Colds are almost always accompanied by a runny nose. This is one of the body’s ways to get rid of pathogenic microflora. Normally, rhinitis should not last more than 10 days. If, after this period, a person is still tormented by difficulty breathing and discomfort in the paranasal sinuses, treatment should be taken seriously.

Causes of chronic runny nose and its consequences

To properly treat a persistent runny nose, it is necessary to establish its causes. The main ones are:

• incorrect or incomplete treatment of an infectious disease;
• allergic rhinitis of various origins;
• deviated nasal septum;
• dry air – the optimal humidity level is 50–70%;
• side effect of long-term use of vasoconstrictor drugs;
• enlarged adenoids in children.

If a persistent runny nose is not associated with a previous illness, and the person is in favorable humidity conditions, it is worth considering the possibility of allergies. In addition to nasal congestion, it is characterized by sneezing and excessive tearing. Symptoms occur suddenly and do not respond to the usual methods of dealing with a runny nose.

If you do not pay due attention to the treatment of prolonged rhinitis, it can develop into sinusitis. In this case, inflammation of the paranasal sinuses occurs: mucus accumulates in them, microbes multiply and pus is formed. A person suffers not only from nasal congestion, his sense of smell worsens, his temperature rises (from 37°C and above), weakness, loss of appetite, facial sensitivity, swelling and headache are observed.

Untreated or neglected sinusitis can have serious complications:

• abscess of the eyeball and loss of vision;
• the occurrence of lower respiratory tract diseases;
• spread of infection throughout the body, damage to other organs, sepsis;
• osteomyelitis;
• meningitis.

Prolonged runny nose in an adult - treatment

Once the cause of a persistent runny nose has been established, its proper treatment can be arranged. It should take into account several areas: eliminating the prerequisites for the disease, local medicinal effects, strengthening the immune system and various preventive measures.

First of all, it is necessary to create favorable environmental conditions: regularly ventilate and humidify the air in the apartment, walk more often, relax, get enough sleep, try to limit exposure to stressful situations. To improve your overall health, you should exercise regularly, take multivitamins, and eat well. If a runny nose is caused by an allergy, then it is necessary to stop or limit contact with the irritating substance.

Hardening is also effective. Every day, the nose is poured with hot and cold water. Over time, the water temperature decreases. This local hardening procedure has a beneficial effect on the immune system and reduces the duration of a runny nose during illness.

Drug therapy

The specific use of medications depends on the cause and type of rhinitis, as well as its severity. Treatment of sinusitis and persistent runny nose must be carried out under the supervision of an ENT doctor. It is aimed at restoring the functioning of the nasal mucosa, strengthening blood vessels, and relieving inflammation in the paranasal sinuses.

If a runny nose is infectious in nature, vasoconstrictor drops or sprays are usually prescribed: otrivin, galazolin, nazivin, vibrocil, sanorin, naphthyzin. Their use is indicated when the discharge is abundant and colorless. But if they are thick and there are few of them, then antibacterial drugs, for example, Polydex, or moisturizing salt solutions, such as Aquamaris, are used.

Prolonged runny nose, which is a consequence of allergies, requires the use of antihistamines, such as Zyrtec, Clarinase, Allergodil. These modern drugs do not have the usual side effects: drowsiness, disorientation, headache.

To treat a prolonged runny nose, alternating medications Sinuforte and Nasobek are sometimes prescribed. You can also use sinupret in tablets, which will help relieve swelling, and use flixonase to rinse the nose. Antibiotics include augmentin, ceftriaxone, and amoxiclav.

In cases where the exact nature of a prolonged runny nose cannot be established, combination drugs are used: delufen, protargol, isofra, collargol. They help with rhinitis of various etiologies, as they combine antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and drying properties.

Folk remedies

You can fight persistent rhinitis with the help of folk recipes. But before carrying out any procedures, it is necessary to obtain a doctor’s permission, since the nature of each person’s disease is individual, and not all methods will benefit him. The following substances can be instilled:

• onion and aloe juice diluted with water;
• beet juice and aloe with water;
• Kalanchoe juice;
• a weak solution of cyclamen juice;
• Peach oil;
• dilute half a teaspoon of soda and salt in a glass of water, then dissolve a diphenhydramine tablet (0.05 g) in 10 ml of the resulting liquid and pour in 20 drops of propolis tincture. Bring the resulting mixture to a boil, cool and instill 4 drops into each nasal passage every hour. When the condition improves, reduce the frequency of use of drops.

