It is obvious to every mother that it is better not to let the situation get worse so that the baby gets a runny nose. But a newborn’s immunity is so imperfect that often, in the absence of an obvious cause, the child still manages to catch a cold. We think: why this time? Draft, cold on a walk, or perhaps viruses? Don’t go to the doctor with every runny nose! In the clinic you will only get an extra infection! Every mother decides for herself whether to see a doctor with a runny nose. But it is a fact that it is necessary to treat a runny nose. The main method of treatment for uncomplicated forms is nasal drops.
Indications for use
In childhood, swelling of the nasal passages is more difficult to tolerate than in adults - children begin to be capricious, refuse to eat and sleep. Complaints of headaches, extraneous noises in the ears, difficulty breathing - all manifestations arise for various underlying reasons:
- allergic reactions;
- infectious diseases, viral or bacterial etiology;
- increased dust content in residential premises;
- personal reaction to cigarette smoke.
The main percentage of causes of rhinotic phenomena are colds. When foreign bacteria enter the body, a protective mechanism is activated and a mucous secretion begins to be produced. A nasal spray applied at the first signs of the onset of the disease will relieve unpleasant symptoms and help the body fight pathological bacteria.
Treatment of persistent runny nose
If frequent rhinitis occurs, how to treat a runny nose in a child? To quickly cope with the manifestation of this pathology, you need to understand its cause. Treatment of allergic rhinitis should be aimed at eliminating the allergen. Parents of children with an infectious disease will have to use certain folk remedies. Instillation of aloe and Kalanchoe juice into the nose, herbal steam baths, etc. are suitable here.
Treatment of children 2 years old
If the child is 2 years old, then not all medications will suit him. And if you know how to behave at the very beginning of the disease, then the symptoms can be quickly stopped. In order for the condition to normalize, you need to:
- walk a lot in the fresh air;
- ventilate the apartment;
- maintain the temperature within 19-22 degrees and humidity – 60-75%;
- offer more drinks (milk, tea, juice or fruit drink);
- rinse the sinuses with water and salt (you can use saline solution);
- Clean your nose more often.
To help your baby quickly return to normal, take baths with mustard powder for your feet.
It is advisable to breathe above the steam. To do this, various medicinal herbs are brewed, such as sage, chamomile, St. John's wort, etc.
How to treat a runny nose in a 5 year old child?
Rhinitis can be treated with folk remedies at any age. The main thing is not to overdo it, everything needs to be done in moderation.
To remove nasal congestion, rinse your sinuses more often with salt water, steam your feet, and maintain optimal humidity and air temperature in the room. It will be easier for the child to breathe in the fresh air, so it is recommended to spend more time outside (if the weather permits, of course).
Various recipes will help remove all the mucus and pus from the sinuses, which we will discuss in more detail below. It is worth noting that nasal instillation of Kalanchoe juice, as well as garlic and onion instillations will not harm if you adhere to the required dosage.
Newborns and infants
Before talking about the signs of pathology, it is worth considering the fact that newborn children, even before they reach two months of age, have a physiological runny nose, which does not require special treatment. In this case, the baby breathes and eats normally.
Treatment for a newborn - as prescribed by a doctor
The main symptoms of a runny nose in children under one year of age include:
- inability to breathe through the nose (the child’s mouth is constantly open);
- copious nasal discharge;
- constant sneezing;
- refusal of the breast or pacifier (the baby cannot breathe through his nose, and his mouth is busy while eating);
- moodiness;
- presence of snoring.
Moisturizing medicinal substances
They are used as an aid in personal hygiene of the nasal passages, additionally moisturize the mucous membranes and treat initial forms of rhinitis.
Aqualor Baby
A specialized medicine created exclusively for children. It does not contain preservatives and is made on the basis of a sterile isotonic seawater solution.
Reduces the manifestations of rhinitis, fights side effects - prevents further penetration of bacteria into the ears and throat. Allowed to ease breathing during feeding, cleanses mucous membranes. Approved for use:
- for colds;
- acute and chronic stages of runny nose;
- viral respiratory diseases;
- flu;
- sinusitis;
- otitis media;
- enlarged adenoids, accompanied by a runny nose.
The medication can be used from infancy; it is suitable for hygienic measures to clean the nasal passages. Every day, up to four rinses of the nasal mucosa are performed. There are no side effects or identified contraindications.
Otrivin Baby
It is used from the first days of a child’s life as a means of personal hygiene, for the treatment of chronic and infectious diseases, and as a means of prevention after surgical procedures. Based on sea water, without identified side effects or contraindications. The exception is personal reactions to the components of the drug.
Aqua Maris
Based on sea water, it is suitable for clearing mucous secretions from the nostrils, moisturizing and reducing inflammation. The main side effects are a possible personal allergic reaction to the constituent components; use is prohibited for up to 12 months.
