The question of how to pierce the nose with a runny nose never loses its relevance. After all, a runny nose is a very common and unpleasant phenomenon that occurs in both adults and children. This phenomenon can be caused by colds, allergies and other common diseases. Every person has more than once encountered the problem of nasal congestion and knows this painful feeling of breathing through the mouth.
How to pierce the nose with a runny nose? Most often, people use vasoconstrictor drops, for example Nazivin, Otrivin, Pinosol, etc. However, despite the fact that drops can remove congestion, experts in the field of otolaryngology do not recommend using them constantly. Long-term or frequent use of nasal drops not only leads to the nasal mucosa growing, but the drops can have a systemic effect on the body, which is extremely undesirable for pregnant women and children.
Causes of nasal congestion with rhinitis
Before looking for a remedy for a runny nose, you need to find out its causes:
- sinusitis;
- sinusitis;
- frontal sinusitis;
- polypous sinusitis;
- ARVI;
- flu;
- adenoids;
- throat diseases;
- allergies.
In addition, there are a number of external factors that can also provoke a runny nose:
- nasopharyngeal surgery;
- nervous diseases;
- endocrine diseases;
- vasoconstrictor drops that are used on an ongoing basis;
- deviated nasal septum and nasal injuries;
- chemicals that act as an irritant;
- dry air;
- weak immunity.
Causes of adenoids
The growth of adenoid vegetations can lead to:
- heredity;
- persistent colds;
- “childhood” diseases affecting the nasal cavity and pharynx: scarlet fever, measles, rubella;
- weak immunity;
- non-compliance with ventilation standards, room humidity, dust;
- allergic manifestations;
- unfavorable environment (exhausts, emissions).
The baby's body, constantly attacked by viruses, in combination with an undeveloped immune system, leads to hypertrophy of the nasopharyngeal tonsil, as a result of which a complex disruption of the process of nasal breathing occurs, mucus in the nose stagnates. Pathogenic microorganisms penetrating from the outside “stick” to this mucus, and the adenoid vegetations themselves turn into a focus of infection. From here, bacteria and viruses can spread to other organs.
Methods for treating a runny nose and relieving congestion
It makes no sense to talk about vasoconstrictors; everyone knows what drops exist and how to use them; moreover, those who suffer from chronic rhinitis most likely have them with them all the time. Is it possible to get rid of a runny nose if there are no drops, especially since there are no drops that would treat a runny nose, they all just relieve symptoms? Of course, with rhinitis, sometimes drops are really necessary, but if you use them constantly, the hypertrophied mucous membrane will bring even more problems.
Therefore, if there is no need to immediately remove congestion, you can try other remedies, such as saline solution. To prepare it, you will need sea or table salt and water. For 1 glass of boiled warm water you need to take 1 teaspoon of salt, which must be dissolved very well; if crystals remain, there is a risk of injuring the delicate mucous membrane of the nasal cavity with them. The solution should be poured into a syringe, a teapot with a long spout, or simply drawn into a syringe. Lean over the sink and tilt your head to the side. Pour the solution in a thin stream into the nostril that is on top, then clean your nose and repeat the same with the other nostril. Now you can blow your nose. It is recommended to repeat the procedure every 3 hours. Such washings are completely safe. They can be done even if the child has a fever.
Treatment can be carried out using inhalations. To do this, you need to prepare a decoction of medicinal herbs or herbs and inhale their steam. You can use a nebulizer, or you can simply lean over a hot (but not scalding) broth and cover your head with a towel. To prepare decoctions, you can use calendula, eucalyptus, sweet clover, linden, chamomile, yarrow, sage, wormwood and many others.
If you have the opportunity to devote more time to your health, then it would be good to undergo physiotherapy or massage sessions. You can do the massage yourself at home.
Aloe and Kalanchoe juice have proven themselves well. It cleanses the nose well and has a bactericidal effect on the mucous membrane. Pick a fresh leaf of the plant and put it in the refrigerator for a day. Then squeeze the juice out of the leaf and drop it into your nose - 2-3 drops into each nostril. Children need to dilute the juice with boiled water in a ratio of 1:2.
During rhinitis, you need to drink a lot of fluids, especially if your child is sick. Children can be given tea, compote, infusions of medicinal herbs, juices, fruit drinks, rosehip decoction. Many people benefit from hot foot baths before bed, to which you can also add medicinal herbs or essential oils. You can rub the chest with various warming ointments.