Rinsing the nose is also very effective because it helps remove pathogenic microflora. This can be done using a special device, for example, the drug Dolphin, or also independently, using a teapot or pipette. The liquid should be poured into one nasal passage and flow out of the other, cleansing the mucous membrane. The procedure is carried out several times a day using medicinal solutions:

• salt - half a tablespoon of sea salt is dissolved in half a glass of water;
• chamomile - one tablespoon of salt is dissolved in a glass of chamomile infusion;
• eucalyptus – one teaspoon of eucalyptus oil is dissolved in a glass of water.

It is more effective to carry out inhalations using a special device, but you can also simply breathe over the steam, covered with a towel. They use medicinal plants to which the patient is not allergic: oils of eucalyptus, fir, juniper, anise, tea tree, thyme, decoctions of sage and mint, finely chopped onions, garlic, horseradish. All of them have a disinfecting and moisturizing effect, relieve swelling of the nasal mucosa.

Wicks, or cotton swabs, are soaked in medicinal mixtures and inserted into the nasal passages for 5–10 minutes. The following can serve as healing solutions:

• honey with slightly diluted potassium permanganate;
• saline;
• a mixture of beet juices, carrots, onions, aloe and honey in equal proportions.

Physiotherapy and surgery

When a runny nose continues for several months and drug treatment does not bring results, you can turn to drastic measures. Among modern methods of treating persistent runny nose, the following prevail:

1. Laser therapy. The nasal mucosa is treated with a laser beam, which destroys damaged blood vessels, leaving only healthy ones. This relieves swelling and restores breathing, allowing you to get rid of rhinitis forever.
2. Cryosurgery. The nasal membrane is treated with liquid nitrogen. It promotes its compaction and narrowing of blood vessels. After such treatment, a runny nose does not bother a person for several years.
3. Intranasal blockade. The drug is administered into the sinuses by injection.
4. Warming up using ultraviolet irradiation, diathermy. Used in complex therapy.
5. Punctures, pumping out purulent masses, washing the sinuses with a vacuum device. Effective procedures for sinusitis.

Massage and breathing exercises also help relieve chronic runny nose. The massage is carried out by tapping the phalanx of the thumb on the bridge of the nose and the area around the eye socket for 2-3 minutes every half hour. These points are also massaged for half a minute. You can use a special ebonite disc to massage the entire face. For 10 minutes, the disk should be moved clockwise, making one revolution per second. Breathing exercises will help improve blood circulation in the nasal cavity. To do this, alternately breathe with one or the other nostril for 5 seconds, 10 times.

Like any disease, it is better not to let a runny nose become chronic in order to avoid unpleasant consequences. But even prolonged rhinitis or sinusitis can be eliminated by starting comprehensive treatment on time.

Therapy for a prolonged runny nose is carried out simultaneously in the following areas: impact on the nasal mucosa, elimination of provoking factors, stimulation of the body's immunity, prevention of relapses. If prolonged rhinitis is a consequence of untreated colds or infectious diseases, the choice of drug for treatment depends on the symptoms and health status. For heavy and clear nasal discharge, vasoconstrictor drugs are used (Otrivin, Adrianol, Sanorin, Nazivin, Xymelin, Vibrocil, etc.).

If the runny nose has an atrophic form, which is manifested by thick and scanty discharge from the nose, you need to use antibacterial drugs (Pinosol, Bactroban ointment, Polidexa). You should also rinse your nose with saline solutions or use special sprays (Aqualor, Salin, Aqua Maris). A persistent runny nose that lasts several months is treated with physiotherapeutic procedures, laser, and surgery.

Treatment of a persistent runny nose should begin with stopping contact with the substance that causes negative symptoms. Obvious manifestations of allergic rhinitis are the sudden onset of the disease, the absence of symptoms, the presence of characteristic signs (lacrimation, profuse nasal discharge, repeated sneezing, difficulty nasal breathing), and the ineffectiveness of conventional remedies used for a runny nose. To treat allergy manifestations, drugs of one group are used - second-line antihistamines (Loratadine, Kestin, Clarinase, Zyrtec, Telfast, Allergodil). These medications do not cause drowsiness, weakness, headaches or loss of coordination.