- during the acute phase of infectious diseases;
- adenoiditis;
- as a means of prevention;
- after surgical interventions affecting the nasal passages.
From 12 months to seven years, the recommended dosage is up to 4 times a day, twice in each nasal passage. After seven years - twice in each nostril up to six times in 24 hours. The duration of therapeutic manipulations is no more than one month, the treatment is repeated every other calendar month.
Physiological or infectious?
To prevent a runny nose and during its treatment, cleaning the baby’s nasal passages is very important. The best remedy for this is saline solution or saline solution, which can be purchased at the pharmacy. It is prepared independently from sea salt and water in a 1:1 ratio. If you don't have sea salt, table salt will do. You can purchase pharmaceutical preparations: “Aqualor”, “Otrivin Baby”, “Aqua Maris”. Plain water is not suitable - it dries out the mucous surface of the nasopharynx.
Do not confuse a physiological runny nose with infectious rhinitis. Physiological occurs in a child during the first 3 months of life.
During this period, the nose and throat get used to the new conditions, which causes slight congestion and discharge from the nasal passages without heat or severe discomfort.
If rhinitis is accompanied by profuse snot, it changes color (from a transparent shade to greenish, cloudy white or yellowish), the temperature rises, and medical attention is needed. These are signals of a cold, an infectious runny nose.
To alleviate the condition of the baby in both the first and second cases, it is necessary to regularly wet clean the nursery, ventilate the room and monitor air humidity and temperature.
Vasoconstrictor medicinal sprays
Used to ease breathing and constrict blood vessels. Before use, they require preliminary cleaning of the nasal canals from accumulated mucous secretions. Sprays with this type of action cannot be used in conjunction with vasoconstrictor drops and ointments - degeneration of the nasal mucous membranes may occur.
Nazivin
The pharmacological agent helps reduce swelling of the mucous membranes, constrict blood vessels, facilitate breathing, reduce mucus secretion, and prevent the development of bacterial complications. Indications for use:
- runny nose;
- vasomotor rhinitis;
- sinusitis;
- lesions of the Eustachian tube;
- inflammation of the middle ear.
Prohibited for use in atrophic rhinitis, angle-closure glaucoma, hypersensitivity to constituent ingredients, and children under one year of age. Side effects appear:
- burning sensation on mucous membranes;
- increased frequency of sneezing;
- worsening sleep;
- headache;
- nausea;
- fatigue;
- restless behavior.
The duration of use of the medication is up to five days, once in each nasal canal up to three times every 24 hours.
Vibrocil
Refers to antiallergic vasoconstrictor drugs. Use is allowed from the first year of life, up to 12 months - on the recommendation of the treating specialist. Children from one year to six years - one dose three times a day, after this age - up to 4 doses for each nasal passage three times a day.
Antibacterial drugs
Used when bacterial microflora is associated with complications of acute rhinitis. Green snot is a sign of bacterial influence on the child’s body. Conventional antiviral agents are powerless in the fight against bacteria.
Derinat
Used in the fight against viral, fungal and infectious diseases. Recommended for acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections, sinusitis, and green snot in children. Recommended:
- with inflammation of the mucous membranes;
- increased level of swelling;
- to accelerate the removal of mucous secretions;
- for removing pus-like mucus;
- suppression of the activity of pathogenic microflora;
- restoration of the functionality of the autoimmune system.
No side effects were recorded; use in diabetes mellitus is undesirable. Therapeutic manipulations are carried out for up to 14 days, 5 doses in each nostril up to 6 times every 24 hours.
Isofra
The main effect is antibacterial, recommended as a component of complex treatment. Used for runny nose, sinusitis, nasopharyngitis, sinusitis. A possible side effect is an allergic reaction in the form of itching, rash. The best drug to combat bacterial microflora.
Bioparox
It is used against infections and bacteria, to cure purulent rhinitis, and green snot. When used, it allows you to disinfect and wash the affected mucous membranes, and prevent the development of possible complications. Approved for the treatment of children after 2.5 years, up to 4 times a day.
What does an untreated runny nose lead to in infants?
The treatment of respiratory ailments in children under 8 years of age should be treated with particular care.
After all, the immune system of preschool children and younger schoolchildren is not yet perfect, since it is in the process of development. As in an adult, they rarely have a runny nose without complications; viral and bacterial pathogens develop very quickly. They begin to move into the respiratory tract and can cause the following pathologies: Another unpleasant consequence of a runny nose can be weight loss in the baby due to decreased appetite.
From the first symptoms of rhinitis to serious inflammation, it can take less than 24 hours, depending on the baby’s immunity. There is no need to bring the condition to pathology. If you start therapy on time and treat a runny nose with drops, complications can be avoided.
Antiallergic sprays
They have gained well-deserved popularity among consumers due to their ease of use, especially among children.