Aromatherapy for a runny nose
At home, you can use aromatherapy to relieve nasal swelling. How to pierce your nose with essential oils? First you need to know what properties this or that oil has:
- Chamomile, sage, and juniper have an anti-inflammatory effect.
- has a viral nature, then mint, lemon balm, and geranium oils are suitable.
- Anise, frankincense, lavender and geranium have a general strengthening effect.
- To strengthen the immune system, chamomile, pine, juniper, and eucalyptus are used.
- Cinnamon, ginger, eucalyptus, and chamomile oils work well against bacterial runny nose.
- If you have a fever with a runny nose, then lemon oil, as well as tea tree, mint, chamomile and eucalyptus, will help.
- Eucalyptus oil helps relieve nasal congestion.
It is necessary to strictly observe the dosage of oils, especially when it comes to pregnant women, children and the elderly.
It is not recommended to use the same oil for more than 3 weeks. It must be natural and of good quality, otherwise negative consequences may occur.
Before using oils, you should consult your doctor, the fact is that some oils enhance the effect of antibacterial agents and interfere with the action of homeopathic medicines.
You can use essential oils using an aroma lamp; they can be applied to the skin, dripped into baths, inhaled, rubbed, disinfected, and even mixed in small quantities and dropped into the nose.
There are contraindications for the use of essential oils: bronchial asthma, diseases of the cardiovascular system. In rare cases, side effects occur: headaches, dizziness and allergic reactions. If they occur, aromatherapy treatment should be stopped.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis is carried out in an ENT office under the guidance of an otolaryngologist. The doctor conducts a general examination of the patient and interviews parents about complaints and the appearance of pronounced symptoms.
Additionally, the following types of examination are used using:
- pharyngoscopy - examination of the oropharynx;
- rhinoscopy - examination of the nasal cavity;
- X-ray;
- endoscopy of the nasopharynx is the most informative method, providing a complete picture (the results of the study can be recorded on digital media).
Massage for a runny nose
How to get rid of a runny nose with massage? To properly massage with nasal congestion, you need to know the reflex zones and active points. It would be good if a specialist showed them to you, but if this is not possible, below are some recommendations for self-massage.
Acupressure will help answer the question of how to cure a runny nose without drops:
- Wings of the nose (recesses). Massage symmetrical points for a minute.
- The area under the nostrils, try to feel the tubercles and massage them at the same time, making circular movements.
- The third point is located at the very tip of the nose, gently press on it and then massage.
- Whiskey. Massage them at the same time for a minute.
- The point between the eyebrows is the so-called “third eye”, massage clockwise.
- Inner corners of the eyes.
- Behind the earlobes. There is no need to massage these points for a long time; a few clockwise movements are enough.
- In addition, there are points between the thumb and index finger of the palm, under the knees and at the junction of the head and neck.
Massage should be done only with clean and warm hands, you should not put too much pressure on the points, massage carefully and gently, use only your fingertips. Rotation should only be clockwise, and movements should be continuous. It is prohibited to do massage at high temperatures!
To get rid of nasal congestion, massage should be done several times a day, starting at the first sign of a runny nose. To enhance the effect, apply a warming balm to your fingertips. It is recommended to drink warm green tea or a decoction of medicinal herbs after the massage.
As you can see, you can get rid of nasal congestion not only with drops, of course, it will take more time, but at the same time you not only clear the nasal cavity, but also have a positive effect on the entire body as a whole.
During a runny nose, people have many misconceptions that lead to serious complications. The opinion that during nasal congestion you can breathe through your mouth and everything will go wrong, on the contrary, rhinitis will be accompanied by a sore throat, since the mouth cannot perform respiratory functions for a long time. As soon as the first symptoms of a runny nose begin to appear, treatment should be started immediately. Nasal sprays help get rid of snot quickly, but they are not always at hand.
The lack of sprays is not a reason to panic; there are many ways that help. Such methods are considered safer, unlike the use of drugs, because they do not cause drug dependence. In an emergency situation, when you urgently need to pierce your nose, physical exercises will help:
- Somersault over the head;
- Jumping in place;
- Rapid shaking of the head;
- Massage of the nasal wings.
All exercises will provoke nasal discharge, but when performing them you must breathe through your mouth.
Why are adenoids dangerous?
