A runny nose in an adult, how and how to quickly cure it?

Nasal congestion is a symptom of many upper respiratory tract diseases. It interferes with everyday life and is accompanied by painful sensations, fever, and a general deterioration in well-being. During this period, a person is especially sensitive to viral and bacterial infections, which can cause dangerous consequences of a common cold. In addition, the body’s immune defense weakens, which causes the disease to become chronic and protracted.

There are many ways to quickly cure a runny nose. This should not be delayed so as not to provoke the development of sinusitis and other complications. At the pharmacy you can buy drugs in the form of drops, ointments or tablets - they will relieve unpleasant symptoms in a short time. It is worth paying attention to additional methods, including folk remedies, rinsing, heating or inhalation.

How to effectively cure a runny nose in 1 day

One of the first manifestations of a cold infection is nasal discharge. They are a mucous secretion produced by the cells of the inner lining of the respiratory tract. At the initial stages, it is colorless, without an unpleasant odor, and moderately liquid. Over time, impurities of blood or pus may appear, the substance acquires a green , yellow, red or gray tint. These signs indicate that a bacterial infection is beginning; treatment must be continued with antibiotics.

Recommendations on how to cure a runny nose at home for an adult effectively and quickly:

maintain bed rest at room temperature about 22 degrees;
keep your feet warm, you can take warming baths;
periodically remove nasal mucus, prevent narrowing of the airway lumen - for this purpose, rinsing is carried out;
if there is a fever, thermal procedures are contraindicated;
You can relieve the first symptoms and enhance secretion by warming the maxillary sinuses.

Expert opinion

Ivchenko Vladimir Stanislavovich

ENT (otorhinolaryngologist). 10 years of experience. Doctor of the first category.

There is no need to rush to use vasoconstrictor medications at the first signs of a runny nose. Together with nasal mucus, infectious agents and other harmful substances are removed, which can cause chronicity of the process and the development of complications.

What is a runny nose like?

A runny nose (or rhinitis) can be:

independent disease;
one of the symptoms of any disease that develops in the human body.

Most often, rhinitis appears due to pathogens (harmful fungi, bacteria or viruses) entering the nasal mucosa. As a result, the inflamed mucous membrane:

Or it swells, swells, preventing air from entering the nasal cavity.
Or it secretes excessive amounts of mucus of different consistencies and different colors, causing profuse nasal discharge.

Each type of runny nose has its own characteristic features. Doctors classify the types of rhinitis as follows:

Allergic.

Appears as a result of seasonal (blooming, large amounts of solar radiation, poplar fluff flying in the air) or chronic allergies (animal hair, dust). You can partially get rid of allergic rhinitis with the help of antihistamines and special injections. However, only complete isolation from allergens will help completely eradicate the problem.

Vasomotor.

An acute short-term form of ordinary rhinitis, in which there is a sharp expansion of the capillaries in the nose. Most often, the mucous membrane reacts in this way to temperature contrast. That is, vasomotor runny nose is caused by inhaling cold air. But there are other accompanying reasons.

Traumatic.

As a result of the injury, the nasal mucosa may not function properly. Typically, recovery occurs relatively quickly. If the runny nose only gets worse, the patient requires surgery.

Drug.

A chronic form of rhinitis caused by inappropriate handling of nasal drops and sprays. If you use these medications longer than prescribed, the nasal mucosa will atrophy under their influence. As a result, constant nasal congestion develops.

Infectious.

It occurs due to the impact of viruses and bacteria on the nasal mucosa. Infectious rhinitis is a faithful companion of influenza, acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections. With timely treatment, 2-4 days are enough to completely eliminate this runny nose.

Catarrhal.

Chronic rhinitis, which is provoked by the incorrect selection of medications and procedures (or their complete absence). This form of rhinitis is characterized by constant, light discharge of mucus from the nose.

Hypertrophic.

The mucous membrane becomes denser. Constant discharge is also observed.

Atrophic.

The nasal mucosa, on the contrary, dries out and atrophies. If proper assistance is not provided, dysfunction of the olfactory receptors soon occurs.

Due to constant nasal congestion, a person experiences discomfort. He cannot eat properly, his mood deteriorates and headaches appear. Treatment of the runny nose with folk remedies helps patients not only alleviate the symptoms of the disease, but also completely eradicate it.

