The first thing we think about when we get congestion is a cold. However, this is not always correct. There are many more reasons for swelling of the nasal mucosa. Among them, it is worth highlighting:
- infectious pathogens (bacteria) that accumulate in chronic foci of inflammation, for example, the tonsils, paranasal sinuses;
- viral agents that, after settling on the mucous membrane, affect it and predispose to the appearance of edema;
- pathology of the nervous system, when the regulation of vascular tone is disturbed;
- allergic factors such as animal hair, household chemicals, fluff, pollen, cosmetics, food, pills;
- unfavorable living or working conditions. If the air contains an increased content of dust, chemicals, they can irritate the mucous membranes, which causes edema;
- adenoiditis (typical for childhood);
- hormonal fluctuations, for example, in adolescence, menopause, during pregnancy;
- taking medications that affect vascular tone.
Diagnostics
To understand why there was nasal congestion without snot, you need to answer a few questions:
- when there was a nasal congestion without snot;
- with whom you contacted before the deterioration of the condition;
- whether there was hypothermia;
- whether the diet has changed;
- what pills were taken on the eve of the illness;
- used to stuff up the nose, how long it lasted, than were treated.
Only a doctor can accurately determine the cause of the disease after a complete examination. For this, rhinoscopy, endoscopic diagnostics are performed. If necessary, the otolaryngologist can prescribe an ultrasound of the paranasal sinuses, laboratory blood tests.
To identify the type of pathogenic microorganisms, it is recommended to study nasopharyngeal smears. Thanks to microscopy and bacteriological analysis, it is possible to detect microbes and select the most effective drugs for a given case of the disease.
If you suspect an exacerbation of chronic sinusitis or frontal sinusitis, the doctor may recommend an X-ray examination of the paranasal sinuses. If the congestion has arisen against the background of an allergic reaction, it is worth conducting an immunological study.
General rules of therapy
It is necessary to start treating nasal congestion with the normalization of living conditions. To do this, you should:
- regularly ventilate the room to ensure oxygen delivery to the internal organs and natural sanitation of the nasal passages;
- carry out wet cleaning daily to reduce the number of allergens, dust, microbes on the surface of objects in the room;
- control the level of humidity. It should not be below 60%; reduce the temperature to 19 degrees;
- remove decorative pillows, carpets and other things from the room that can accumulate dust;
- put several fresh flowers in pots in the room, not forgetting to take care of them;
- limit the use of spicy foods, fatty, fried foods;
- avoid stressful situations;
- drink enough liquid per day (2 liters). This can be fresh juices, fruit drinks, unsweetened compote, still alkaline water or herbal tea.
Now we will analyze what to treat if the nose is stuffy, but there is no runny nose. To facilitate nasal breathing, it is recommended to use several groups of drops and aerosols and rinsing solutions.
Medication for the nose
Medicines are prescribed taking into account the patient's age, the severity of the disease and the presence of concomitant pathology. Regardless of the form of rhinitis, saline solutions are considered absolutely safe. They are used to flush the nasal cavities to cleanse them, moisturize the mucous membranes and reduce sensitivity to irritants.
Frequent use of saline solutions can lead to a change in the composition of the microflora, which makes the mucous membrane unprotected against infection.
Consider in more detail Marimer drops as a representative of the group of saline solutions.
Marimer
The drug is based on seawater and is available in bottles with a solution for drip dosing. The liquid has no color, aroma. Marimer maintains the physiological condition of the tissues of the nasal passages, reduces the viscosity of mucus, facilitates its excretion, cleanses the inner surface of the nose and strengthens local defenses by improving the functioning of the ciliated epithelium.
The solution is prescribed not only for treatment, but also for prophylactic cleansing of the nasal cavities. Among the contraindications, only individual intolerance to the components of the drug should be highlighted.
Marimer is used from the first days of a baby's life, as well as during pregnancy. It does not have a depressing effect on consciousness, therefore it is allowed for use by people whose profession requires concentration of attention. The solution is administered intranasally in the form of drops. It is recommended for babies to bury 2 drops three times a day. At an older age, the frequency of the procedure can be increased up to 5 times. The duration of the therapeutic course is 15 days, but if necessary, it can be extended up to a month.
When using Marimer for prophylactic purposes, washing is carried out twice a day for a month. If indicated, the course can be repeated in two weeks.
Of the side reactions, an allergic reaction should be distinguished. Marimer is allowed to be used in combination therapy.
Delufen
Another cure for nasal congestion is the homeopathic remedy Delufen. With nasal congestion, it gently acts on the mucous membrane, has an anti-inflammatory, anti-edema, antihistamine, regenerating and protective effect.
The spray is prescribed for intranasal administration. The liquid is colorless, has no aroma, and tastes slightly salty. The combined composition of the drug allows its use for infectious, vasomotor, allergic, atrophic rhinitis.
Delufen does not dry out the mucous membrane, does not cause addiction, therefore it can be prescribed for a long course.
Thanks to the fast anti-edema effect, the outflow of mucus from the paranasal sinuses is facilitated and ventilation in the ear cavities is restored. Thus, the drug reduces the risk of developing otitis media, sinusitis.