The growth of adenoid vegetations can lead to hearing problems, including hearing loss. The human hearing aid has several sections. In the middle section there is an auditory tube, also known as the Eustachian tube, which is responsible for regulating external (atmospheric) pressure with pressure in the nasopharynx. The pharyngeal tonsil, increasing in size, blocks the mouth of the Eustachian tube, air cannot circulate freely between the nasal cavity and the ear. As a result, the eardrum becomes less mobile, and this negatively affects the ability to hear. In severe cases, such complications cannot be treated.
When normal air circulation is not possible, an infection develops in the ear and inflammation (otitis) occurs.
Constant mouth breathing leads, as mentioned earlier, to deformation of the facial skeleton, as well as a decrease in oxygen saturation of the brain: the child quickly gets tired and cannot withstand the school load, and performance decreases sharply.
The constant concentration of infection in the nasopharyngeal tonsil leads to general intoxication of the body and the spread of viruses to other organs. The baby is exposed to frequent bronchitis, laryngitis and pharyngitis.
Unpleasant consequences also include problems with the gastrointestinal tract, urinary incontinence at night, and coughing.
Simple Methods
The nose is stuffy, there is a headache, and there are no drops nearby, what to do in this situation? It is worth noting that nasal sprays are not the best option; they relieve symptoms, but do not have a therapeutic effect. When piercing the nose, it is necessary to use methods that not only free the nose from snot, but also reduce the inflammatory process of the mucous membrane.
- Rinsing with salt water is the best method of control at home. Salt quickly relieves inflammation, therefore, as soon as nasal congestion appears, you should immediately begin rinsing with salt water. If you cannot tolerate this unpleasant procedure, then you can put salt water in your nose, the effect is the same. Only rinsing is faster, and when instilling you need to immediately blow your nose and repeat the session several times in a row.
- More moisture. Sometimes people spend a long time in a room with dry air, so the process of treating a runny nose is delayed. A humidifier will help get rid of unwanted ailments more quickly.
- More liquids. During congestion, be sure to drink plenty of fluids. Mineral water helps normalize the water balance in the body most effectively.
- The right food. Salty, hot and spicy foods have anti-inflammatory properties. When your nose is stuffy, eat pickles.
Functions of the pharyngeal tonsil
The nasopharyngeal tonsil, like other tonsils, is part of the human immune system. Their main function is protective. It is the tonsils that are the first to stand in the way of bacteria and viruses entering the body and destroy them. Adenoids are located directly next to the respiratory tract to quickly respond to the presence of pathogenic microorganisms. During the penetration of infection, the pharyngeal tonsil begins to intensively produce immune cells to fight the external enemy, increasing in size. This is the norm for children. When the inflammatory process “subsides,” the nasopharyngeal tonsil returns to its original size.
If a child is often sick, the adenoids are constantly in an inflamed state. The tonsil does not have time to shrink, which leads to even greater growth of adenoid vegetations. The situation reaches the point where they completely block the nasopharynx, making full breathing through the nose becomes impossible.
Alternative medicine
Traditional methods are considered the main means of treating congestion and runny nose; unlike drops, they have a healing effect on the nasal mucosa. There are three methods that will help you pierce your nose in a few minutes in an emergency:
Cooling the head. If you cool the back of your head, the congestion will begin to subside. To do this, you need to: immerse your head in salt water for one or two minutes, but this procedure can be performed no more than twice a day.
- Cleansing the nasal passages. You can use the restroom: lightly soap your finger, moisten it and clean each nostril in turn. This method removes mucus and frees up the nose.
- Warming up with an egg. A method known to everyone, you need to boil two eggs and apply them to the nasal area.
Treatment of a runny nose at home should be carried out with caution; you should not use the first folk method you come across, since some can cause an allergic reaction. It is customary to perform four traditional methods for congestion, which do not have any negative effect on the body.
- Garlic. A plant with antibacterial properties. To treat rhinitis, you need to take a clove, cut it into two parts, wrap it in gauze and stick it in the nostrils for ten minutes. You can set fire to the dry stalk of garlic and breathe in the vapors. Sometimes inhalations are performed using garlic, but for this you need to add ginger and honey, pour boiling water over the mixture and carry out the procedure.
- Star. The balm should be applied to the outside of the nasal area.
- Mustard. Pour dry mustard into socks and leave for two hours.
- Honey. A tasty and healthy product. To treat a runny nose, you need to chew honeycombs every hour.