Allergodil
Approved for children from the age of six, one dose twice a day. Used until the main symptoms of an allergic reaction are relieved. Possible side effects:
- rashes on the surface of the skin;
- headache;
- nausea;
- dizziness.
Nasonex
Nasal decongestion spray is recommended for seasonal or stable allergies. Used after 12 years, twice a day. With the approval of the attending physician, it can be used from two years of age according to an individual scheme.
- bleeding from the nasal passages;
- headache;
- burning on the surface of the mucous membranes;
- pharyngitis;
- disturbance of taste sensations;
- constant irritation.
The drug is prohibited for use during surgical procedures.
Possible interaction
Any sprays in childhood are used with extreme caution. These medications help eliminate the main symptoms, but cannot produce a full therapeutic effect.
When using drugs with similar effects, it is necessary to take into account the possible enhancement of the effect. This is especially true for vasoconstrictors. Before use, professional consultation and approval of the treating specialist for joint use is required. The main problem with combination therapies is the occurrence of drug overdose.
Children's medications should not be used together with adults - the consequences of such interaction are unpredictable. It is better to consult a doctor once again than to poison the baby with independent manipulations.
Aerosols are stored in places away from children so that the child cannot accidentally be poisoned by them.
Source
Types of nasal sprays for congestion and runny nose (list of good ones) for adults
There are a large number of products on the pharmaceutical market that are aimed at eliminating the causes of nasal congestion. They have a different nature, release form, and price range.
The list of the main types of products that fight rhinitis includes:
- vasoconstrictors;
- moisturizing;
- homeopathic;
- antiviral;
- anti-allergenic;
- natural, based on extracts from plant oils;
- products that contain antibiotics.
You can find a list of drops here.
Before using the medication, to eliminate the consequences of a runny nose, you must carefully read the instructions and consult a specialist.
Antiviral
The composition includes synthetically derived human interferon. It acts as an effective remedy in the treatment of flu and colds, as well as diseases of an infectious nature. Recommended for use when the first symptoms of the disease appear. This is associated with an increase in the efficiency of the active component. They can be prescribed to children, but it is necessary to agree on the permissible dose and course of treatment with the pediatrician. The following clinical prohibitions for use have been identified: the depressed state of the patient, epilepsy, kidney and liver diseases, autoimmune pathologies, as well as individual intolerance to the component. There are Interferon, Grippferon, Derinat.
Instructions for use of Grippferon can be found here.
Vasoconstrictors
Drugs that belong to the group of vasoconstrictors are prescribed in the presence of severe swelling of the nasal mucosa. Their action is aimed at narrowing the vessels of the nasal cavity. After using them, after some time, signs of nasal congestion disappear. Consequently, they are used to restore breathing through the nose, as well as to treat rhinitis of various natures.
Sprays of this group act on the source of the disease quickly, maintaining the effect for up to 12 hours after use. However, using these sprays for longer than 3-7 days is contraindicated. The active substances that are included in their composition can be addictive, making the nasal mucosa dry and susceptible to mechanical influence from the outside. In case of overdose, there is a possibility of drug-induced edema.
You can read the instructions for using Tizin in this material.
Among the sprays in this group are:
- short-acting (Naphazoline, Rinonorm, Phenylephrine);
- medium duration (Otrivin, Tizin);
- long-acting (Nazol, Nazivin).
Antibacterial
If an infection is added to the development of a runny nose, infectious rhinitis or purulent sinusitis may occur. Sprays that contain antibacterial components and water will help cure these diseases. It is necessary to use only those drugs that fight the source of infection and do not spread to healthy areas. Among the most effective medications are:
You can find the instructions for using Polydex here.
Do homeopathic remedies moisten the nasal passages?
Nasal sprays, which belong to the homeopathic group, prove their effectiveness over a long period of time. At the same time, the fastest results can be achieved if you start using them at the first signs of a cold and runny nose.
There are several directions of influence on the body: they are used to strengthen the immune system, applied topically, designed to combat allergies, and are also part of complex therapy to eliminate the runny nose. Effectively moisturizes the nasal passages. Contraindications include individual intolerance to the active components in the product.
Products in this group are not particularly popular. Among them are Delufen and Sinuforte.
Antihistamines
To eliminate allergic reactions, in which a nose clogged with secretions does not allow you to work fully, antihistamines are used. Their action is aimed at relieving inflammation from the mucous membrane, and they also have an immunosuppressive and anti-allergenic effect. Among such medicines are:
Hormonal (sprays with hormones)
Hormonal drops act as effective products. Among them are Avamis, Nazonex, Fluticasone.
The action of these drugs with hormones is aimed at eliminating the symptoms of nasopharyngeal diseases (sneezing, itching). Their effect extends only through the mucous membrane of the nasal passages. Side effects from their use include a burning sensation and dryness in the nose; in addition, in rare cases, an overdose of such medications may cause nosebleeds. The maximum effect occurs after two to three weeks of daily use.
