In the autumn-winter period, a runny nose becomes a common problem. It may be present alone or together with other colds. To restore the free flow of air into the lungs, many resort to various means of the pharmacological market.
They most often choose a medicine without consulting a doctor, relying on their own knowledge or experience. But you need to be aware that the medical product has a complex chemical composition, the action of which needs to be understood, therefore, to select a safe remedy for the common cold, you should contact a specialist, and not a pharmacy worker.
Harm from vasoconstrictor medication for nasal congestion
Most often, when nasal congestion occurs, they resort to drugs with a vasoconstrictor effect . Today they are produced in two forms: drops used for small children and sprays designed for children over 6 years old and adults. They act quickly, so the patient feels relief fairly quickly. Removal of edema occurs due to a sharp contraction of the vessels of the upper respiratory tract. Breathing becomes easier due to a decrease in the volume of blood flow, which reduces the rate of mucus formation, making it thick and tightly located to the walls of the mucous membrane.
Most people use nasal drops for nasal congestion based on vasoconstrictor components. But many of us do not know that this group of drugs is designed for a short-term period of use, because otherwise addiction and incorrect reactions of side effects occur. In the instructions for these drugs you can read that vasoconstrictors should not be used for more than 3 days .
The thing is that the blood vessels, under the influence of chemicals, begin to narrow urgently. If the patient starts dripping drugs into the nose every day for a week, addiction to the medicine will occur. Since the drops have a short period of action, the stimulant substance constricts the blood vessels for a while, as soon as the medicine evaporates, the swelling returns. In all cases of addiction, in order to maintain the effect of the drug as long as possible, a new and larger dose is needed.
But the problem lies not only in getting used to the vasoconstrictor drug, but in the fact that if drops or sprays are used frequently, the vessels will atrophy and will not “notice” the stimulation of constriction at all. In some situations, the opposite effect is observed, when the swelling becomes even more pronounced. Even if the drug is used infrequently, in case of chronic runny nose, against the background of visible improvements in the condition and the disappearance of swelling of the mucous membrane, a gradual disruption of metabolic processes , which leads to thinning of the walls of blood vessels. As a result, frequent nasal bleeding occurs due to increased pressure or minor injuries.
It is necessary to mention side effects if the patient overdoses. This list is filled with the following symptoms:
- Heartbeat.
- Headache.
- Nausea.
- Hypertension.
- Sleep disorder.
- Depressive state.
Contraindications to the use of vasoconstrictor drops and sprays are glaucoma and atrophic rhinitis. Before using vasoconstrictors that are addictive, you should consult a doctor if you have high blood pressure , problems related to the activity of the heart and thyroid gland. You cannot do without consulting a pediatrician, and in situations where it is necessary to treat children for a runny nose, it is worth finding out about a remedy with a vasoconstrictor effect and visiting a therapist for a pregnant woman or nursing mother in this case.
Rules for the use of drops and sprays with vasoconstrictor substances:
- The drugs cannot be used constantly, but only once in cases where nasal breathing is completely blocked, in order to quickly restore it.
- Do not use such drops and sprays at the first sign of congestion. It’s better to try to restore the capacity of the airways with physical exercises and breathing exercises.
- Children should not use medications with an effect of up to 4 hours, since during the period of activity the child may not use nasal breathing, and temporary swelling will disappear due to the body’s defenses. Medicines with an effect of 8 to 12 hours are used for sleep.
In any case, try to use drugs with a vasoconstrictor effect as rarely as possible. As a rule, the most severe runny nose occurs at the beginning of the disease, then an improvement in the condition is observed . Therefore, do not use them immediately after the condition of the nasopharynx improves. It is better to fight a runny nose by rinsing the nose with saline solution or using inhalations.
The vasoconstrictor substances of known drops and sprays include:
- Xylometazoline,
- Oxymetazoline,
- Naphazoline.
Development of addiction and methods for eliminating it
First of all, among the reasons for the development of addiction is non-compliance with instructions for use. The mistake of many is precisely that they do not bother themselves to read the annotation. This carelessness arises from the belief that a runny nose is not a serious illness.
People often think that by taking medication they can stop taking it at any time, but if they develop an addiction to nasal drops, not everyone knows how to get rid of it. However, if you refuse the medicine, things get worse, and such a trivial pathology, as it seems at first glance, can lead to a rather serious disease, which will subsequently have to be treated for a long time.
How does addiction manifest itself?
In order to recognize the symptoms of addiction to drops, you need to be attentive to your condition and pay attention to even the slightest deviations. At the first stage of addiction, the vessels lose their properties, that is, they stop expanding and contracting without drugs, so-called withdrawal appears.