Thus, alternative treatment methods will help get rid of nasal congestion. In emergency cases, physical exercise will help, which will provoke the release of secretions to the outside. When using any therapy methods, always pay attention to the general condition; if strange sensations appear during the procedure, then stop the session immediately.
How to get rid of nasal congestion without drops? If you are asking this question, obviously, you have already experienced all the unpleasant side effects of nasal medications - burning, dryness in the nasopharynx, the short duration of the effect, and most importantly - the quickly developing addiction to the drops, which makes life without them simply unimaginable. What to do to break this vicious circle, and how to cope with a runny nose without the usual medications?
In fact, the above side effects are characteristic only of a certain class of nasal drops - vasoconstrictor drugs. They are the ones who are primarily prescribed for congestion, as the most effective remedy that currently exists. However, given the side effects and contraindications to the use of vasoconstrictors, the question of how to cope with nasal congestion without them, and even better, without any other nasal drops at all, is of interest. Is it possible?
It turns out there are a number of drug-free methods that we will discuss in this article.
What is congestion and why does it occur?
When nasal breathing turns out to be impossible, we say that the nose is blocked. What are the possible causes of this disorder? If a person has a stuffy nose, it is possible that:
- the nose is clogged with thick mucus that cannot be blown out;
- The mucous membrane of the nasopharynx swelled and blocked the passage of air.
Both excessive mucus formation and swelling of the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx are the result of inflammation.
Inflammation of the nasal mucosa (rhinitis) can have various causes, including infectious (ARVI, bacteria, fungi) and non-infectious (for example, allergies, vasomotor rhinitis). In addition, the so-called drug-induced rhinitis, a condition caused by long-term use of nasal drops, is very common among adults. With drug-induced rhinitis, the patient suffers from constant congestion (although there is no nasal discharge) and constantly feels the need for nasal drops, but they provide relief only for a short time.
Ways to make breathing easier
What should I do to treat problems associated with the accumulation of viscous mucus and swelling? In the first case, if the nose is clogged with secretions, actions should be aimed at thinning the mucus. For example, mucus is well diluted by moisturizing drops (saline solution, salted water, weak soda solution, inhalation). After liquefaction, the mucus is removed with a pear, or simply blown out.
If there is no nasal discharge, and the cause of congestion is swelling, agents with an anti-inflammatory effect will be effective. Let's talk in more detail about how to relieve nasal congestion without resorting to medications.
We prepare the drops ourselves
If you want to relieve nasal congestion without pharmaceutical drops, you can prepare an alternative instillation solution at home. Homemade drops are very popular among fans of traditional medicine. Here are some popular recipes:
- Aloe juice, diluted with boiled water 2-3 times. The juice of this plant irritates the mucous membrane - after instillation, it tingles in the nose, and sneezing may begin. All this leads to the restoration of nasal breathing. However, you should be careful with this remedy - individual reactions to aloe vary greatly, and for some it is a “light tingling”, while for others it is a severe burning sensation and allergies. For the first time, it is recommended to instill highly diluted juice and observe your sensations.
- Kalanchoe juice - acts similarly to aloe juice. Dilute at least 2 times.
- Nettle juice mixed with rhubarb juice also relieves. Since it is not easy to obtain juice from nettle leaves, you can use a decoction of this plant.
- Chamomile decoction is an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent, helps fight infection and reduces swelling. Can be used several times a day.
- A decoction of eucalyptus leaves is a strong antiseptic. They can be instilled or washed into the nose - this thins the mucus and restores breathing if the nose is “clogged”.
- Strong black tea without additives is known for its tannic and antiseptic properties. You can put tea in your nose every 2-3 hours.
- Recipes based on beet and carrot juice are also very popular. They can indeed reduce swelling, but with them, as with other juices, you should be careful - never use them undiluted.
Instilling homemade drops is contraindicated for people prone to allergic reactions.
Even if you have not previously experienced an allergy, before using “homemade drops” for the first time, perform a sensitivity test - rub the juice of the plant used into the skin on your elbow or wrist, and observe the reaction for at least 12 hours.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is not an officially recognized treatment method, but when it comes to dealing with nasal congestion, it produces results. You may have noticed how inhaling substances with a pungent odor “pierces” your nose - aromatherapy works in a similar way.