How to quickly cure a runny nose? In most cases, it depends on its nature what methods and means to combat it. Although there are also universal folk methods for treating nasal congestion, which will be discussed below.

Please note: the danger of a simple runny nose is that in the absence of proper timely treatment, it can develop into a chronic disease and worsen the patient’s health. In this case, even folk remedies for chronic runny nose may be powerless.

Medication methods

Pharmacies stock a range of cold medicines. They are available in the form of drops, ointments or tablets. To effectively get rid of a runny nose, a comprehensive treatment regimen is recommended, which includes the use of several drugs simultaneously. They differ in composition and mechanism of action, so choosing the right drug at home is difficult.

Nasal drops that help quickly cure the initial symptoms of a runny nose:

Nazivin based on oxymetazoline - constricts blood vessels, reduces inflammation and swelling;
Tizin (contains tetrazoline) - acts for at least 8 hours, a strong remedy;
Aqualor, AquaMaris - moisturizing solutions;
Vibrocil, Sanorin - drugs with an antihistamine component, prescribed for allergic rhinitis.

Ointments are another form of medication that is used for colds. They create an additional protective layer on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, have an antimicrobial, vasoconstrictor, anti-inflammatory effect, and stimulate coughing. When the first symptoms appear or to prevent colds in the cold season, you can use drugs such as Viferon, Levomekol, Pinosol, Evamenol, Sunoref, Syntomycin, Oxolinic ointments, Doctor Mom, Zvezdochka balm.

You can take cold tablets. They simultaneously act on all symptoms of ARVI, including reducing dry and wet cough, lacrimation, pain, and sore throat. The group of antiviral medications includes drugs such as Arbidol, Anaferon, Groprinosin and others. For bacterial inflammation of the respiratory system, broad-spectrum antibiotics are effective: Ceftriaxone, Sumamed, Augmentin. For symptomatic treatment, Sinupret, Corizalia, Cinnabsin, Coldrex, and their analogues are suitable.

Oil solutions for runny nose

In addition to intense mucus secretions during rhinitis, the nasal mucosa often dries out; for this reason, a more suitable solution to solve the problem would be to use self-prepared oil solutions. Which will help relieve a runny nose, treatment with folk remedies quickly in this way involves the use of oils with natural remedies effective in treating rhinitis.

For example, the most common method is treatment with an oil-onion solution. To do this, add finely chopped onion (half an onion) to pre-pasteurized vegetable oil (1/2 cup). The mixture prepared in this way is infused for 7–8 hours and filtered. This solution is used applied to cotton swabs, through which the nasal mucosa is lubricated.

Note that oil solutions for rhinitis prepared independently, unlike drops, act more gently on the nasal mucosa. But they also help get rid of the disease with the same success. This method will be an excellent solution for people with sensitive mucous membranes.

Nasal rinsing

At the first symptoms of a runny nose, it is necessary to clear the respiratory passages of mucus. This procedure allows not only to get rid of exudate, but also to increase the susceptibility of the internal membranes to topical medications. Washing is easy to do at home using:

ordinary saline solution - you can prepare it yourself by combining 1 spoon of salt with 1 liter of boiled water;
decoction of chamomile or calendula - has an anti-inflammatory effect;
purchased medications in the form of liquids.

Before the procedure, it is necessary to clear the nose of mucus mechanically (blow your nose). Then lean over the sink and pour the solution into one nostril so that it flows out of the other. Then repeat on the reverse side.

Warming up

The effect of heat on a runny nose is very beneficial. It stimulates blood circulation and the formation of cells of the body's immune system. As a result, protective mechanisms are activated, regeneration processes are accelerated, and the mucous membrane is quickly renewed. Swelling is also significantly reduced, since blood does not stagnate in the vessels. Indications for warming up are serous, colorless nasal discharge, snot without admixtures of pus. It is also effective for protracted, chronic forms of rhinitis, the manifestations of which cannot be reduced with drops or other medications.

At elevated body temperatures, thermal procedures are contraindicated. This can provoke the movement of bacterial and viral infections through the bloodstream, which leads to an exacerbation of the disease.

Potatoes

The simplest method is two large root vegetables, boiled in their skins. They are applied to the forehead and sinuses after they have cooled a little. The procedure should not be accompanied by burning. It is finished as soon as the vegetable has cooled to room temperature and does not cause a feeling of warmth. Potatoes can also be used as an inhalant. To do this, just lean over the pan after cooking and deeply inhale the vapors.