Thus, nasal congestion only goes away when drops are taken continuously. At the same time, the nose cannot breathe without the medicine, and in order to achieve the desired result, the person increases the dose. In principle, the effect of the drops can be compared to the effect of drugs to which a person is highly dependent.
In addition, other symptoms may appear during addiction:
- burning and itching sensation in the nose,
- partial or complete loss of smell perception,
- there is a constant feeling of congestion,
- it becomes simply impossible to breathe through your nose,
- transparent mucous discharge is observed.
With such manifestations, it is necessary to urgently begin treatment and, even more so, stop taking the medications that contributed to this. You shouldn’t think that if I don’t drip the medicine, then everything will quickly return to normal; it’s better to take the help of a specialist.
Treating addiction at home
What to do to get rid of addiction to nasal drops yourself at home? It is necessary to completely stop dripping the drugs that caused this reaction.
If the stage is not advanced and if there is minor discomfort, the mucous membrane can recover and free breathing will return.
Recovery time may vary depending on each case. In addition, this is influenced by the degree of development of addiction. Thus, on average, the recovery period can range from approximately one week to a month. But there are times when it is simply impossible to get rid of a medicine that negatively affects the condition and stop putting drops into your nose. To do this, you will need to carry out other activities:
the medicine should be used as rarely as possible,- Diluting the drug with water may help,
- you need to drip the medicine using a different technology, first into one nostril, and after some time into the other,
- Staying in the fresh air can also help get rid of addiction,
- it is necessary to ventilate and clean the apartment as often as possible,
- more often it is necessary to be in a position in which the shoulders and head are raised,
- It is useful in this case to use warming baths for the feet every day,
- and, of course, you should eat as many fruits as possible, preferably with vitamin C.
A fairly effective remedy, both for the runny nose itself and for getting rid of addiction, is saline solution.
By rinsing your nose 3 to 5 times a day, you can bring the mucous membrane back to normal. In addition, pharmacies have other analogues of this product, as well as preparations based on sea water (Aqua-Maris, Aqualor).
Drops for nasal congestion with a moisturizing effect
Moisturizing drops will help relieve nasal congestion, but they are not intended to treat the symptoms and causes that caused it. They are, rather, an auxiliary means to speed up the process of mucus discharge . Many doctors prescribe them as part of a set of measures for nasal congestion and consider them mandatory for use. Moisturizing the mucous membrane is required to maintain its integrity, since during a runny nose various drugs are used, which often dry it out and injure it, especially this often happens with atrophic chronic rhinitis.
Moisturizers are made from sea or mineral water. They contain many useful natural substances:
- Calcium,
- Magnesium,
- Potassium,
- Iron and others.
These components stimulate the movement of mucus by the epithelium and normalize the functioning of glandular cells of the mucous membrane. Typically, moisturizers do not contain active chemicals, so the preparations have no side effects and are approved for use up to several times a day.
As a rule, the airways during a runny nose are blocked by mucus, so there is no reason to use vasoconstrictor drops.
If a lot of mucus has accumulated and there is no swelling, then it is better to use saline solutions that contain drugs:
- Aquamaris.
- Marimer,
- Salin,
- Aqualor.
Decongestant addiction
Decongestants are a separate group of vasoconstrictor drugs that help reduce swelling in the mucous membranes. They affect the activity of adrenaline receptors, which are located on the inner surface of the nasopharynx. The use of nasal drops helps to narrow blood vessels, reduce swelling and, accordingly, facilitate nasal breathing.
It should be understood that over time, the vessels of the mucous membrane fall under the dictates of decongestants: there is no dose - they relax, there is a dose - they narrow. In other words, any vasoconstrictor is addictive. Refusal of the nasal drug leads to obstruction of the airways, which is why the person is forced to use it constantly.
Important! Decongestants can be used for no more than 5-7 days in a row, 3-4 times a day.
To prevent the development of drug-induced rhinitis, during periods of exacerbation of rhinorrhea, it is recommended to use only those medications that do not cause addiction. Safe products do not contain adrenaline, oxymetazoline and other substances that affect alpha-adrenergic receptors.
Medicines for edema and allergies
Remedies for eliminating the symptoms of allergic rhinitis have a complex effect. Thanks to the vasoconstrictor and antihistamine action, the condition of the nasopharynx improves. They quickly relieve swelling and make breathing easier, and also prevent allergic manifestations. Drops and sprays of similar action are used to treat runny noses of an allergic nature and colds. Popular combination drugs for the treatment of allergic rhinitis include:
- Vibrocil. This remedy is well tolerated even by very young children, which is why pediatricians often prescribe it.
- Sanorin-Analergin belongs to the combination drugs used for rhinitis of allergic origin. Side effects of the drops are drowsiness and lethargy, so it is used at night.