How to treat a persistent runny nose

A prolonged runny nose can be caused by endocrine disorders, a reflex effect on the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx. Its causes may be changes in food or air temperature, emotional stress, or overwork. In this case, it is recommended to take multivitamins and biostimulants. Health activities, frequent ventilation of the room, prolonged exposure to fresh air, and sports will be useful.

A persistent runny nose can be cured using traditional medicine. Inhaling the vapors of crushed garlic or onions helps. The procedure should be performed three times a day for 5-8 minutes. For prolonged runny nose, you can use aloe juice mixed with honey. You need to wrap the plant leaf in black paper and put it in the refrigerator for 14 hours. Then the juice is squeezed out of it and combined with 1/3 teaspoon of honey. The mixture is instilled into the nose three times a day, using a full pipette in each nostril. It is best to use folk remedies for the treatment of persistent runny nose only after consulting a doctor.

Constant nasal congestion and rhinorrhea prevent a person from living fully, communicating normally with people around him, working and sleeping. As a result, not only his physical condition suffers, but his emotional side. The person becomes irritable, there are frequent changes in mood and performance decreases. How to treat a persistent runny nose in adults?

To quickly get rid of the symptoms of chronic rhinitis, you first need to establish the cause of the disease:

Rhinitis drags on if treatment for the disease was not started on time or if it was carried out incorrectly.

In addition, the chronicity of inflammation is facilitated by weakened immunity and severe concomitant pathology.

To correctly diagnose and establish the cause of the disease, a comprehensive examination of the patient is necessary:

1. blood test (PCR, ELISA, immunological test);
2. allergy tests;
3. microscopic analysis of nasopharyngeal smears;
4. bacterial culture of discharge from the nasal cavities;
5. X-ray examination of the paranasal sinuses;
6. rhinoscopy.

In addition, working conditions are analyzed and the severity of concomitant diseases is assessed.

If there is no effect from medications for allergic rhinitis, desensitization of the body can be carried out.

Home treatment

You can treat a long runny nose at home, but only after consulting a doctor. Main directions of therapy:

• eliminating the cause of rhinitis (stopping contact with the allergen, fighting infection);
• nasal rinsing;
• prescription of medications;
• use of folk remedies;
• carrying out warming procedures;
• prescription of inhalations;
• performing massage;
• compliance with the nutritional regimen.

A cold begins with sneezing, nasal discharge and general malaise. As soon as signs of the disease are noticed, treatment must begin. The nasal rinsing procedure can be used for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes. Her task:

The following solutions can be used for treatment:

1. ready-made preparations, for example, Humer, Marimer, Dolphin;
2. saline;
3. still alkaline water;
4. a solution of salt (4 g), two drops of iodine and warm water with a volume of 300 ml;
5. decoctions of herbs (oak bark, sage, calendula, St. John's wort). To prepare, you need to pour 15 g of herb with 260 ml of boiling water and leave for a quarter of an hour. To enhance the healing properties of the solution, you can add 30 ml of aloe juice;
6. Peeled, chopped garlic cloves (4 pieces) should be poured with 650 ml of boiling water, left for half an hour, covered with a lid. Before rinsing, you need to add aloe juice. The ratio of infusion and aloe juice (3:1);
7. fresh beet juice should be diluted with water 1:10, add a couple of grams of salt.

Drug therapy

It is not recommended to treat a prolonged runny nose exclusively with traditional methods. Only an integrated therapeutic approach allows you to quickly get rid of the symptoms of the disease. If a runny nose does not go away for a long time, you need to contact an ENT doctor to determine the cause of the disease and treatment tactics.

What can be prescribed to treat rhinitis?

Medicines in the form of a nasal spray or drops must be applied to the cleansed mucous membrane of the nasal passages.

Treatments for a runny nose

A long runny nose must be treated not only with medications, but also with useful procedures. Thermal treatments can be used for local or general warming. For a passing runny nose, warming the nose with boiled potatoes, an egg wrapped in a scarf, a bag of salt or buckwheat is useful.

