How to cure a protracted runny nose in an adult

Typically, a runny nose after a cold lasts about two weeks. During this time, the amount, density and color of the mucus may change, which indicates various changes in the body. If after two weeks the runny nose not only does not go away, but also intensifies, it is considered protracted. Of particular concern should be thick mucus of a dark yellow or green color. This means that a runny nose from a viral to bacteriological.

A prolonged runny nose is dangerous in that it can lead to complications and diseases of the lower respiratory tract. A prolonged runny nose is a risk of osteomyelitis, meningitis, and even sepsis. If the runny nose does not go away, often this leads to otitis media and chronic diseases of the throat. All this suggests that you do not need to wave your hand at such a seemingly harmless symptom as a runny nose. It needs to be treated, and as soon as possible. But first, you need to understand the reasons for its appearance.

Why runny nose is delayed

But why does not the runny nose pass for the two weeks set for him? Why does it develop into serious complications and a prolonged course of mucus from the nose? There may be several reasons for this.

1. Low immunity. Immunity can be weakened by a serious illness, poor nutrition, insufficient physical activity. With such weak defenses, the body simply can not cope with a runny nose.
2. Hidden infectious diseases. If all the forces of the body are aimed at fighting hidden infections or bacteria, a runny nose does not go away for a long time.
3. Allergy. Often a prolonged runny nose can be simply allergic.
4. Adenoids. If you suffer from constant runny nose and regular nasal congestion, you need to check adenoids with a specialist. Enlarged adenoids very often cause not just lingering, but chronic runny nose.
5. Hypothermia. The work of some people is associated with regular hypothermia - rescuers, divers, etc. In such conditions, a runny nose can also be delayed due to the fact that it simply does not have time to recover.
6. Incorrect treatment. A runny nose with a cold also requires treatment, but only competent. Simple rinses, moist air and a sufficient amount of liquid will quickly put your nose in order. If you often and constantly use vasoconstrictive drops, this can lead to chronic drug rhinitis.

Injury or curvature of the nasal septum can also cause a long runny nose.

With a runny nose, the flow from the nose does not stop, especially in the fresh air and at low temperature. In addition, there is congestion, a person can not breathe freely through his nose, mucus becomes purulent, yellow or green. Often this is accompanied by a lack of smell, itching in the nose. In addition to this, the head hurts, sleep worsens, and fatigue appears. Whatever the cause of the common cold, you need to get rid of it, and as soon as possible.

How to get rid of a protracted allergic rhinitis

It often happens that a person is treated for a cold, and a runny nose has an allergic cause. Allergic mucus is usually transparent and liquid, although sometimes it can also be thick and quite yellow. In this case, you must first exclude the allergen. Analyze what may cause a runny nose. Maybe a pet appeared in your house, you were presented with a new indoor flower, or you began to sleep on another pillow. Often a runny nose is seasonal - during the flowering period of many trees and plants.If it is not possible to detect an allergen, you can take allergy tests in a medical facility, which will accurately help you identify the source of mucosal irritation.

After eliminating the allergen, you need to take a course of antihistamines. It is a course, not a one-time reception. The fact is that after a long exposure to the allergen to the body, treatment also takes a long time.

With frequent allergic rhinitis, attention should be paid to the condition of the intestine. After all, often the intestinal walls are responsible for immunity and the ability to withstand various allergens. You need to regularly cleanse the intestines, get rid of constipation. Try not to clean the room yourself if possible. After all, excess dust can provoke a reappearance of a runny nose. Remove from the house all things that contain cotton and fluff, get rid of soft toys and old bedspreads, mattresses and blankets that collect dust. Wash curtains more often. Keep winter clothing in sealed bags, clean the cobwebs regularly, and do wet cleaning more often. Do not use household chemicals at home; regularly clean the humidifier and air conditioner filters.

How to cure a runny nose in an adult at home

To cure a runny nose, it must be treated. Do not abandon treatment, even if you notice the first improvements - bring the matter to the end. Otherwise, the disease will return again. Our tips will help you get rid of a prolonged runny nose at home.