Chicken eggs

This product is also effective in treating runny nose. It is wrapped in several layers of cloth or gauze to prevent burns, and placed against the skin in the area of the maxillary sinuses. The procedure causes a feeling of warmth and increased mucus secretion. It ends as soon as the eggs have cooled to room temperature. Such warming can be carried out for any type of rhinitis, except allergic. If inflammation is caused by the body's hypersensitivity to irritants, they are not effective enough.

Other types of assistance

For a runny nose, massage of the nose, forehead, temples, bridge of the nose, the area under the eyes and behind the ears will help. During rubbing, blood circulation increases and the nasal sinuses are warmed, which leads to a quick recovery, especially if you steam your arms and legs at the same time.
There are radical ways to combat a runny nose. One of them is foot baths in cold water. You should pour very cold water into a bowl or bathtub and walk quickly in it for 5 minutes. After this, rub your feet well, put on woolen socks, wrap yourself up and drink tea with raspberries. The next morning the cold will go away.
Place mustard plasters on your feet, wear plain and woolen socks. Mustard plasters should be left for 1–2 hours. After that, remove them and quickly walk around the room. Do the procedure in the evening before going to bed.
Breathing over boiled potatoes when you have a runny nose is an old recipe, but there are other folk recipes that help better than potato steam. For example, boil 2 potatoes in their jackets, crush them with a fork, wrap them in a linen bag and place them on the bridge of your nose. Warm your nose for 20 minutes.

At the first signs of a cold, in order to eliminate a runny nose and nasal congestion, folk remedies are used in the form of vegetable inhalations. They take not only potatoes, but also beets, horseradish root, and carrots. These vegetables need to be cooked until tender, drain the water, reserving a little. Breathe steam under a towel. The beneficial substances contained in vegetables will perfectly cleanse the nasal passages.
If your nose is stuffy, chop a few cloves of garlic into a mug, pour boiling water over it, cover the mug with a paper funnel, insert its end into the nostril and inhale the vapors. Repeat with the other nostril. Relief comes immediately.
The bactericidal properties of onions have long been used as folk remedies for the common cold. At the first signs of this disease, you need to chop the onion and pour it into a cup. Alternately inhale the onion aromas from one nostril to the other, breathing until tears appear. Then moisten cotton wool in propolis tincture and insert into the nostrils (one at a time) for 10 minutes.

Use the given recipes, look for which folk remedy can cure a runny nose the fastest, find your ideal healing method and share your experience with your friends and loved ones. After all, the wisdom of the people is a treasure trove of unique tips and recipes that is passed down from generation to generation.

Runny nose, treatment with folk remedies is quick and effective.

A problem such as a runny nose, which any person faces, is essentially an inflammation of the nasal mucosa. As a rule, the inflammatory process is caused by pathogenic microbes and viruses. Rhinitis is primarily unpleasant because mucus constantly secretes abundantly from the nose, blocking the free flow of air. What clearly characterizes a runny nose, quick treatment of rhinitis in children and adults with folk remedies is the most effective solution with which you can quickly cope with the problem that has arisen.

Inhalations

If heating acts on a small area, this method affects the entire surface of the mucous membrane of the bronchi and lungs. To do this, it is enough to breathe in the vapors of warm water with the addition of folk remedies or pharmaceutical medications. As a result, you can inexpensively get rid of a cough, runny nose, as well as other manifestations of a cold or flu. There are nebulizers with ready-made solutions for inhalation on sale. They contain active ingredients from the group of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory or antihistamines. However, for ordinary viral rhinitis, you can prepare an effective medicine at home.

Sodas

The main active ingredient is inexpensive and is sold in the form of a water-soluble powder. Its main property is bactericidal, that is, the ability to remove most representatives of pathogenic microflora. This component also stimulates the separation and removal of exudate. To create a medicine, just add 1 spoon of soda to 1 liter of water, you can add a small amount of table or sea salt. The solution is heated to 40 degrees and its vapors are inhaled while bending over the container. However, using a nebulizer greatly simplifies the procedure.