There should be no burning sensation during the procedure, so if necessary, wrap the heat source with additional cloth. It should be applied to the bridge of the nose and paranasal sinuses. The duration of warming is a quarter of an hour. After the procedure, slight hyperemia of the skin may remain, so the skin should be lubricated with baby cream.

General warming is carried out using foot baths with mustard, mustard plasters, rubbing the chest, as well as the interscapular area. You can enhance the effect by drinking hot tea with linden, lemon, raspberries, currants or honey, after which you need to wrap yourself in a blanket.

If the runny nose lasts for 2 weeks, inhalations can be performed. For this it is recommended to use:

• boiled potatoes, herbal infusions, essential oils - for hot inhalation;
• chopped onion, garlic, essential oils - for a cold procedure.

If recovery is delayed, you can help the body get rid of pathology with the help of massage. Its action is:

For 10 minutes, you need to massage certain points on your face. In this case, the fingers should be warm, and movements should not cause pain. The points are located:

• in the area between the eyebrows above the bridge of the nose;
• near the outer corners of the eyes at a distance of 1 centimeter;
• near the wings of the nose, retreating 1 centimeter in the direction of the ears;
• above the upper lip in the projection of the outer edges of the wings of the nose.

Traditional recipes for nasal drops

To prevent a runny nose from bothering you for more than a week, you need to use folk remedies for rhinitis. To prepare nasal medications you can use:

1. aloe juice;
2. carrot, beet juice;
3. onion, garlic juice;
4. decoction of eucalyptus, sage, chamomile for rinsing the nasal cavities;
5. ginger infusion - for oral administration to strengthen the immune system;
6. essential oils (eucalyptus, pine, tea tree);
7. honey, propolis.

Treatment for a runny nose may differ for each person, taking into account their individual characteristics. We looked at the most commonly used medications for nasal congestion and rhinorrhea. Please note that herbal preparations can cause an allergic reaction, so be careful when choosing medications.

As you know, cold and flu viruses are not the only cause of a lingering runny nose. In fact, some of us may struggle with "rhinitis" (the term used to describe a persistent runny nose) year-round without success. A long runny nose may seem like a benign condition at first, but when a lingering runny nose, congestion, sneezing, and/or itchy nose turns into a daily battle with discomfort, it can be quite unpleasant.

In this article we will talk about when a runny nose in an adult and a child is considered prolonged, what are the main causes of a constantly stuffy nose and how to treat a long runny nose.

What kind of runny nose is considered long

Colds and flu typically last about 7-10 days. So, if your nose is running much longer, it's time to reevaluate the situation and find out what else might be causing this marathon.

Thus, if you or your child are suffering from a runny nose that has lasted for more than a week... and even more so for more than a month, it is time to show serious concern.

Here are 4 main possible causes of rhinitis:

Cause of a persistent runny nose #1: allergies

Today, one of the leading causes of chronic runny nose is considered to be allergies, or what science so cleverly calls “allergic rhinitis.” Up to one third of adults suffer from this condition, which can be seasonal or year-round. Common risk factors for a long-term runny nose are found in the environment (not food), and include pollen, dust, grass, trees, and animals.

There are two main methods of treating chronic runny nose due to allergies. First, long-acting antihistamines such as Loratidine and Cetirizine, which help dry out the sinuses. Secondly, nasal sprays work to reduce inflammation in the back of the nose and ultimately stop post-nasal drip into the throat. It helps with chronic sore throat and allergic cough that some people experience due to allergic rhinitis

Cause of a persistent runny nose #2: irritants

Some people suffer from lingering runny noses due to certain irritants that do not necessarily trigger the same immune response as allergies. These irritants are often related to the weather (especially dry, cold weather during the winter months), cigarette smoke, alcohol consumption, air pollution, and chemical or perfume odors. These irritants affect the tiny blood vessels in the nose and cause fluid to leak. This phenomenon is called "vasomotor rhinitis" and treatment involves the use of a nasal spray that helps close these open blood vessels. Saline solutions can also remove those pesky irritants from your nose. If the culprit is work, smog or peat smoke, wear a mask. If your nose "hates" your or your partner's perfume, stop using it.

