Three approaches to the common cold

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

A runny nose (rhinitis) is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the most common disease in the world. On average, an adult suffers a runny nose up to ten times a year, and spends his entire life with a stuffy nose for up to three years in total. According to the medical classification, a runny nose is not a separate disease, but only a symptom of a particular pathology (for example, allergies or ARVI). Therefore, therapeutic measures are usually taken both to eliminate the common cold and to get rid of the cause (viruses, external irritants).

Three stages of the common cold

Of course, a runny nose with ARVI is of a massive nature, and in this case it goes through several stages of development.

In the first stage, microbes entering the nasal cavity irritate the nasal mucosa. There is a burning sensation, dryness in the nasal cavity and lacrimation. This stage can last from several hours to two days.

In the second stage, the burning and dryness in the nose disappears, and mucus begins to flow, which is why this stage is often called "wet". Breathing becomes difficult, nasal congestion appears, and sensitivity to odors decreases. Often this stage is characterized by the appearance of headaches, weakness, fever, and so on. This stage usually lasts about 2-4 days.

In the first stage, microbes entering the nasal cavity irritate the nasal mucosa.

The third stage begins on the 4th - 5th day. Purulent-mucous discharge of a thick consistency appears in the nose, and the edema decreases.

From the first day of a cold

It is necessary to rinse the nose with warm water with the addition of a small amount of salt, you can also use ready-made solutions based on sea water (Aquamaris, Aqualor, Marimer). These drugs wash off the secretions accumulated on the mucous membrane along with pathogens, moisturize the nasal mucosa. If there is no allergy, you can do inhalations for about 10-12 minutes (with “asterisk” balm, essential oils: eucalyptus, lemon, mint.) Inhalation using herbal infusions is effective: chamomile, mint, oregano.

With severe congestion, you should not try to breathe forcefully through your nose: this injures the mucous membrane and intensifies inflammation.

If you are out of the house and these procedures are not available, then special tablets for oral administration - "Korizalia" are suitable. They do not damage the nasal mucosa and can be used for a longer period than, for example, drops. However, they also help to reduce rhinorrhea and swelling.

With severe congestion, you should not try to breathe forcefully through your nose: this injures the mucous membrane and intensifies inflammation. To improve nasal breathing, vasoconstrictor agents based on xylometazoline can be used (there are always enough of them in the pharmacy and you can choose any), however, it should be remembered that they can be used no more than 3-4 days in order to avoid adverse effects on the mucous membrane.

Reason to see a doctor

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• Discharge from the nose becomes thick, green. This means that a bacterial infection has joined.
• Nasal congestion persists for a long time, but nasal discharge is not present, or it is scanty and transparent.
• If an ear pain joins the runny nose, fever, and headaches begin.
• Purulent nasal discharge becomes lingering and is accompanied by pain in the eyes, bridge of the nose, forehead, cheeks.

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And most importantly, the opinion that it is not necessary to treat a runny nose is erroneous and dangerous, it will go away on its own in a week. Treating a common cold from the first days will prevent the infection from spreading to other organs related to the nose - ears, throat, respiratory system.