1. Rinsing. Regular flushing is not only the cheapest, but also the most effective cure for a cold, no matter how cold it is - prolonged or has just begun. For washing, we need a small kettle and warm salt water (a teaspoon per liter of liquid). Rinsing can be done over a sink, bathtub or basin. Draw water into the kettle and place the spout on one of the nostrils. Slowly tilt your head to the side so that at a certain angle the fluid begins to pour out from the second nostril. Repeat the procedure with the other nostril. If the mucus is thick and yellow during a runny nose, you can add furatsilin to the water. It will disinfect the nasal passage and accelerate recovery.
2. Inhalation. Sometimes it happens that severe nasal congestion does not allow rinsing. In this case, inhalation should be done. Pour hot water into the basin and cover yourself with a towel. Inhale hot air vapor and warm the mucous membrane. To remove swelling and open nasal breathing, add a drop of Zvezdochka balm to hot water. It is based on essential oils that help you start breathing through your nose. You can do inhalation based on medicinal herbs - chamomile, calendula, sage.
3. Compress. Make small wicks of cotton wool and moisten them in a weak solution of potassium permanganate and honey. Leave the wicks in your nose for half an hour. This is a fairly effective tool if you do the procedure several times a day. Instead of potassium permanganate, cotton wool can be moistened in onion juice, garlic, saline.
4. Nasal drops. Among the folk remedies for the treatment of a prolonged runny nose, aloe, onion, garlic, Kalanchoe, beets can be noted. Dilute the juice of the selected plant or vegetable with water and instill two drops in each nostril. Very effective cold is treated with oils - almond, peach and sea buckthorn. You can achieve an antiseptic effect with a decoction of propolis.
5. Warming up. You can warm your nose and sinus sinus with two boiled eggs. Just attach warm eggs to your nose on both sides and wait a while. It is very convenient to warm your nose with salt. Heat the salt in a pan, sprinkle in a cloth bag or scarf and attach the bundle to the nose. However, remember, you can warm your nose only after consulting a doctor - if the mucous membranes are purulent, warming up can aggravate the situation.

If you can’t cope with a runny nose on your own for several days and don’t see improvement after home treatment, visit your doctor. ENT will give you the correct diagnosis and prescribe an adequate treatment.

Medication for the common cold

Here are a few medications that may be helpful for a cold. However, remember that they should be used only after consulting a doctor.

1. Vasoconstrictor drops. Their reception is justified only in cases when a person cannot breathe normally and live from a stuffy nose. Remember that such drops can not be used for more than five days, otherwise addiction may occur. These drugs can be presented in the form of sprays or drops. Among the most popular are Naphthyzin, Sanorin, Vibrocil, Otrivin, etc.
2. Saline solutions. These funds are effective at the beginning of the disease, they perfectly wash off the virus from the nasal mucosa, and therefore can be used as a prophylactic. Absolutely safe even for children and pregnant women. These are Aquamaris, Dolphin, Snoop.
3. Antibacterial agents. If the runny nose is bacterial in nature, combined preparations are used - Polydex, Protorgol, Isofra, Collargol.
4. Common drugs. Sinupret, Sinuforte and Nasobek can be called as common remedies that can cope with the common cold of any etiology.
5. Antibiotics. To cure a protracted bacteriological runny nose, antibiotics of a wide spectrum of actions are often prescribed.

It is dangerous to self-medicate, this can lead to consequences. Be sure to consult your doctor before taking this or that drug.

If the body can’t overcome a runny nose, it means that the immune system is weakened. Along with local treatment, it is very important to do general strengthening of the body. Drink vitamins, eat properly and fully, spend more time in the fresh air. Have more rest, try to get enough sleep, less get nervous. It is very important to regularly ventilate the room and provide moist air in the room. Temper the body so that subsequently the diseases flow easily and without complications. By following these simple rules, you can help your body defeat a protracted runny nose.

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