Pine buds

The remedy is popular against runny nose and cough. When inhaled, it stimulates expectoration, separation of nasal mucus, and also has a disinfectant and anti-inflammatory effect. For 0.5 liters of water, it is enough to add 2-3 tablespoons of pine buds. The medicine is brought to a boil and cooled slightly, during which time the vapors are saturated with useful substances. They are inhaled through the nose and exhaled through the mouth for 10-15 minutes until the broth cools down.

Expert opinion

Komarovsky Evgeniy Olegovich

Pediatrician, doctor of the highest category, TV presenter of the program “Doctor Komarovsky’s School”.

“Runny nose and cough are more often of viral origin, so prescribing antibiotics for such a cold is pointless. I recommend using natural products. Steam inhalations, heating, rubbing, mustard plasters are useful for chronic rhinitis. In the acute phase of inflammation, on the contrary, thermal procedures are dangerous. Additionally, you can take homemade plant-based medicines and do nasal rinses.”

Rinse

Rhinitis often spreads to the larynx and develops into laryngitis. The process can be prevented by a simple procedure - healing solutions are used to rinse the throat. For this purpose, take herbs that have an anti-inflammatory effect: chamomile, sage, calendula. Infusions, decoctions and rinses are made from them at least 2 times a day. For an antibacterial effect, add a few drops of Kalanchoe, soda or onion juice. The procedure is recommended to be carried out in conjunction with nasal instillation and other methods.

Kalanchoe - an effective treatment for a runny nose

Prevention and treatment of runny nose at home

No matter how trivial it may sound, the best treatment is prevention. Preventive measures aimed at avoiding rhinitis are quite simple and accessible to absolutely everyone:

The first and most important rule is the general maintenance of the immune system. An integrated approach is important here: a balanced diet, healthy sleep, moderate physical activity, avoiding sudden temperature changes that lead to hypothermia. Traditional medicine methods (eating onions, garlic, honey, etc.) are well suited for stimulating the immune system.
During seasonal outbreaks of colds, an excellent protection against viruses that cause a runny nose is a gauze bandage, which must be worn in public places.
To eliminate viral infections that settle on the mucous membranes of the nose, it is recommended to wash it. It is enough to subject the nose to this procedure at least once a day. There are a huge number of drugs for these purposes. But the most suitable remedy is sea water and products based on it.
To prevent rhinitis of allergic origin, it is necessary to frequently ventilate rooms, minimize contact with animals, and avoid consuming allergenic foods. But, unfortunately, in cases of chronic allergies, all these measures may be ineffective. Better prevention is to take antihistamines in advance.

Mustard plasters

The method is useful for any diseases of the respiratory system that occur in a chronic form. Essential oils penetrate the skin, irritate receptors, stimulate blood circulation, innervation, and lymph outflow. They are sold in the form of ready-made bags or patches. In the first case, the products should be moistened with water at room temperature and placed on the back area between the shoulder blades or on the upper chest, closer to the collarbones. You can put it on your feet. In the second, it is enough to stick the product on the desired area of the body. For adults, the procedure takes 10-15 minutes, for children - no more than five. During pregnancy, bronchial asthma, and under the age of one year, mustard plasters are contraindicated. If they cause a burning sensation and leave burns, the bags can be placed on several layers of gauze.

Foot baths

When you have a cold, it is useful to steam your feet in hot water. At first it should be at room temperature, then gradually add hot liquid, bringing it to 42-43 degrees. If the procedure is carried out using a bucket, the water should reach not only the feet, but also the legs. The therapeutic effect is enhanced if you add essential oils of coniferous trees (fir, pine, eucalyptus), and decoctions of anti-inflammatory herbs. After the procedure, your feet should be quickly dried with a towel and put on warm woolen socks. It's better to do it before bed.

Folk remedies

Pharmaceutical drugs against the common cold are available in any form, are intended for patients of different ages, and differ in composition and mechanism of action. You can choose the appropriate regimen yourself and treat yourself at home. The only drawback of drug therapy is its price. Therefore, it is worth remembering the folk recipes that have been used for many generations. They do not have to be used instead of traditional treatment - they can be in addition to tablets.

Beetroot drops

Root juice has a powerful bactericidal and irritant effect. It can be used raw, boiled or baked. The vegetable is crushed using a grater or blender, then the liquid is squeezed out with gauze. It must be diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio and instilled into the nasal passages. The product is used separately, as well as in combination with carrot juice or a small amount of honey.