Cause of a persistent runny nose #3: medications

Do you have a constant runny or stuffy nose for no reason at all? Your next logical step is to run to the pharmacy and try some nasal spray, right? Wrong! Some of these over-the-counter drugs may actually cause the opposite effect in the long run! Not only may your symptoms return, but they will return, even worse. Your nose actually becomes addicted to cold drops and sprays and wants more and more. Use saline solutions - it really works and is safer.

There are other medications that can cause a lingering runny nose or nasal congestion. These include some blood pressure medications, antipsychotics, antidepressants, hormonal contraceptives, prostate and erectile dysfunction medications.

Cause of a persistent runny nose #4: pregnancy

Some women may experience a persistent runny nose during pregnancy. This is a normal phenomenon that occurs due to hormonal changes in the body. Saline solution and some antihistamines can help treat a runny nose during pregnancy, but you should discuss their use with your obstetrician/gynecologist. Luckily, pregnancy-related runny nose goes away within two weeks of giving birth, when you'll probably be so tired you won't even notice it.)

In any case, do not let your runny nose become chronic - do not hesitate to consult a doctor for advice.

Persistent runny nose in a child

So, your child has had a runny nose for more than a week... or maybe more than a month. When should parents “ring the bells”? Do I need to take antibiotics to treat a child’s long runny nose? When and what tests should I take and undergo diagnostic tests? There are, of course, a lot of questions, but essentially they all boil down to the fact that it is necessary to find out the root cause of a child’s runny nose, because, of course, walking around with a sniffling or stuffy nose for more than 7-10 days is not the case.

Clear (serous) mucus from the nose

The simplest diagnosis is when the mucus from the nose ("rhinorrhea") is clear. This is due to allergies in 90% of cases, but otherwise a long-lasting runny nose can be grouped under the term “vasomotor rhinitis”, which means “a non-allergic irritant irritates the nose, and regular medications do not help much.” Chronic allergic rhinitis (“runny nose” = inflammation of the nose) can usually be controlled (note we don’t say “treat a runny nose”) through oral and/or nasal medications; when this fails, allergy testing can help identify the offending agent, allowing standard prevention measures to be initiated.

Nasal discharge is mucous, mucopurulent

The fun begins when the mucus from the nose is cloudy, colored, and viscous. Almost all doctors agree that thick white nasal mucus indicates that a runny nose is caused by viruses, which thrive in schools, kindergartens, movie theaters and other crowded places. (Please note that wind, cold weather, and even walking outside with wet hair and bare feet do not make a child sick on their own).

What can you say about yellow or green snot? In fact, most doctors call it "purulent drainage," but mucopurulent discharge doesn't necessarily mean anything more than an infection. Viruses and bacteria can cause green or yellow mucus. After a certain number of days of prolonged runny nose, doctors call the condition “sinusitis” or “upper respiratory tract infection” and prescribe antibiotics to children. How long should this time frame be? It depends on the doctor's decision. Without fever, fever, or any other problems, most doctors recommend that parents wait 3 to 7 days after the yellow/green mucus appears before prescribing antibiotics.

Keep in mind that nasal mucus typically looks darker in the first 2 hours of the morning, so don't rush to the pharmacy at 7 a.m. for antibiotics. And mucus that changes from cloudy to clear or discolored and back again is most likely caused by a virus.

If the color of snot is not something that is helpful, how else can you diagnose sinusitis or rhinitis? Again, colds only last 5 to 7 days. In addition, colds rarely cause a body temperature above 37.5 C, so such a low and passing temperature is a good sign of sinusitis (with sinusitis, temperature almost always occurs, since an indispensable condition for the development of sinusitis is the addition of bacterial flora - usually Haemophilus influenzae or pneumococcus). Sinus infections also tend to cause more pressure in the sinuses than colds: a feeling of pain in the cheeks or above the eyes, especially when moving the head or having to listen. For children with this type of runny nose, a mucus sample may be taken and sent under a microscope to analyze white blood cells, which indicate infection.

