A runny nose is a nuisance that every person has encountered. Constantly flowing snot, watery eyes, nasal breathing difficulties and headaches can knock you out of your usual rut for a long time. If these symptoms are accompanied by fever and an increase in body temperature, then you should not hesitate to go to the doctor. In the case of a mild ordinary runny nose, few people seek medical help, but it is still necessary to alleviate the condition. Most people use all kinds of cold remedies. In order to choose the drug that is most suitable for the price and determine which company it is better to buy the remedy for, the editorial staff of "I found" prepared a rating of quality drugs for rhinitis and nasal congestion.
Content
- 1 Causes of a cold
- 2 How to cure a runny nose at home without medication. Traditional methods
- 3 Classification and types of medicines for the common cold
- 4 Criteria for choosing a remedy for the common cold
- 5 List of the best seawater-based cold sprays
- 6 Rating of safe vasoconstrictor drugs
- 7 The best and most affordable local antibacterials
- 8 Selection and description of homeopathic and combined herbal preparations
Causes of a cold
Before deciding which drug for the common cold is better to buy, you need to understand the reasons for the appearance of this common ailment. Doctors distinguish the following:
- Acute respiratory viral infection - in the overwhelming majority of cases, it is this that causes a "leak" from the nose. In this case, the snot will pass when the body cope with the disease. For a speedy recovery, it is recommended to stay in bed, drink more water and consume citrus fruits.
- Allergy. She is indicated by a severe runny nose, frequent sneezing, watery eyes. The easiest way to get rid of these troubles is to eliminate the cause. If this is not possible, for example, during the flowering period, antihistamines should be taken.
- Vasomotor rhinitis appears due to a lack of functioning of the nervous system, which cannot provide an adequate response to the vascular tone, therefore, they react to a sharp change in temperature, cold, physical activity.
- Chronic diseases of ENT organs. A runny nose is a constant companion of people suffering from chronic rhinitis, sinusitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis. The listed diseases can lead to serious health problems and require specialist advice.
- Curvature of the nasal septum.
- The presence of foreign bodies in the nose.
- Dry air. In the case of low humidity in the room, the problem can be easily solved by purchasing a humidifier.
- Poor environmental situation in the place of residence. This is especially often observed in large industrial cities with a strong air pollution.
How to cure a runny nose at home without medication. Traditional methods
A slight malaise, accompanied by the separation of liquid transparent mucus from the nose, is successfully treated without the use of pharmaceutical remedies for the common cold. In this case, proven folk remedies will help.
- Drinking plenty of fluids is the best helper for colds and runny nose. You can drink plain warm water with lemon, herbal teas from chamomile, St. John's wort, and mint.But it is better to refuse milk during this period, as it provokes the release of liquid mucus from the nose.
- Rinsing the nose. If there are no special means at home, you can use the simplest technology: pour salted water into your palm and draw it in with one nostril so that the liquid flows out of the other. This effective method helps with liquid transparent snot, but is contraindicated for nasal congestion.
- Grate the onion on a fine grater, wrap in a napkin and put on the wings of the nose for 10-20 minutes. Onion vapors have a strong antibacterial, antimicrobial effect.
- Instill herbal infusions into the nose. Oak bark is especially helpful. It has an astringent effect. One tablespoon of the plant is poured with a glass of boiling water and insisted for at least half an hour. Instill 3 drops in each nostril into the nose.
- Aromatherapy using essential oils of eucalyptus, pine, tea tree. Inhalation of vapors relieves inflammation in the nasal mucosa, relieves congestion and has a beneficial effect on breathing.
Classification and types of medicines for the common cold
If all of the above methods of dealing with the common cold did not help, and you do not want to go to the doctor, it makes sense to seek help from special drugs for the common cold, having previously found out what they are.
- Means for cleansing and moisturizing the nose. Designed to prevent drying out of the mucous membrane and make thick nasal discharge more fluid, making it easier to remove them. Such drugs are considered absolutely safe and have no age restrictions, they are suitable even for children under one year old. Their main active ingredient is sterile sea water.
