Learn how to prevent and treat runny nose, the uncomfortable symptom of? Runny nose?

The name may not sound familiar at first, but surely you have already suffered? ever with the call runny nose? popularly referred to as a runny nose.

Clarisse Guimarães Freitas, pulmonologist at the Santa Lucia Hospital in Brasilia, and former president of the Brazilian Society of Pulmonology and Tisiology (SBPT), explains that runny nose is a symptom that characterizes upper airway inflammation, producing clear and hyaline secretion and which is often associated with other symptoms such as nasal obstruction and sneezing.

Larissa Camargo, otorhinolaryngologist at the Santa Lúcia Hospital Otorhinolaryngology Center, in Brasília, points out that a runny nose is a nasal symptom resulting from the inflammation of the nasal mucosa with a generally transparent, odorless and thinner secretion.

• The phlegm at a time is usually an evolution of many pictures of runny nose, resulting from a solution of proteins, water and remains of antibodies and microorganisms. Importantly, we produce about three liters of phlegm as a result of the natural metabolism of small glands below the mucosa ?, adds Larissa.

The most common causes of the problem

Larissa points out that the aggressors that stimulate this inflammatory process are usually mainly:

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1. Virus;
2. Allergens (dust, pollen, animal hair).

Is it not that the runny nose is very associated with allergic rhinitis? which is triggered by allergens such as dust mites, dust, molds, dog and cat hair etc. And it is even considered one of the most common chronic diseases in the world today, affecting people of all ages.

How to avoid runny nose?

Larissa highlights as main orientations:

• Environmental hygiene measures (home cleaning);
• Hand washing;
• Avoid crowded and unventilated environments;
• Maintain a balanced diet;
• Keep vaccinations up to date;
• Bet on nasal lavage (one of the simplest and most efficient measures).

Clarisse reinforces the importance of preventing allergic rhinitis, avoiding contact with dust, smoke or other allergens that the individual has sensitivity. It is also important to protect yourself from sudden changes in temperature. keep the environment clean and airy; and humidify the environment in times of drought ?, guides.

Pharmacy Treatments

Larissa explains that guidance from skilled professionals is always paramount, but nasal lavage, the use of oral and nasal decongestants, nasal and oral corticosteroids, or antiallergic medications are useful and effective medications for reducing nasal symptoms of upper airway infections.

Clarisse also highlights the importance of nasal lavage with saline or physiological solution. Should topical anti-inflammatory drugs be advised by a physician and specialist doctor in more frequent, prolonged and complicated cases? for example, lasting longer than three days, purulent yellowish discharge, associated fever and headache ?, adds the pulmonologist.

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It is essential to pay attention to the rich of betting on? Treatments? without medical advice. • All medications should be used under medical prescription, however, especially hypertensive patients should use decongestants with caution; and diabetics and hypertensive patients should still be careful with oral corticosteroids. In addition, all medications have potency for hypersensitivity reactions as each patient has sensitivity ?, says Larissa.

The main precautions / contraindications, according to Larissa, are in the case of corticosteroids for hypertensive, diabetic patients with increased eye pressure; and decongestants for hypertensive people.

Still regarding contraindications, Clarisse emphasizes that attention should be paid to nasal vasoconstrictors, which can cause arrhythmia and elevation of blood pressure and which are currently less used (only in exceptional occasions). "Antihistamines should also be used with caution and especially when associated with other substances," he says.

Home Treatments

Some people bet on? Homemade recipes? to try to alleviate the inconvenience caused by the runny nose, as mentioned below. However, there is no proof that they can help.

Cashew: beat a peeled, seedless cashew with 500 ml of water; drink about 2 glasses a day.

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Eucalyptus: Make an inhalation with eucalyptus tea, using 100g of eucalyptus for 1 liter of water.

Ginger: infuse ginger in boiling water and sweeten with honey to drink.

Larissa points out, however, that the main and most efficient home measure is the nasal wash with physiological solution. It is inexpensive and efficient, according to the otolaryngologist.

When should I worry?

"Changes in the characteristics of nasal discharge, such as a change in color to yellowish, thicker, associated with other symptoms such as cough, headache, fever suggest evolution to a more bacterial picture," says Larissa.

In this case, more attention is needed and the patient should not hesitate to seek medical help.

Runny nose in baby: what to do?

Babies have medication use limitations due to age. Thus, Larissa points out, nasal lavage is paramount and efficient.

"Antiallergic and topical nasal medications are usually allowed between 6 months and 2 years," adds the otolaryngologist.

The runny nose, in fact, creates discomfort and, although it should not be neglected, should not be a cause for despair, as it is generally not associated with any serious pathology. Either way, your trusted doctor should be sought to indicate the correct treatment.

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