How to treat a persistent runny nose in children

While most sinus problems can be cured with antibiotics in 10 days, some persistent infections may require 20 to 30 days of treatment. Nasal decongestants can help clear sinuses; but in fact, antihistamines can make sinusitis worse, as they sometimes make the mucus thicker and harder to clear. Topical decongestants (nasal drops and sprays) will help your child feel better, but there is a risk of paying a terrible price: overuse of these products actually causes the nasal lining to become so hooked on them that the child will not be able to breathe without their use. So stay away from them as much as possible. The best treatment for a runny nose is salt water (saline solution): putting a few drops into the nose and then sucking it up.

Is a runny nose contagious?

What is contagious and what is not? It's simple: allergies are not contagious; sinus infections are slightly contagious; colds or flu are highly contagious. If children have a runny nose that is infectious, children can be considered contagious as long as there is a fever or other signs of active infection. If a child has a runny nose that lasts for more than two weeks, is clear or slightly cloudy, and has no fever or signs of infection, then it is most likely an allergy, which is not contagious.

Persistent runny nose in adults

A persistent runny nose in adults is not just an uncomfortable condition - the problem can have a significant impact on work and other important daily aspects. As we've said, there are many possible causes of a persistent runny nose, also known as rhinitis, but for the vast majority of adults, it's not dangerous - just annoying.

First, let's understand how your nose works. In addition to its function of smell, the nose serves to protect the body from potentially harmful substances such as viruses or bacteria, as well as foreign objects such as dust or smoke particles. A runny nose begins when the tissue and blood vessels in the nose react to something in the environment and produce fluid or mucus for protection.

Here's what can help cure persistent runny nose in adults:

1. Identify and avoid irritants: environmental allergens (pollen, dust, pet dander), odors (perfume), irritating allergens (cigarette smoke) and other causes including spicy foods, temperature changes and even strong emotions.
2. Regular Cleaning: Dust and pet dander can accumulate in the home and cause unpleasant symptoms. Specifically, dust mites are tiny insects that live on carpet fibers, furniture, mattresses and bedding. While they don't bite people, dust mites are a very potent allergy trigger for many people. Humidifiers in the home are an excellent device for preventing and even treating a stuffy nose.
3. Taking care of your nose: It seems counterintuitive, but a dry nose can contribute to a reactive overproduction of mucus. To get rid of a dry nose, there are options such as saline rinses or nasal lubricants.

While these steps won't produce revolutionary results within a few days, they will allow you to use less medication to relieve your symptoms.

1. Inhaled treatments for persistent runny nose: There are many potentially curative nasal sprays, including inhaled corticosteroids and inhaled antihistamines. The choice of topical therapy depends on your symptoms, other medical conditions, and medications. In general, these drugs are safe, but possible side effects include nasal dryness and irritation, and if used over a long period of time, can cause a paradoxical increase in mucus production.
2. Oral medications: No medications have yet been invented to treat a viral runny nose, but if your runny nose is associated with allergies, your doctor will most likely prescribe antihistamines such as Reactine, Claritin or Benadryl. If your runny nose is associated with inflammation, anti-inflammatory or decongestant medications may be helpful.

If a prolonged runny nose is persistently one-sided (only from one nostril), there is blood in the mucus - consult a doctor immediately to rule out more serious causes.

Denial of responsibility : The information presented in this article about chronic runny nose is intended to inform the reader only and is not a substitute for consultation with a healthcare professional.

Nasal congestion is a symptom that accompanies most ARVI. Thus, the body gets rid of pathogenic microflora. But, when the general symptoms of a cold have passed, but congestion remains, it is necessary to look for an individual approach to the treatment of prolonged rhinitis.

Normally, difficulty breathing and mucus secretion subside within 7-10 days and do not require special drug treatment. If a runny nose lasts longer than a week, one of the following reasons is to blame:

• allergy;
• dry indoor air;
• untreated infections;
• hormonal imbalances (including during pregnancy);
• failures in the regulation of vascular tone also lead to a prolonged runny nose in adults;
• deviated septum as a result of trauma. As a rule, in this case, breathing through one nostril is difficult;
• inflamed adenoids and their uncontrolled growth;
• bacterial pathogens.

How to treat a persistent runny nose

Regardless of the factors that provoke the disease, it is necessary to follow the general treatment regimen. It necessarily includes strengthening the immune system and preventing relapses.

To cure a persistent runny nose, first of all, favorable conditions for the body are necessary:

• optimal microclimate in the apartment;
• limiting stressful situations;
• minimum communication with patients;
• good sleep;
• daily walks in the fresh air.