- Plant-based drops. Consist of specially selected phytocomponents, essential oils. They have a mild long-lasting effect and have a beneficial effect on local immunity. Their main disadvantage is the high probability of an allergic reaction.
- Vasoconstrictor drops and sprays. Relieves swelling of the nasal mucosa and reduces mucus production. They are based on naphazoline, xylometazoline, oxymetazoline. With prolonged uncontrolled use, they can be addictive.
- Drops with bactericidal action. They are used for bacterial complications of a viral infection. They are based on antibiotics, which fight against pathogens, block the spread of the inflammatory process. Before use, it is better to consult a doctor, since, in addition to the benefits, these drugs can harm the body.
- Hormonal drugs for the common cold. They act on the focus of inflammation, reducing its intensity and gradually neutralizing it. They are used for severe allergic rhinitis, acute sinusitis, sinusitis, as prescribed by a doctor. Self-treatment with hormonal drugs is undesirable and dangerous.
- Homeopathic medicines. They are not recognized by official medicine, their potential effectiveness has not yet been proven. The principle of action is based on enhancing local immunity.
- Antiviral drugs. They are most likely based on the use of interferon, which blocks the reproduction of viruses and improves the body's resistance. Most drugs of this type have also not been clinically tested.
Criteria for choosing a remedy for the common cold
Preferring inexpensive and budget funds for the common cold, buyers usually make standard mistakes when choosing. At this point, we will consider the question: what to look for before buying a medicine.
- The nature and intensity of nasal discharge. With rare liquid snot, doctors recommend giving the immune system to cope with the trouble on its own, without using aids for the common cold. An alternative option is seawater sprays or drops.If the inflammatory process has gone too far, has spread to neighboring tissues and organs, it is necessary to seek the help of a specialist so that he selects a suitable antibacterial drug. In case of difficulty in nasal breathing, it makes sense to use vasoconstrictor drops to improve the general condition.
- Allergy to certain active ingredients or herbal ingredients.
- A history of contraindications to the use of drugs for the common cold.
- The age of the patient. For children, a special dosage or form of the drug is provided.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding. During these important periods, it is best to stop using any strong medications or use them as directed by your doctor.
List of the best seawater-based cold sprays
Aqualor Extra Forte, means for irrigation and rinsing of the nasal cavity
A popular spray for the prevention and treatment of the common cold. The action is based on the anti-inflammatory properties of hypertonic sea water. The composition includes natural ingredients: chamomile and aloe vera, which have antiseptic and immunostimulating effects. With a severe cold, the nose is washed up to 4 times a day; for the prevention of colds during the cold season, the spray is applied 1-2 times a day. The price of the drug starts from 350 rubles.
Advantages:
- Natural safe composition based on sea water and plant components;
- Used for both treatment and prevention;
- Moisturizes the nasal mucosa;
- Increases local immunity;
- May be used during pregnancy, breastfeeding and childhood.
Disadvantages:
- High price;
- It may be ineffective with severe rhinitis.
Main characteristics:
| Name | Aqualor Extra Forte |
|---|---|
| Pharmacological group | IMN |
| Release form | Spray can |
| The main active ingredient | Hypertonic natural sterile sea water, extracts of Roman chamomile and aloe vera |
| Application area | Runny nose, otitis media, ARVI |
Linaqua Forte
Natural hypertonic marine solution with anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous action, in the form of a spray. It is used for a small cold and as a prophylactic agent against acute respiratory viral infection. Effectively cleans the nasal mucosa from pathogenic bacteria. It is applied 2-3 times a day, suitable for the whole family. Price: from 370 to 450 rubles for 125 ml.
Advantages:
- Natural safe composition;
- Can be used by children from 2 years old;
- Quickly and effectively restores nasal breathing, relieving mucosal edema;
- Not addictive;
- There are no contraindications during pregnancy and lactation.
Disadvantages:
- Ineffective for severe rhinitis;
- High price.