By using essential oils and other ingredients that have an antimicrobial effect, you reduce congestion and prevent bacteria from multiplying in the nasopharynx. For example, the ability of eucalyptus oil to relieve the symptoms of a runny nose is well known. It can be heated in an aroma lamp, or simply applied to the tip and wings of the nose. Eucalyptus oil mixed with olive oil or any other neutral oil can be used to lubricate the inside of the nasal passages.
Other essential oils that help relieve nasal congestion include tea tree oil, peppermint oil, as well as orange oil, fir oil, and camphor oil.
Another option for aromatherapy is dry inhalation. For example, you can chop a couple of cloves of garlic and inhale its fumes while leaning over a saucer for 5-10 minutes. You can also use onions, lemon, and ginger for this purpose.
The response to aromatherapy is very individual. If inhaling fumes of a certain substance causes you headache, nausea or other discomfort, stop the procedure immediately.
Massage
Acupressure of the projections of the nasal sinuses is an ancient healing procedure that came to us from the east. It helps relieve congestion and also prevents mucus from stagnating in the nasal passages and sinuses. It is very useful to combine massage with aromatherapy - this will enhance the therapeutic effect.
How to perform acupressure? Warm your hands, lubricate your fingertips with a mixture of base and essential oils (for example, olive and fir, sea buckthorn and tea tree oil). Using light circular movements, massage the tip of the nose, the point between the eyebrows, as well as paired points - at the base of the wings of the nose, in the projections of the maxillary sinuses (on the sides of the nose), and on the temples. Don't rub your skin too hard, especially if there are inflamed areas (as is often the case with a runny nose).
During the procedure, the patient should try to breathe deeply and slowly through the nose. This method of eliminating congestion can be easily learned on your own with the help of training videos.
Spices
Hot spicy foods also help to “pierce” the nose. Garlic, onion, mustard, wassabi, pepper - all these spices are very appropriate in the diet of a patient suffering from a runny nose. Drinks include tea with ginger, cinnamon, and lemon. You can also chew lemon slices, honeycomb, suck a mixture of honey and horseradish - the effect will not take long to appear.
Please note that if, in addition to congestion, you are bothered by a sore throat, it is better to avoid eating spicy foods - this may increase the discomfort.
Inhalation
Steam inhalation is a traditional method of combating a runny nose, as well as a sore throat and cough. Inhaling steam helps thin the mucus in the nose, making it easier to clear, clearing the nose and making breathing easier. At the same time, warming up the nose during the procedure inevitably leads to dilation of the blood vessels (this is the reaction of the circulatory system to heat). As a result, the volume of the mucous membrane increases, i.e. the swelling intensifies, and congestion may not disappear, but may even intensify. This is why immediately after inhalation (as well as after warming up the nose), the nose may become stuffy. Is it possible to avoid this effect?
How to carry out inhalation? The first method is a warm shower or bath for 15-20 minutes. The second is traditional - inhaling steam over a container of liquid. But it is most effective to use a special device - an inhaler. It is worth noting that for a runny nose, it makes sense to use only steam inhalers, but not nebulizers - they are intended for the treatment of diseases of the lower respiratory tract (bronchi and alveoli).
As a solution, you can use alkaline solutions (water with soda, mineral water), saline solutions (saline, plain water with salt), as well as brewed medicinal plants (chamomile, eucalyptus leaves, pine buds, etc.).
Classification of adenoids
Adenoids of the I degree: the initial stage, characterized by a small size of vegetation. At this stage, the upper part of the vomer (posterior part of the nasal septum) is closed. The child feels uncomfortable only at night, when breathing becomes difficult during sleep.
In children with grade II adenoids, the vegetation covers more than half of the vomer. They are medium in size. Distinctive features of this stage: the child constantly snores at night and breathes with his mouth open during the day.
At stage III, the growths reach their maximum size: they occupy most of the space between the tongue and palate. Breathing through the nose becomes impossible. Children with stage III inflamed adenoids breathe exclusively through their mouths.
conclusions
The methods and remedies described in this article will have a beneficial effect on nasal congestion caused by a cold, but they should not be used for allergic and vasomotor rhinitis.
It should also be remembered that both pharmaceutical and should be used sparingly, since their abuse can lead to the development of side effects - burning, dry nose, disruption of the mucous epithelium, the development of allergic reactions, etc.
Do not think that folk remedies have no contraindications. Take responsibility for your own health and always consult your doctor before using any medication.