R.B., Izotova G. N. Some aspects of the treatment of acute rhinitis with local complex preparations // Medical business. – 2017. – No. 3.
   https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/nekotorye-aspekty-lecheniya-ostrogo-rinita-mestnymi-kompleksnymi-preparatami
3. I. V. Andreeva, O. U. Stetsyuk Respiratory tract infections: a new look at an old problem // Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. – 2009. – No. 2.
   https://cmac-journal.ru/en/publication/2009/2/cmac-2009-t11-n2-p143/cmac-2009-t11-n2-p143.pdf
4. Zaplatnikov A. L. Modern approaches to the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza in children // MS. – 2009. – No. 3.
   https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/sovremennye-podhody-k-terapii-orvi-i-grippa-u-detey
5. A. R. Sakovich, I. V. Valley of Rhinosinusitis // Educational and methodological guide. – Minsk. – 2018.
   https://www.bsmu.by/downloads/kafedri/k_lor/2020-1/dist/dd14.pdf
6. Instructions for Coldrex preparations – official website of Coldrex
7. Tulupov Denis Andreevich Acute rhinitis in children // VSP. – 2012. – No. 5.
   https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/ostryy-rinit-u-detey
8. Guseva A.L., Derbeneva M.L. RINITIS: DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS AND PRINCIPLES OF TREATMENT // MS. – 2020. – No. 16.
   https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/rinit-differentsialnaya-diagnostika-i-printsipy-lecheniya

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How to get rid of a runny nose?

Nasal congestion, one of the most unpleasant manifestations of colds. At the same time, the head hurts, the general state of health worsens, weakness appears, it is difficult to concentrate on work, the taste of food is not felt, it is very difficult to fall asleep. This, except for a pile of wet handkerchiefs, constant sneezing, a reddened swollen nose, a nasal voice.

What happens in the human body with a cold?

Runny nose or rhinitis is an acute inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa. There are several successive stages in the development of changes in the nasal mucosa during its inflammation.

When the body is hypothermic, there is a narrowing, and then a rapid expansion of the vessels of the nasal mucosa. In this case, there is difficulty in nasal breathing, sneezing, dryness and burning in the nasal cavity. This stage of the disease is very short – it lasts only a few hours. If a viral infection is attached, then the second stage of the disease develops, lasting 3-4 days. At the same time, there is difficulty in nasal breathing, abundant mucous discharge from the nose, a nasal voice appear, the sense of smell decreases, congestion in the ears and lacrimation may occur. In the future, the general condition improves, nasal breathing and smell are gradually restored, nasal discharge becomes yellow or green and thicker. This indicates the formation of the third stage of the disease associated with the addition of bacterial inflammation. The duration of the disease is usually 7-10 days. However, with untimely treatment, weakening of the body’s immune defenses, the manifestations of rhinitis can last up to 3-4 weeks, become chronic or lead to the development of serious complications. Currently, several different types of rhinitis are distinguished: infectious, allergic, vasomotor, drug-induced, traumatic, hypertrophic, atrophic.

Treatment of the common cold.

It is necessary to start treatment of acute rhinitis from its very first manifestations.

At the first sign of a cold, it is very good to take a hot foot bath with mustard, drink hot tea with honey, lemon, ginger, rose hips and go to bed. You can also use inhalation with essential oils (mint, eucalyptus, tea tree, etc.) or use special balms for the treatment of colds containing essential components. With an increase in body temperature above 38.0 ° C, chills, a feeling of aches all over the body, it is necessary to take antipyretic drugs. And of course, during the period of the disease, it is necessary to consume a lot of liquid (warm), lie in bed, and not go to work.

For the treatment of acute and chronic rhinitis on the modern pharmaceutical market, there are many different drugs that are actively advertised in the media. However, among this variety there is no super drug that will put you on your feet in one day! And if you still get sick, it is better to consult a doctor and not experiment on yourself.

Among the drugs used to treat colds, several groups can be distinguished:

• vasoconstrictors
• moisturizing
• antiviral
• antihistamines
• homeopathic
• antibacterial.

Vasoconstrictor drugs are used to relieve swelling and facilitate the passage of mucous secretions by constricting the blood vessels in the nasal cavity, which leads to the expansion of the nasal passages and improved nasal breathing. These aerosol formulations are much easier to dose. You should know that their use for more than 5-7 days is highly undesirable!

Moisturizers are an auxiliary group of drugs for the treatment of various types of the common cold. The main direction of their action is to improve the properties of mucus and facilitate its discharge. Most often they are used in the complex therapy of rhinitis. The basis of these preparations are sea water or water from mineral springs.

Antivirals are used early in the treatment of viral infections and act directly on the cause of the disease. For prophylactic purposes, they are used during a period of high probability of contracting a viral infection.

Antibacterial therapy is used mainly for prolonged runny nose or when complications develop. To prescribe this group of drugs, you should always consult a doctor. At the moment, there are many forms of antibacterial drugs: tablets, capsules, sprays (for topical use).

Homeopathic medicines have a complex effect on the body. When using this group of drugs, it is very important to follow the recommendations for dosage and duration of administration.

Complications of the common cold.

Sinusitis (sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, etc.) often occurs against the background of SARS, influenza and other infectious diseases. At the same time, pain and a feeling of tension appear in the affected paranasal sinus, body temperature rises, discharge from the nose becomes purulent, a disorder of smell develops, photophobia, lacrimation, and headache.

Otitis – acute inflammation of the middle ear.