If the congestion is due to an allergic reaction, Delufen eliminates itching, tissue swelling and makes breathing easier. In addition, the drug reduces the sensitivity of the mucous membrane to the irritating influence of environmental factors (strong odors, dust, smoke).
With atrophic rhinitis, dry mucosa loses its protective properties, frequent bleeding is observed. Delufen restores the normal functioning of cells that produce secretions, thereby restoring tissue nutrition.
Fast regeneration speeds up the healing process of injured mucous membranes, improves the sense of smell and taste. With the correct use of the drug, the local immune defense is strengthened, and the infectious focus is also sanitized.
Among the indications it should be noted:
- eustachitis;
- otitis media (as part of complex therapy);
- rhinitis of a bacterial, viral, allergic nature, including vasomotor, atrophic, hypertrophic forms.
The only contraindication is hypersensitivity to the constituents of the drug. Caution in treatment should be observed in people with concomitant thyroid pathology.
At the beginning of the course of therapy, an increase in local symptoms (congestion) is possible, which is not an indication for discontinuation of the drug.
The appearance of serous discharge is also considered the norm, which indicates the restoration of drainage from the paranasal sinuses. With a slight turbidity of the solution, one should not refuse to use it, since this is due to the herbal composition of the drug.
Delufen is approved for pregnant women and women in the lactation period. The drug does not affect attention, therefore it is not contraindicated for drivers, builders and rescuers.
Starting from one year of age, the drug is prescribed one dose three times a day.
The spray must be applied very carefully, because there is a high risk of penetration of the solution into the ear cavity through the short auditory tube.
Adults are shown two sprays up to four times. The scheme of therapy in the first two days of the disease involves the use of Delufen every hour (maximum 8 times), two doses. Starting from the third day, the frequency of administration is reduced to 4 times. The duration of the therapeutic course is 1-4 weeks (depending on the form of rhinitis).
The protective cap must be removed before use. To correctly dose the medicine, the first two sprays must be done into the air. Now we introduce the dispenser into the nasal cavity, press the spray bottle.
Overdose cases have not been recorded. Among the side reactions, it is worth noting an allergic reaction to the components of the solution, which is manifested by increased salivation and bronchospasm.
Delufen can be combined with other medicines for systemic and intranasal use.
Vasoconstrictor drugs
This group contains many agents with different compositions, dosage regimen and adverse reactions.
Depending on the duration of the therapeutic effect, drugs can be divided into three subgroups:
- short-acting (up to 4 hours) - Naphtizin, Tizin, Sanorin;
- medium duration (up to 7 hours) - Meralis, Xylo Mefa, Rinorus, Otrivin, Dlyanos, Xymelin, Galazolin;
- long-term effect (up to 12 hours) - Knoxprey, Nazol, Nesopin.
Most of the vasoconstrictor drugs are contraindicated in:
- uncontrolled hypertension;
- violation of the cardiac rhythm;
- increased production of thyroid hormones;
- pheochromocytoma (neoplasms in the adrenal glands);
- glaucoma;
- individual intolerance to the constituents of the drug;
- diabetes mellitus;
- pregnancy.
Adverse reactions are presented:
- tremor;
- insomnia;
- headache;
- nausea;
- increased blood pressure;
- rapid heartbeat;
- itchy, baking sensations in the nasal passages;
- increased congestion;
- rhinorrhea;
- sore throat in the nasopharynx.
The method of application depends on the severity of the disease, the age of the patient and the presence of concomitant pathology.
Tablet forms of drugs
Therapy may include not only topical congestion medications, but also systemic medications. What pills can be prescribed for the disease?
- antihistamines - Erius, Loratadin (in case of an allergic reaction);
- antipyretic, anti-inflammatory - Nise, Ibuprofen;
- vitamins - Duovit, Supradin;
- antiviral - Amiksin, Tsitovir (with a viral disease);
- antibacterial - Amoxiclav, Zinnat (for bacterial pathology).
To enhance the healing effect of the drug, you can carry out massage, warming procedures, breathing exercises. In the treatment of rhinitis, it is also allowed to use physiotherapy procedures, however, after the end of the acute stage.
In more severe cases, surgery may be performed to remove the dilated blood vessels in the nasopharynx. For this, laser and cryotechnology are used.
Traditional methods
If nasal congestion is due to hypothermia, after returning home, it is recommended:
- warming procedures. To this end, you need to take a warm bath or make foot baths with the addition of mustard. Also, mustard powder can be poured into socks at night and wrapped in a blanket;
- plentiful warm drink (tea with lemon, currants, honey);
- inhalation with onions, garlic. It is enough to peel the vegetable, chop and wrap it with a handkerchief. Inhale the fragrances for 15 minutes;
- rinsing the nasal passages with saline;
- taking vitamin C. It can be lemon or ascorbic acid (pills, tablets).
It is quite easy to deal with nasal congestion if you know the root cause of its occurrence. At your discretion, you can choose both medications and traditional medicines. The main thing is to notice the lack of effect from home therapy in time and consult a specialist.
