With the appearance of swelling of the mucous membrane of the nasal passages, not only nasal breathing suffers, but the entire body as a whole. How to treat nasal congestion? Today, there are many medicines that help restore the patency of the nasal passages. Here they will be discussed in this article.
Why does congestion develop and how does it manifest?
The mechanism for stuffing the nose is pretty simple. Puffiness of the mucous membrane occurs due to the expansion of local blood vessels, which occurs against the background of their damage to microbial toxins, allergens or irritating environmental factors. Swelling of tissues leads to a narrowing of the lumen of the nasal passages and obstructed passage of air.
In recent decades, cases of medicinal rhinitis, which develops as a result of prolonged use of vasoconstrictor drugs, have become more frequent.
Predisposing factors
Severe nasal congestion in adults can result from:
- hypothermia, colds;
- an allergic reaction that develops after contact with pollen, wool, household chemicals, fluff, dust mites, drugs, cosmetics;
- changes in the hormonal composition in the blood. This is observed during pregnancy, adolescence, menopause;
- work in hazardous production, when a large amount of chemicals, dust enters the air; living in unfavorable conditions. It is difficult to breathe in a room where the humidity is below 40%. In this regard, the humidity level must be maintained at 55%;
- curvature of the septum of congenital, traumatic origin;
- the presence of polyposis formations;
- viral, bacterial infection;
- exacerbation of chronic sinusitis.
Symptom complex
Depending on why the nose does not breathe, the following symptoms of diseases may be observed:
- Difficulty nasal breathing;
- rhinorrhea in the form of watery mucous discharge, as well as thick yellowish snot;
- dullness of taste;
- decreased sense of smell;
- frequent sneezing;
- nasalness;
- hyperthermia;
- lacrimation;
- itchy sensations in the eyes, nasopharynx;
- hyperemia of the conjunctiva;
- sore throat;
- aching joints, muscles;
- decreased appetite;
- malaise.
When the nose is blocked, ventilation and natural debridement of the paranasal cavities are impaired. This can cause sinus inflammation on one or both sides. Hypersecretion leads to the accumulation of thick mucus, which accelerates the multiplication of microbes.
Therapeutic tactics
To cure nasal congestion, it is necessary to carry out comprehensive treatment. It may include:
- warming procedures. To do this, you can use mustard - add to a hot foot bath or pour into socks at night. Internal warming is also recommended with warm tea with herbs, ginger, honey, raspberries, currants. The volume of drinking per day should reach 2 liters;
- massage. Thanks to the effect on certain points in the paranasal zone, it is possible to activate local blood circulation, improve the delivery of nutrients, immune components, and also relieve nasal congestion;
- inhalation. They are carried out in the absence of fever, make it possible to deliver medicinal particles directly to the inflammatory focus;
- drugs to restore nasal breathing.
In addition, do not forget about:
- air humidity;
- regular airing of the room;
- frequent walks in the fresh air;
- proper nutrition;
- getting enough sleep;
- regular wet cleaning;
- drinking regime;
- strengthening immunity.
For nasal congestion, the following groups of drugs may be prescribed for treatment:
antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers (Cromohexal). They are used for allergic rhinitis, when the cause of congestion is an inadequate response of the immune system to the action of allergens;- vasoconstrictor (Nesopin). Medicines restore nasal breathing better than others;
- homeopathic (Edas-131) - are distinguished by a minimum number of side reactions and a mild effect;
- combined remedies for nasal congestion (Maxicold). They consist of several components, therefore they have a powerful healing effect;
- antimicrobial (Polydexa). They are prescribed for an infectious rhinitis, when sanitation of the nasal cavities is required.
antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers (Cromohexal). They are used for allergic rhinitis, when the cause of congestion is an inadequate response of the immune system to the action of allergens;Mast Cell Stabilizers
Drugs in this group are good for the prevention of hay fever. Their effect develops after a few days from the start of therapy, so they are often combined with other means to obtain a quick effect.
Let us consider their therapeutic effect using the example of Cromohexal. The medicine for nasal congestion comes in the form of an intranasal spray. It has a membrane stabilizing, antiallergic effect, due to which the overproduction of biological substances (allergy stimulants) is blocked.
The spray is sprayed daily into the nasal cavity, one dose up to four times. If necessary, the frequency of administration can be increased to six. After achieving a therapeutic effect, it is necessary to reduce the dosage. The duration of the course is 4 weeks, then over 5 days you need to gradually reduce the dose until the drug is completely canceled.
Possible side reactions include:
- irritation, burning sensation;
- frequent sneezing;
- cough;
- nasal bleeding;
- increased rhinorrhea;
- hives;
- itchy skin;
- swelling of the face;
- headache;
- difficulty swallowing;
- unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Medicine for nasal congestion is not prescribed until the age of five, during the lactation period, as well as for:
- severe renal, liver failure;
- individual intolerance to the constituents of the drug;
- pregnancy;
- the presence of polyposis growths inside the nose.
Vasoconstrictor drops
Nesopin is an effective remedy for nasal congestion. Its active ingredient is represented by oxymetazoline. The drug can be replaced with Afrin, Nazivin, Nazol, Noxprey or Fazin, the effect will remain unchanged. After the treatment solution enters the mucous membrane, it penetrates to the local blood vessels and reduces their lumen. As a result, the severity of tissue edema, the volume of mucous secretions decrease, and breathing is also facilitated. The concentration of the solution is 0.05%.