Oil drops

At home, you can make a useful medicine that will quickly get rid of a runny nose and other symptoms of a cold. Natural oils soften, cleanse the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, and promote the separation of exudate. Olive or sunflower oil is suitable as a base. For one spoon of the main component you should take a few drops of essential additives: sea buckthorn, fir, mint, cedar and others. Coniferous extracts have a powerful vasoconstrictor effect, relieve inflammation and swelling. It is better not to combine several types of oils with each other - to do this, you need to take into account the mechanisms of their interaction.

Beetroot-honey drops

This method can be used to treat runny nose in adults and children of any age. It is necessary to take into account the body's reaction - the components of the product may be a strong allergen. A medium-sized root vegetable is suitable for making drops. Its flesh should be completely red, without white streaks. You need to squeeze out the juice using any method, and then add a little honey (the optimal proportions are 1:5).

How do people treat a runny nose?

Folk remedies for the common cold are not only affordable, but are also more effective than medications. In addition, they are absolutely safe and can be used by all age groups.

The simplest, but at the same time effective and quick way is to rinse the sinuses with clean, slightly warm water. Take water into your palm and draw it through your nose, first with your left and then with your right nostril. The water should enter the nasopharynx and cleanse the nasal passages well. The procedure is very affordable and useful; the nose is instantly cleared of excess mucus. This is the best folk remedy for a runny nose, an effective method, but not very popular due to the discomfort when rinsing.
Do the same procedure, only add 1 tsp to 200 ml of water. salt. It's okay if it stings a little, this is how the nasal passages are disinfected. This simple procedure provides more benefits than the most expensive medications. If you do it 4 times a day, then with a 100% guarantee you can get rid of not only a runny nose, but also other cold symptoms. At the beginning of the disease, such a medicine will save you from bronchitis, sinusitis, tracheitis and pneumonia.
Drops. Steam one tablespoon of dried wormwood in 200 ml of boiling water. Place 3 drops into your nose three times a day to rinse your nasal passages. The taste of the decoction is very bitter, but within a day of such treatment the runny nose will disappear.
Beet juice helps a lot. You need to chop small raw beets, squeeze out the juice and drop 2 drops into your nose three times a day.
Honey will help cure a runny nose using folk remedies. The antiseptic properties of honey make it an indispensable medicine for colds. Many people know the healing qualities of “lemonade” for a runny nose: 1–2 tbsp. l. apple cider vinegar and the same amount of honey diluted in 1 glass of warm water. Apply the resulting solution to your nose.
Honey water, like a broom, sweeps away all debris and toxins from the body. It’s very simple to prepare, just dissolve 1 tsp. honey in 250 ml of raw water, stir well. Any pathogenic organisms love sugar, but are afraid of honey. This folk treatment will even relieve an old runny nose.
For a runny nose, chew pieces of honeycomb with honey 5-6 times a day for a quarter of an hour. This makes breathing easier, reduces sinus inflammation and prevents recurrence of the disease.
Squeeze the juice from a Kalanchoe leaf and drip 2 drops into each nostril three times a day. You just need to take a Kalanchoe that has babies on its leaves.
Traditional methods of treating a runny nose will help overcome even dependence on vasoconstrictor drops. Firstly, you need to immediately and completely abandon such drugs. Secondly, you should rinse your nose with saline solution mixed with aloe juice in a ratio of 1:1. Every day you need to make a fresh solution and rinse your nose with it as often as possible. The dependence on the medicine will pass, and the cold will quickly go away.
Dissolve a pinch of baking soda in 2 tsp. warm boiled water and drop into both nostrils.
Prepare garlic water: garlic juice and water in a ratio of 1:40. Drop 1 drop into the nasal passages in the morning and evening. This remedy is used when a severe runny nose overcomes. Treatment with proven folk remedies will quickly eliminate this problem.
An effective folk remedy for the common cold is obtained from red beet juice and honey. You need to dissolve honey in beetroot juice in a ratio of 1:3. Place 5 drops in each nostril 5 times a day. This method of treatment is very helpful for a runny nose caused by adenoids in the nasopharynx.
Folk remedies for the treatment of runny nose are very diverse. For a runny nose, the following recipe has worked well: 2 tbsp. l. eucalyptus leaves pour 200 ml of vegetable oil, boil over low heat for 10 minutes. Leave for 3-4 hours, then strain through folded gauze. Place 6 drops of this oil into the nasal passages 4 times a day.