- Rinofluimucil has a mild effect and contains vasoconstrictor, antihistamine and mucus-thinning components.
- Koldakt for allergic rhinitis has a side effect - drowsiness.
- Orinol tablets are often prescribed for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
The best drugs for the common cold
Decongestants are a kind of drug for people suffering from allergic and vasomotor rhinitis. Unlike other remedies, they quickly relieve swelling, which automatically eliminates difficulties with nasal breathing. But if you abuse vasoconstrictors, sooner or later it will become addictive.
Many other topical medications that do not lead to addiction can help cope with rhinitis. If nasal obstruction was caused by allergic and infectious inflammation, the following will help eliminate the manifestations of the disease:
| Drop type | pharmachologic effect | Indications for use | Drug name |
| moisturizing | relieve swelling and promote restoration of mucous membranes |
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| hormonal | reduce inflammation and accelerate tissue regeneration |
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| antihistamines | relieve allergy symptoms, relieve swelling and inflammation |
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| homeopathic | increase local immunity and restore nasal passages |
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| antiviral | kill viral flora and relieve inflammation |
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| antibacterial | destroy microbes and fungi, prevent purulent tissue inflammation |
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Hormonal drops cannot be used in the treatment of bacterial inflammation, as they can affect the microflora in the nasopharynx and provoke the development of microbes.
Among the safest, non-addictive medications are moisturizing drops. They can be used without restrictions not only to moisturize the mucous membranes, but also to prevent a runny nose. As you know, it is dehydration of the mucous membranes that often causes a decrease in immunity, which can subsequently lead to the development of infection.
Nasal decongestants with antimicrobial action
Drops and ointments, which contain not one active ingredient, but two or more, have an antimicrobial effect . They are made on the basis of natural ingredients and are able to cope with fungal and bacterial rhinitis by stimulating the restoration of the mucous membrane and the subsidence of edema. Popular products in this group include:
- Dr. Theiss Nazoline contains xylometazoline as a vasoconstrictor component. In addition, it contains eucalyptus essential oil, which has antibacterial properties.
- Pinosol is a drug that contains a complex of various medicinal herbs with a natural effect against microbes. The product is produced in the form of drops, creams, ointments, and bath capsules.
- Bactroban is a nasal ointment made on the basis of antibiotics. It is used for staphylococcal infections, which are characterized by purulent secretions.
- Polydex with Phenylephrine contains antibiotics and is available in the form of a spray. The composition contains anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictor substances, which are good for coping with the cause of a runny nose - a bacterial infection, as well as alleviating its negative symptoms. For viral rhinitis, the drug should not be used; children under 3 years of age, pregnant women, and people with renal failure should be protected from it.
Hormonal drops
In addition to antihistamines, allergic rhinitis A common form of release is a spray, since the effect occurs locally, which does not disrupt the hormonal balance of the entire body system.
The most popular means are:
- Baconase.
- Flixonase.
- Nasobek.
- Nasonex.
Hormonal sprays do not provide a quick effect, as after the use of vasoconstrictors; for example, Nasonex is considered the fastest-acting; the result after its use occurs within 12 hours . This drug is indicated for the treatment of allergic rhinitis in children over three years of age. Nasobek and Beconase are approved for use only after 6 years.
Hormonal drugs are prescribed exclusively by doctors. They are prohibited for bacterial and fungal rhinitis, since they can reduce the local immunity of the mucous membrane, as well as cause the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms, which lead to complications.
Sprays and nasal drops that treat a runny nose and are not addictive
A runny nose is the first symptom that appears with colds. Everyone knows about the dangers of vasoconstrictor nasal medications, and not everyone would like to use them.
Vasoconstrictors can be used for no more than 5-7 days. Longer use is addictive. In addition, these drugs are contraindicated for hypertensive patients, as they can provoke an increase in blood pressure and tachycardia. They cannot be used by people who have glaucoma.
Parents of young children take this issue especially seriously.
In addition to vasoconstrictors, pharmacies sell nasal drops and sprays that are not addictive and at the same time effectively treat a runny nose.
In this article we will tell you about them. So.
Euphorbium compositum
A multicomponent homeopathic drug that is used to treat rhinitis of any etiology, including atrophy of the nasal mucosa. It relieves inflammation of the paranasal sinuses well, restores the nasal mucosa and moisturizes.
Approved for use in children over 4 years of age and pregnant women after consultation with a doctor.
People with thyroid diseases should use it with caution, since the composition contains an active component containing iodine.
Aquirin Rino
Aquirin rhino is an aqueous solution that contains extracts of medicinal plants: celandine, aloe, Kalanchoe, eucalyptus, pine, meadowsweet, mint and tea tree.
