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Wednesday, April 22, 2020

How to treat a runny nose



How to treat a runny nose? 

Explains the pharmacist



The forerunners of autumn are not only the carpet of golden leaves underfoot and a rich harvest of vegetables and fruits, but also the most typical health scourge of this season - runny nose. Unfortunately, as we get colder and more changeable, they affect almost every one of us.

Causes and symptoms

Rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa, usually combined with other diseases of the upper respiratory tract. The pharmacist explains that the most common signs of a runny nose are sneezing, nasal irritation, difficulty breathing through the nose, swelling of the mucous membranes, discharge from the nose, and fever and pain. The specialist finds that viruses are the most common cause of runny nose in the fall and winter, but they can also have other causes, such as allergies, vasomotor rhinitis caused by cold or dry air, hormonal rhinitis (such as during pregnancy), and drug-induced rhinitis (excessive decongestant use).

How to treat?

Often, insufficient attention is paid to the treatment of rhinitis, assuming that this affliction will pass within a week. Generally, the runny nose should resolve within seven to 10 days. During treatment, several conditions must be observed to prevent the rhinitis from getting worse and severe ear pain, purulent discharge from the nose, bleeding, and fever:

  • Rest regime - to prevent the exacerbation of runny nose, it is desirable to stay at home for a couple of days and drink herbal teas,
  • Use of nasal gels or drops containing natural substances,
  • A visit to a doctor if the runny nose continues for more than 10 days.


Various "folk remedies" are very common for the treatment of runny nose, such as inserting garlic cloves in the nose and going to the sauna. Unnecessary use of antibiotics is also common. None of these actions is conducive to recovery. Garlic cloves in the nose cause additional irritation, the sauna can exacerbate the runny nose and increase the presence of the virus in the body, while the use of antibiotics is not necessary because they do not work against viruses. It is best to take time to rest and regain strength, and to consult a doctor or pharmacist if necessary.

Which means to choose?

Almost no one can avoid runny nose. It is therefore important that effective remedies are available in the "home medicine kit". The pharmacist explains that it is best to use nasal gels or drops containing natural substances to fight runny nose. For example, pine, tea tree, mint and sea buckthorn oils are suitable for the treatment of runny nose, breathing and moisturizing the mucous membranes, and for the prevention of nasal health. A variety of nasal health products are available in the form of tablets, solutions and syrups, which can also be used by children and contain panties, gentian, elderberry, chamomile, yarrow and ivy extract. However, the pharmacist emphasizes that nasal drops (decongestants) should not be used for more than five days. It is also necessary to take care of the nasal mucosa - it is desirable to take a sufficient amount of fluid (water and herbal teas) on a daily basis, as well as use a seawater spray that would dilute the nasal secretions and moisturize the mucous membranes. Rinsing your nose with seawater will also help reduce the levels of viruses.

Valuable advice for nasal health

How to properly sniff the nose?

  • Squeeze one nostril.
  • Breathe through your mouth.
  • Blow light, short blows, not by force.
  • Repeat in the same way with the other nostril.
  • You can also pull the contents of the nose in through the spit and spit it out.


How to use nasal drops correctly?

  • First sneeze thoroughly. You can also rinse with salt water purchased at a pharmacy.
  • Tilt your head slightly and drop the drops;
  • Allow the medicine to work for at least five to 10 minutes;
  • You can then sniff safely again and even have to. The drops will work, the swelling will be reduced, and the mucus will be better cleaned.


The pharmacist reminds that the cold weather is no longer behind the mountains. Therefore, timely care must be taken both in the selection of suitable clothing and in the strengthening of immunity. Regular physical activity, walks in the fresh air, healthy and balanced diet, as well as full rest and sleep are the best means for health and well-being!

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