Article: How to properly treat a runny nose in a child...
Treating a runny nose for the third time in 10 months led me to create a small instruction:
What to do when your baby has a runny nose?
Treat correctly!
Competent treatment of a runny nose in a child
How does a runny nose develop? On the path of development, a runny nose goes through three stages: Stage I – reflex. Its duration is no more than a few hours. The vessels of the mucous membrane narrow, its surface turns pale. Sharp itching and dryness of the mucous membrane occurs. Stage II – catarrhal. It lasts for two to three days. The vessels begin to dilate, the mucous membrane turns red, and swelling occurs. Breathing becomes difficult and the time of clinical manifestations comes - the height of a runny nose. Stage III – restoration of the functional abilities of the nasal mucosa. Swelling and redness disappear. Nasal breathing is restored. Itching, dryness and burning in the nose go away. Nasal discharge becomes thicker and changes color to yellow-green. In total, with timely and correct treatment, the disease lasts from 7 to 10 days.
In the fight against a runny nose in a child, it is very important to prevent the mucus from drying out in the nasal cavity. That’s why even if you don’t have any drops at home, make a regular saline solution
and drop it into your baby's nose.
The saline solution can be dripped in the amount of three to four drops into each nostril every half hour to an hour. The saline solution can also be replaced
of vitamin A or E. These oil solutions help not only moisturize the nasal mucosa, but also relieve irritation and regenerate the nasal cavity.
How to help a child if he has a runny nose? First of all, you need to give him first aid . It is very important that the head of the bed on which a sick child sleeps is raised
. The fact is that raising the child’s head and upper body will allow the mucus that accumulates in the nose to be released much easier and faster.
Drops:
There are a large number of nasal drops against a runny nose.
Let's list some of them: protargol, collargol, complex furacilin drops , etc.
Protargol nasal drops
are truly precious, as they contain about eight percent silver. They have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, as well as astringent properties. If you feel the first symptoms of a runny nose, immediately drip a few drops of this drug before going to bed, and you will no longer remember the disease. This drug is harmless, so it can also be used for newborns.
Collargol nasal drops
has the same properties as Protargol. They also contain silver and should also be dripped before going to bed. Pediatricians advise using this drug for adenoids. However, before starting treatment with these medications, it is best to consult a pediatrician.
Complex furacilin drops
used for prolonged or chronic runny nose, nasal congestion or swelling. These drops consist of components that have antimicrobial and antihistamine effects. They are also able to constrict blood vessels and relieve tissue swelling. They need to be instilled into the nose, two drops in the morning, at lunch and in the evening. You can use cotton swabs with a solution of these drops, holding them in the nasal cavity for a maximum of three minutes. If a person suffers from hypertension or diabetes, then they must be used with great caution.
Vasoconstrictor drugs: At the onset of a runny nose, Vibrocil
1 drop 3 times a day, and then to dilute
Nazivin
, 1 drop 3 times a day. Each drug is used for no more than 3 days.
Baths:
A very effective remedy for a runny nose is
a hot bath with essential oils. Tea tree oil is especially helpful .
About five drops of this oil are needed for a whole bath. The time spent in the bathroom is no more than fifteen minutes. After the bath, immediately dry yourself thoroughly, put on warm pajamas and socks and lie down under the blanket. This bath helps not only with a runny nose, but also with an incipient cold. Indoor air: In order to make the indoor air healing and destroy all germs, make a mixture:
the base is one hundred milliliters of alcohol, add twenty drops of tea tree oil and twenty drops of eucalyptus oil to it.
Spray this mixture into the air once every hour. This will help you get rid of a runny nose, and your family will not catch a cold. There are many ready-made preparations created on the basis of essential oils and used against the runny nose and incipient colds. Such aerosols usually contain oils that have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, such as clove, eucalyptus, peppermint or rosemary oil. Such oils work remarkably effectively both in combination with each other and alone. You can purchase them in pharmacies and use them to treat the air in your apartment. Dampen a cloth and place it near your head before going to bed.
It won't hurt even kids. If, in addition to anti-inflammatory ones, you also add soothing oils, for example, mint, then, in addition to treating a runny nose, deep and sound sleep is ensured.
Rating of the most effective and inexpensive nasal sprays
There are several drugs on the pharmaceutical market that effectively combat cold symptoms and relieve nasal congestion. We present you a rating of inexpensive and effective sprays for adults.
Asterisk Noz
The direction of action of this product can include the elimination of symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections (accompanied by a runny nose with copious discharge), sinusitis of varying degrees of severity, otitis media, as a preparatory stage before rhinoplasty or other surgical intervention in the nasal area. Use intranasally. It is not recommended to use more than three times a day.