Main characteristics:
| Name | Linaqua Forte |
|---|---|
| Pharmacological group | IMN |
| Release form | Spray can |
| The main active ingredient | Hypertonic natural sterile sea water with sodium chloride content |
| Application area | Runny nose, otitis media |
Rating of safe vasoconstrictor drugs
Tizin Xylo
A vasoconstrictor nasal spray used to relieve swelling of the mucous membrane and facilitate nasal breathing. The main active ingredient is xylometazoline. There are special forms of the drug for children and for relieving the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. The effect appears 10 minutes after application. It is not recommended to use it for more than a week. Average price: from 80 to 120 rubles.
Advantages:
- Quickly removes nasal congestion;
- Acceptable price;
- Can be used in children under 6 years of age in a special dosage form.
Disadvantages:
- It has an exclusively symptomatic effect;
- Addictive with prolonged use;
- Not recommended for pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Main characteristics:
| Name | Tizin Xylo |
|---|---|
| Pharmacological group | Decongestant - vasoconstrictor |
| Release form | Nasal spray |
| The main active ingredient | Xylometazoline hydrochloride |
| Application area | Runny nose, otitis media, allergic reaction |
Sanorin with eucalyptus oil
Time-tested, vasoconstrictor drops for relieving nasal congestion. The main active ingredient is naphazoline nitrate. The drug is not recommended to be used for more than 7 days and to instill more than 3 drops per day into each nostril. Cost: from 100 to 180 rubles.
Advantages:
- Acceptable price;
- Facilitate breathing for a long time;
- The effect of the application comes quickly;
- The composition contains natural ingredients.
Disadvantages:
- The risk of addiction with prolonged use;
- Forbidden for children under 6 years of age, women during pregnancy and lactation;
- Has no anti-inflammatory effect.
Main characteristics:
| Name | Sanorin with eucalyptus oil |
|---|---|
| Pharmacological group | Decongestant - vasoconstrictor |
| Release form | Nasal drops |
| The main active ingredient | Naphazoline nitrate |
| Application area | Runny nose, otitis media, allergic reaction |
Vibrocil
One of the most popular antiallergic and vasoconstrictor drugs, according to buyers. Effectively relieves swelling of the nasal mucosa. It is used for acute, chronic and allergic forms of rhinitis, sinusitis. Active active ingredients: phenylephrine and dimethindene. The course of treatment is no more than a week. Average cost: from 280 to 400 rubles.
Advantages:
- Helps with acute and chronic rhinitis;
- Effective in the fight against allergies;
- Can be used in children as directed by a doctor.
Disadvantages:
- Not recommended for pregnant women and nursing mothers;
- Relatively high price.
Main characteristics:
| Name | Vibrocil |
|---|---|
| Pharmacological group | Antiallergic agent |
| Release form | Nasal drops |
| The main active ingredient | Phenylephrine, dimethindene maleate |
| Application area | Runny nose, otitis media, allergic reaction |
| Volume, ml | 15 |
The best and most affordable local antibacterials
Isofra
The medicine in the form of a spray is a local antibiotic. It is prescribed for the treatment of sinusitis, rhinopharyngitis. You should not use it for a common cold without a doctor's prescription. The main active ingredient is framycetin. Dosage for adults: up to 6 injections into each nostril per day, for children - up to 3 injections. The average duration of treatment is 7 days. Average price: about 315 rubles.
Advantages:
- Effective for lingering rhinitis;
- Has a pronounced antibacterial effect;
- Safe for children from 1 year old;
- Can be used during pregnancy after consulting a doctor.
Disadvantages:
- It is an antibiotic and can adversely affect the state of local immunity;
- The drug is prescription, therefore, in many pharmacies it is not freely available;
- Relatively high price.
Main characteristics:
| Name | Isofra |
|---|---|
| Pharmacological group | Antibiotic, aminoglycoside |
| Release form | Nasal spray |
| The main active ingredient | Framycetin sulfate |
| Application area | Runny nose, otitis media |
Polydex with phenylephrine
High-quality antibacterial and steroid drug used for inflammatory and infectious processes in the sinuses. It is recommended to consult a doctor before use. The therapeutic effect is based on the interaction of several components: neomycin sulfate, polymyxin B sulfate, dexamethasone sodium metasulfobenzoate, phenylephrine hydrochloride. Dosage for adults: up to 5 injections into each nostril daily, for children under 18 years of age - up to 3 injections. The course of treatment is no more than 10 days. The average price is about 350 rubles.