Long-term nasal congestion requires complex treatment, which includes the use of medications, folk remedies and procedures.

Pharmacy medicines for persistent runny nose

The use of medications should be under the close supervision of an otolaryngologist. The doctor will prescribe medications to restore the mucous membrane, strengthen the walls of blood vessels and reduce the inflammatory process.

Vasoconstrictors

Vasoconstrictor drops stimulate adrenergic receptors, which are located on the surface of the nasal mucosa. As a result of their influence, the blood vessels narrow and the swelling temporarily subsides. They are prescribed in the “prime” of the infection: when the discharge is abundant and clear. The most common:

• Naphthyzin;
• Farmazolin;
• Otrivin;
• Vibrocil.

Antibiotics

The action of antibiotics is aimed at eliminating pathogenic microflora and relieving the inflammatory process. In therapeutic practice, the following are most often prescribed:

• Clarithromycin;
• Erythromycin;
• Augmentin;
• Ceftriaxone.

The right type of medication helps stop the development of purulent sinusitis or sinusitis. Along with antibiotics, the doctor prescribes drugs that support intestinal microflora (for example, Linex).

Antiviral

Regardless of the manufacturer, the active ingredient in all antiviral nasal drops is interferon. It stops the spread of viral infection. Options:

• Viferon;
• Nazoferon;
• Genferon.

The use of drugs of this type is advisable only in the initial stages of the disease (no more than 5 days).

Moisturizing

When excessive dryness of the mucous membrane is observed, intensive hydration is necessary. This is dealt with:

• Nazivin;
• Pinosol;
• Rinofluimucil.

Such drops are indicated if the patient has fragile vessel walls or is often in contact with hot air.

Homeopathic

Homeopathy is the perfect balance between safety and effectiveness for various types of runny nose. It is effective at the onset of respiratory infections and allergic reactions:

• Euphorbium compositum;
• Rinitol Edas-131;
• Allium flail.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines reduce the body's response to the allergen. They affect the immune system by blocking histamine receptors. Available in the form of drops and sprays:

• Allergodil spray;
• Tizin Allergy;
• Cromohexal.

To effectively eliminate the problem, you will also need antiallergic drugs in the form of tablets (Zyrtec, Erius, Cetrin). In case of prolonged severe reaction, it is possible to prescribe hormonal medications (Fliconase, Nazarel, Nasonex).

Saline solutions

For all types of runny nose, it is advisable to use saline solutions. They are safe for patients of any age and are compatible with different types of drugs. They can be prepared at home or bought at the pharmacy:

• No-salt;
• Aquamaris;
• Marimer;
• Nazomarin.

Saline solutions qualitatively cleanse the mucous membrane and remove pathogenic microflora. They must be used until complete recovery and after, for preventive purposes.

Folk remedies for a persistent runny nose

In combination with medications, you can use folk remedies to treat a persistent runny nose. They will help improve your general condition, relieve congestion and reduce nasal discharge.

Many doctors testify in favor of breathing exercises. This is the simplest treatment option with folk remedies:

1. Close your right nostril with your finger and take several deep breaths in and out through your nose.
2. Switch nostrils and repeat the exercise.
3. Take 2-3 breaths in through your right nostril and exhale through your left nostril. Repeat in reverse.
4. The final stage: take a deep breath through the nose and exhale through the mouth.

If there is no fever, but an adult’s runny nose does not go away for a long time, it is useful to steam the feet. You can add salts and essential oils to the baths. Soak your feet in hot water for 15-20 minutes, then put on woolen socks and spend at least an hour in bed.

Homemade drops

Incorrect prescription of pharmaceuticals can only aggravate the cause. Unlike medications, drops prepared independently do not cause adverse reactions if the correct composition is used. Considering the nature of the disease, the doctor may recommend instilling one of the following compositions into the nose:

• aloe juice It is used not only for a simple runny nose, but even for sinusitis. It relieves swelling and instantly makes breathing easier;
• beet juice Liquefies and removes thick mucus from the sinuses;
• onion juice diluted with water. Has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect;
• Peach oil. Suitable for removing dried mucus, strengthening blood vessels and moisturizing the mucous membrane.