The drug has anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antimicrobial effects, restores and softens the inflamed nasal mucosa, thins the viscous secretion and improves its discharge, relieves swelling of the tissues.
Allowed for children over 2 years old and pregnant women. Contraindicated for people who are allergic to the components included in the composition.
Olifrin.
Olifrin is a remedy that restores the nasal mucosa, with a pleasant citrus aroma.
The drug creates a protective barrier on the nasal mucosa, so it can be used to prevent colds.
Olifrin moisturizes the mucous membrane and eliminates the symptoms of dryness, and can also be used to soften and remove crusts that have formed in the nose.
It is used for pathological changes in the nasal mucosa resulting from the use of vasoconstrictors.
Approved for use by children over 3 years of age, pregnant and nursing mothers.
Contraindications are absolute obstruction of the nasal passages and individual sensitivity to the components of the drug.
Thuja oil
Thuja oil is a homeopathic nasal drop used to treat rhinitis of various etiologies, adenoids, polyps and warts.
Thuja oil has many medicinal properties: antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, healing, strengthening the immune system.
The oil is effective not only in the early stages of rhinitis, but also in case of complications. It promotes tissue regeneration, relieves congestion and improves nasal breathing.
Allowed for children from birth, pregnant and nursing mothers. Contraindicated only in case of individual intolerance to the drug.
Protargol
Nasal drops based on silver proteinate. It has a strong bactericidal and anti-inflammatory agent. Due to its astringent action, it eliminates nasal drainage.
Silver ions, binding to proteins, form a protective film on the nasal mucosa, which helps to narrow the blood vessels, which leads to the elimination of swelling.
In addition, silver ions inhibit the proliferation of various bacteria.
Protargol is approved for children from birth, pregnant and nursing mothers. Contraindication is individual intolerance to the drug.
Complex drops
Complex drops are sold only in pharmacies that have a production department. They are prepared individually according to a doctor’s prescription, depending on the patient’s age. The only disadvantage of these drops is their short shelf life.
They contain furatsilin and diphenhydramine. The action of complex drops is determined by the components included in the composition.
Furacilin relieves infectious and inflammatory processes of the mucous membrane, and diphenhydramine eliminates swelling and runny nose.
Note! Compound drops are available in pharmacies only with a doctor's prescription. There are contraindications
Before using the above medications, you should consult your doctor.
There are contraindications. Before using the above medications, you should consult your doctor.
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Plant drops
This group of drugs is designed to refresh the mucous membrane with the help of essential oils. This effect is due to the incoming basic substances, most often peppermint oil, eucalyptus and pine oils. Complex drugs do not eliminate swelling, do not constrict blood vessels, and do not change the properties of the secretion. A popular remedy is Sinupret. This combination drug stimulates the outflow of mucus from the sinuses due to its anti-inflammatory, mucolytic and secretolytic properties.
It moisturizes, soothes irritation, improves the condition of the body, making it resistant to biological and physical influences. It can be given to a child from two years of age, in the form of release: drops and tablets.
Homeopathic remedies
Acute rhinitis caused by viral infections is often treated with drops and sprays based on natural homeopathic substances. They act widely: relieve swelling, fight viruses, activate the immune system. As a rule, the treatment regimen is selected based on age. The drug is taken every day every 15 minutes for 1-2 hours until cure.
A homeopathic medicine is prescribed by a homeopathic physician individually. The following medications can quickly treat various types of runny nose:
Euphorbium compositum nasal spray.
Edas-131 drops for nasal congestion.
Antimicrobial
Many people with congestion use non-addictive antimicrobial nasal drops for congestion. These medicines are created from natural elements that help cure bacterial or fungal rhinitis quickly.
To restore breathing through the nostrils, you can drip the drug Pinosol into the nose. The medicine has an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect, which allows it to quickly cope with inflammation and quickly get rid of fungal bacteria.
Antiviral drugs
This type of drops is used for the prevention and treatment of viral diseases of the nose. Pharmaceutical drugs are made from donor cells or created through genetic engineering. The products are able to combat the proliferation of viruses. They are taken at a high risk of infection , during the first signs of ARVI and until complete recovery:
- Gripferon is a solution for instillation into the nasal passages.
- Tamiflu and Arbidol capsules.
- Rectal suppositories Viferon and Kipferon.
- Remantadine tablets.
Today there are a lot of remedies for the treatment of the runny nose and making a choice is not difficult. But you need to remember that they should be prescribed by a doctor after diagnosis, since taking the wrong drug will not only not improve the condition, but can also lead to complications, one of which is drug-induced rhinitis.