Advantages:
- Affects the focus of inflammation;
- Fights against pathogens;
- Suitable for children over 2.5 years old.
Disadvantages:
- Like any antibiotic, it lowers the body's resistance;
- Contraindicated in pregnancy;
- Some pharmacies cannot be purchased without a prescription;
- Relatively high cost.
Main characteristics:
| Name | Polydexa |
|---|---|
| Pharmacological group | Antibiotic, glucocorticosteroid for topical use |
| Release form | Nasal spray |
| The main active ingredient | Neomycin sulfate, polymyxin B sulfate, dexamethasone sodium metasulfobenzoate, phenylephrine hydrochloride |
| Application area | Runny nose, otitis media |
Selection and description of homeopathic and combined herbal preparations
Pinosol drops
Combined preparation in the form of drops, which is a mixture of essential and plant components on an oil basis. Relieves inflammation, fights pathogenic microbes. It can be used in a chronic form of the disease, since pinosol improves blood circulation in the nasal mucosa. Drops are applied within 7 days 3-4 times a day. The price varies from 150 to 320 rubles.
Advantages:
- Natural composition based on herbal ingredients;
- The drug is often prescribed for colds in children from 2 years of age;
- Can be used by pregnant and lactating mothers;
- Mild long-lasting action;
- Acceptable price.
Disadvantages:
- High probability of an allergic reaction;
- According to customer reviews, the drug does not have a quick action, the effect is noticeable after a long time.
Main characteristics:
| Name | Pinosol | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacological group | Herbal decongestant | ||||
| Release form | Nasal drops | ||||
| The main active ingredient | Eucalyptus, Scots pine, peppermint oils, thymol, guaiazulene, α-tocopherol acetate | ||||
| Application area | Runny nose, otitis media, ARVI |
Sinupret
Combined preparation based on herbal ingredients. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating effects. Available in the form of pills and drops for oral administration. Treatment course: one to two weeks. The drug is taken three times a day with plenty of water. Average cost: 380 rubles per pack of tablets.
Advantages:
- Natural, safe composition;
- It is possible to treat rhinitis in children over 6 years of age; at an earlier age, specialist advice is needed;
- During pregnancy, synupret is used under medical supervision.
Disadvantages:
- The effect of treatment, at best, occurs in a few days, often after the entire course;
- Not recommended for women who are breastfeeding;
- Quite a high price.
Main characteristics:
| Name | Sinupret |
|---|---|
| Pharmacological group | Herbal remedy for nasal diseases |
| Release form | Oral drops |
| The main active ingredient | Gentian root, primrose flowers, sorrel herb, elderberry flowers, verbena herb |
| Application area | Runny nose, otitis media |
| Volume, ml | 100 |
Korizalia
Homeopathic tablets are used for runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing. Since the drug belongs to homeopathic medicines, its effectiveness has not been clinically proven. However, customer reviews indicate the beneficial effect of taking corizalia on the condition of the nasal mucosa. The course of treatment is 5 days. During the first day, the tablets are taken one every hour (except for sleep time), on the following days - every two hours. For children under the age of six, the tablet is pre-dissolved in water. The price varies from 290 to 490 rubles per pack (40 tablets).
Advantages:
- Safe composition in which there are no potent components;
- Can be used by children from one and a half years of age and pregnant women after consulting a doctor.
Disadvantages:
- Not proven effectiveness;
- High price.
Main characteristics:
| Name | Korizalia |
|---|---|
| Pharmacological group | Homeopathic remedy |
| Release form | Pills |
| Application area | Runny nose, otitis media |
We talked about how to treat a runny nose without the use of special drugs and prepared a short overview of the most popular and safe nasal remedies. If you have used one or more of the tools from this rating, then share your experience in the comments.