Washing

At home, an effective and, most importantly, safe procedure for a prolonged runny nose is rinsing the nose. This procedure is carried out using a pipette, teapot, syringe (without a needle). The following solutions are suitable for washing:

1. Saline. Dissolve a tablespoon of sea salt in a glass of boiled water.
2. Chamomile-salt. Dissolve a tablespoon of sea salt in a glass of chamomile flower decoction.
3. Eucalyptus. For a glass of water you need to take 1 tsp. eucalyptus oils.

To prevent rhinitis, one rinse daily is enough, and for treatment it is necessary to repeat the procedure at least three times a day. The optimal time is an hour after eating. The temperature of the solution should be comfortable - 36-38 degrees. Correct technique:

1. Lean over the sink and turn your head.
2. Take a deep breath and open your mouth slightly to prevent liquid from entering your airways.
3. Insert the rinsing device 1-2 centimeters into the nostril, which is located on top.
4. Slowly pour the solution so that it flows out of the other nostril.
5. Repeat the procedures on the other side.

Physiotherapy for persistent rhinitis

If outpatient treatment does not bring results, the patient is sent to a hospital. Visible improvements can be achieved by manipulation with the influence of physical factors (ultrasound, current, heat). The following types of procedures are used in ENT departments:

• inhalation. They soothe inflamed mucous membranes, relieve swelling, and promote the removal of thick mucus. Herbal infusions, pine extracts, and citrus oils are suitable as a solution for the treatment of prolonged runny nose;
• ultraviolet irradiation. Suitable for heavy nasal discharge. The course of treatment is up to 5 days, 0.5-2 minutes in each nasal passage daily;
• laser therapy. Prescribed for serious damage to the mucous membrane. Usually 2-3 sessions of several minutes are enough;
• UHF therapy. During the procedure, ultra-high-frequency waves are directed to the affected area. Deep tissues are heated. To eliminate acute rhinitis, you need 3 procedures every day, for vasomotor rhinitis - 1 time per day for 7-10 days;

The most radical solution for persistent runny nose in adults is surgery. They resort to it if conservative treatment does not produce any results. This could be a vasotomy, removal of adenoids, polyps, or straightening of the nasal septum.

Vasotomy is used to treat vasomotor rhinitis. During the operation, a dissection is made at the junction of the mucosal and periosteal vessels. The procedure takes place under local anesthesia and takes no more than 10 minutes. Within a few hours after vasotomy, a decrease in swelling of the mucous membrane is observed.

Comprehensive scheme for long-term runny nose

In order to completely cure a long-term runny nose, complex therapy is necessary: ​​eliminating severe symptoms, local effects and strengthening the immune system.


For prolonged rhinitis, it is important to follow the treatment procedure: rinse the nose at least 4 times a day, instill drops 5-7 times. Antibiotics for persistent rhinitis are usually taken twice a day. A prolonged runny nose in an adult requires treatment with vitamins C and P - they will strengthen the walls of blood vessels.

Approximate diagram:

1. Apply vasoconstrictor drops to your nose three times a day.
2. When breathing improves, rinse both nasal passages with saline solution.
3. Washing and home inhalations are best done in the morning.
4. At a temperature not higher than 37.2, you can steam your feet before bed.
5. If nasal congestion occurs, apply vasoconstrictor drops again at night.

By taking the following preventive measures, you can get rid of a long runny nose in a few days:

• hardening;
• walks in the open air;
• balanced diet;
• taking vitamin supplements.

Cautions

Regardless of the severity of the symptoms, prolonged rhinitis is a reason to consult a doctor. The disease can have a completely different etiology, and therefore the ENT decides how to cure a prolonged runny nose in an adult.

You should visit an otolaryngologist if:

• runny nose persists for more than 10 days;
• unpleasant sensations appeared in the sinus area (above the eyebrows or around the nose);
• rhinitis is accompanied by acute headache;
• hearing has decreased or a characteristic “clicking” sound is observed in the ears.

A prolonged runny nose in an adult is not a diagnosis, but simply a symptom of an illness, perhaps even a chronic one. At the first signs of the disease, professional diagnosis is necessary. The specialist will select the optimal course of therapy that will help get rid of unpleasant sensations in the shortest possible time.