If the nose is not breathing at all, Nesopin will quickly help restore the patency of the nasal passages. The drug is intended for intranasal administration.
For patients over six years of age, it is recommended to do one spray in each nostril twice a day. Adults are prescribed two to three doses twice a day.
The maximum duration of the course is 7 days. If the doses are not observed, the mucous membrane may dry out and the development of tachyphylaxis (addiction).
Oxymetazoline-based nasal preparations are not prescribed for:
- atrophic form of rhinitis;
- individual intolerance to the components of the drug;
- concomitant use of antidepressants.
Caution in treatment should be observed by people with:
- severe atherosclerotic vascular lesions;
- violation of the heart;
- uncontrolled hypertension;
- renal, cardiac insufficiency;
- diabetes;
- glaucoma.
Possible side reactions include: dryness, burning sensation in the nasopharynx; frequent sneezing; hyperemia of the mucous membrane; increased nasal congestion in an adult; an increase in the volume of mucous secretions.
Homeopathic medicines
How to treat nasal congestion? Edas-131 helps not only temporarily eliminate congestion, but completely cure a runny nose. The drug belongs to homeopathic remedies. It is widely used for infectious and allergic rhinitis.
Its action is:
- a significant reduction in tissue swelling;
- a decrease in the severity of the general symptoms of the disease;
- strengthening local immune defenses thanks to natural ingredients;
- cleansing the nasal passages of mucous secretions;
- reducing the risk of recurrent rhinitis.
Edas-131 can be used for prophylaxis during an epidemic of viral diseases.
The drug accelerates the transition of watery rhinorrhea to the stage of thick snot and, accordingly, brings recovery closer.
For therapeutic purposes, the drug is prescribed three times daily, three drops in the nostrils. If it was purchased in the form of a solution for internal administration, it is recommended to dilute the daily dose in 100 ml of water and take 5 ml every 10 minutes.
Then it is recommended to drink 5 drops three times a day. Given the unpleasant taste of the medicine, you can dilute it with sweet water. A child from two years old is shown taking 2-4 drops three times a day.
Contraindications include only individual intolerance to the components of the drug. To identify allergies, it is enough to take two drops and assess the general condition after 1-2 hours.
Possible adverse reactions include:
- allergic manifestations in the form of a skin rash, itching sensations;
- increased congestion, rhinorrhea.
If the above symptoms appear, you must stop taking the medication.
Combined drugs
In addition to nasal drops, powders and tablets for nasal congestion can be used in treatment. Maxicold is a multicomponent medicine produced in powder form for making "hot tea".
It contains paracetamol, vitamin C, and phenylephrine. Thus, the drug:
- normalizes the temperature;
- eliminates nasal congestion;
- restores nasal breathing;
- relieves body aches;
- eases the general condition;
- strengthens the body's immune defenses.
Often Maxicold is prescribed for colds, viral rhinitis, which is accompanied by fever, chills, aching joints, rhinorrhea and sore throat.
Contraindications
Maxicold is not recommended to be taken when:
- hypersensitivity to one of the main components of the powder;
- severe renal, liver failure;
- cardiac pathology (myocardial infarction, rhythm disturbance);
- hyperfunction of the thyroid gland;
- uncontrolled hypertension;
- simultaneous intake of antidepressants, as well as within two weeks after the end of the course;
- glaucoma;
- alcoholism;
- an increase in the size of the prostate.
As for the treatment of a child, Maxicold is allowed only from the age of 12.
Method of application and side reactions
The powder can have different aromas and flavors (lemon, orange, raspberry). To prepare the medicine, pour the contents of one sachet with 230 ml hot water (not boiling water!), Mix thoroughly and drink like tea. The maximum number of packages per day should not exceed four pieces.
The duration of the therapeutic course is 5 days.
After taking the drug, the appearance of such adverse reactions as:
- allergies in the form of skin rashes, hives, swelling of the face;
- decrease in the level of platelets, leukocytes; nausea;
- headache;
- arterial hypertension; tachycardia.
With prolonged use of Maxikold, renal and liver dysfunction may occur.
Antibacterial sprays
The combined drug Polydex can cure a stuffy nose. It contains two antibacterial substances, a hormonal and a vasoconstrictor component. Thanks to this, Polydexa:
- sanitizes the infectious focus;
- reduces the severity of inflammation;
- eliminates congestion;
- makes breathing easier;
- reduces the volume of secretions.
Polydexa comes in the form of a nasal spray.
Contraindications include:
- age up to 15 years;
- hypersensitivity;
- uncontrolled arterial hypertension;
- severe heart failure;
- glaucoma;
- delay in urination;
- epilepsy;
- acute viral disease;
- taking antidepressants.
Adults are prescribed one spray up to five times a day. A child should not use the drug more than three times. The duration of the course is 5 days.
After instillation, the occurrence of such undesirable reactions as:
- allergy, which is expressed by hyperemia, itching, skin rashes, swelling of the face;
- increased pressure;
- exacerbation of glaucoma;
- increased heart rate;
- dryness, perspiration, burning sensations in the nasopharynx;
- convulsions;
- headache;
- irritability;
- insomnia;
- hallucinations;
- dysuric disorders;
- increased sweating;
- hives.
For each case of nasal congestion, the most effective medication can be selected. The main thing is to establish the root cause of the disease, and then success in treatment will not be long in coming.
