How to get rid of stuffy nose and runny nose. How to quickly get rid of nasal congestion

Most often with colds and flu, breathing through the nose is difficult, and a runny nose is observed. These seemingly commonplace symptoms people often do not pay attention. But in vain. They can cause not only ordinary colds, but also very serious diseases. How to get rid of stuffy nose and runny nose? Before turning to this question, let us consider what the rhinitis and possible causes of such a condition are.

Coryza - what is it?

The condition when there is a discharge from the nose, in the language of doctors is called rhinitis. It arises from the inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity, they swell. Hence the difficulty of breathing through the nose, and discharge, which can be mucous and purulent. Most often, the onset of a cold provokes viruses. Rhinitis can act as an independent disease or be a symptom of another infection, for example, influenza, diphtheria, measles, gonorrhea, HIV and so on.

Causes of rhinitis

• Sharp temperature changes, for example, when moving from frost to a warm room. And it's not about the pathology - it's a physiological reaction.
• Excessive use of spices. If there are sharp dishes on the menu, nasal congestion can also occur, but as a rule, there are no excretions.
• Effects of tobacco smoke and other irritants.
• Changes in the hormonal background.
• Allergic reactions.
• Tumors, polyps and foreign bodies in the nasal passages.
• Carthage syndrome (a rare hereditary disease).
• Vasomotor rhinitis.
• Sinusitis.
• Viral infections.

How to get rid of stuffy nose and runny nose? This will depend on the cause that caused rhinitis.

How is rhinitis manifested?

Symptoms of acute rhinitis depend on the stage of the disease. There are only three:

1. The first - at this stage, microorganisms have just penetrated into the nasal cavity and began to have a negative effect on the mucosa. This is manifested by a sensation of tickling and dryness in the nose. Sometimes a headache and an increase in temperature can be associated with subfebrile. The duration of this period is from a few hours to a day, sometimes a little more.
2. The second stage is characterized by abundant discharge from the nose of the mucous fluid and difficulty breathing. Olfactory sensitivity is dulled. There may be lacrimation and stuffiness of the ears. This is because the nasal cavity is connected with the conjunctiva and inner ear by means of separate small passages.
3. The third stage usually begins on the 4th-5th day of the infection on the nasal mucosa, and it is associated with the reaction of the immune system. The discharge from the nose becomes thick, mucopurulent, greenish or yellowish-green in color, sometimes have an unpleasant odor. Phagocytes and neutrophils (protective cells) are fighting with bacteria that fall on the mucosa. They destroy the infection, seizing and digesting it, and they themselves die. This, in fact, is a purulent discharge. After a few days, the discharge becomes less and less, the swelling subsides, the obstruction disappears, and recovery comes.

How to get rid of a cold, stuffiness? Treatment will depend on the cause that caused rhinitis. So, for example, if these symptoms are allergic, then it will be enough to take antihistamine drugs "Tavegil", "Diazolin", "Cetrin", etc. In case of an allergic rhinitis, the third stage is usually absent.

How to get rid of nasal congestion? Simple recommendations

Uncomplicated acute rhinitis is easy to cure at home. How quickly to get rid of a cold? We defeat the common cold with folk remedies. Such treatment will help in the first stage of rhinitis:

• At the initial stage of the disease, sometimes it is enough to make several hot foot baths lasting 10-15 minutes. They do it before going to bed, then put on warm socks and go to bed.
• A similar effect is imposed by placing mustard plasters on the sole and calf muscles.
• It is recommended an abundant warm drink, in which it is good to add lemon or raspberry.

How to get rid of nasal congestion? Treatment of rhinitis medications

For the treatment of rhinitis of the first stage, the following medicines are suitable:

• Local antiseptics, for example, it is recommended to instill a 3-5% solution of "Protargol" 2 times a day.
• A good effect is provided by means that increase immunity, for example, drops "Lizotzim" or "Interferon".
• If a headache worries, analgesics are used: "Solpadein", "Tylenol", "Analgin".

The second stage of the disease is characterized by purulent discharge from the nose, which means that a bacterial infection has joined . For treatment at this stage it is recommended to use antibacterial agents, for example, a spray "Bioparox" or a tablet "Amoxicillin".

How quickly to get rid of stuffy nose at this stage? Here, vasoconstrictors, for example, "Naphtizin" or "Xylometazoline" drops, will help.

To facilitate the outflow of mucus from the nasal passages, it is possible to recommend a plant preparation "Sinupret". It is available in the form of drops and pills.

Treatment of rhinitis in infants

How to get rid of nasal congestion and runny nose in infants? Such symptoms disturb the babies and interfere with normal feeding. Children are restless, can not breathe during feeding and therefore cry.

Immediately before feeding, it is recommended that they clean the nasal passages with the help of an aspirating can. If the baby's crusts formed in the nose, they are removed with a cotton turunda (twisted into a thin tube with a cotton swab) moistened with sterile vegetable oil or petroleum jelly. So the crusts easily soften. Then they are removed.

If you can not do without medication, and nasal breathing has not recovered, then before the feeding apply 0.05% solution of "Galazolin" ("Xylometazoline").

Between the feeds use a 2% solution of "Protargol", which reduces the discharge from the nose.

How to get rid of stuffy nose and runny nose in adults and small children, we now know. Consider measures to prevent this ailment.

Prevention of rhinitis

The preventive measures for the common cold include:

• Prevention of colds.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to drafts.
• Proper nutrition, especially during periods of seasonal colds. It should be high-calorie with enough fresh vegetables and fruits. In food, it is recommended to include onions, currants, citrus fruits, raspberries, honey. But it should be remembered that right after tea with honey or raspberries you can not go out into the street, it should take at least 45 minutes.
• In the premises it is important to carry out regular wet cleaning and airing.
• Be sure to observe personal hygiene measures: washing hands after the street, the toilet and before eating.
• At the first signs of the disease, it is advisable to immediately consult a doctor to prevent the development of possible complications. This is especially true for young children.