How to choose a remedy for the common cold: Comparison of different drugs

Anyone who has experienced nasal congestion or a runny nose notes a state of increased discomfort. When it is difficult not only to breathe, but also the familiar world becomes literally alien: it is impossible to distinguish between smells and tastes. Headache, inflammation of the mucous membrane and frequent sneezing are accompanying problems with the nose. But how can you choose the right one from all the variety of life-saving remedies? When and what drops should be used, we’ll figure it out in this article.

How to treat a runny nose: the best drops and sprays.

June 16, 2021
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Content

• Causes and symptoms of a runny nose
• Remedies for the common cold: what are they?
• Top 7 best remedies for runny nose
• Aqua Maris Plus
• Galazolin
• Nazivin
• Isofra
• Sanorin
• Vibrocil

The most unpleasant thing during a cold, besides fever, is, of course, nasal congestion. When we cannot breathe normally, it interferes with both normal work and proper sleep. What will help get rid of a runny nose? Here is our list of the most effective drugs for rhinitis.

Causes and symptoms of a runny nose

Among the main causes of runny nose

the following can be distinguished:

• hypothermia (cold rhinitis);
• infection (bacteria or viruses) entering the body;
• allergens (plant pollen, household dust, animal hair, chemicals, etc.);
• hormonal disorders.

Symptoms of a runny nose:

• the nose does not breathe freely;
• possible frequent sneezing;
• ears are blocked;
• headache;
• burning and dryness in the nose;
• severe nasal congestion;
• no sensitivity to odors;
• mucous discharge from the nose.

What are the dangers of abusing decongestants?

Uncontrolled use of vasoconstrictor drops leads to the fact that the capillaries are constantly in spasm. They stop functioning normally, blood flow is disrupted, and nearby tissues suffer because they do not receive the required amount of oxygen and nutritional components.

Systematic drying of the mucous membranes and disruption of its restoration threatens the development of malnutrition and the formation of drug-induced rhinitis. In an effort to get rid of seasonal runny nose as quickly as possible, a person acquires an illness that requires serious treatment.

The next danger is psychological addiction. A reflex is formed in the brain that normal breathing can only be restored with the help of medications. Using vasoconstrictor drops makes a person feel better; he does not think about the alarming consequences for his own health. Improper use of decongestant drops harms the entire body. Violation of the dosage regimen is especially dangerous in childhood. There are cases when a child has to be hospitalized because the mother intensively instilled drops into his nose. The danger is that vasoconstrictor drugs enter the general bloodstream and negatively affect all tissues and organs. Arterial hypertension may develop, shortness of breath, headache, insomnia, etc. may appear.

Most often, dependence on nasal drops is formed due to illiteracy of the population. Not everyone knows that harmless medications can cause intoxication of the entire body. If dangerous symptoms are detected, it is important to immediately seek medical help and receive timely treatment.

Remedies for the common cold: what are they?

Depending on the causes of the runny nose, you need to choose the right remedy to treat it. By the way, some drops for the common cold (antibacterial and hormonal) are sold in pharmacies with a prescription. They have certain side effects, so such remedies for the common cold should only be prescribed by a doctor. So, what are the remedies for treating a runny nose?

1. Means for rinsing the nose.
   Such solutions have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects. By the way, you can prepare them yourself (a weak aqueous solution of soda, soda or furatsilin, chamomile decoction, etc.). Or you can buy a ready-made drug at the pharmacy: miramistin, saline solution, chlorhexidine. When you have a runny nose, seawater-based products are also very popular for rinsing the nose - they reduce swelling and improve breathing.
2. Vasoconstrictors.
   Such drops and sprays for a runny nose constrict the vessels of the nasal mucosa, thereby reducing their permeability and relieving swelling. Vasoconstrictor nasal drops are prescribed for vasomotor, infectious or allergic rhinitis, but for a short period of time. If you use vasoconstrictor drops for a long time, addiction occurs.
3. Antiallergic (antihistamine).
   Such remedies for the common cold protect cells from destruction, which releases histamine (a substance that provokes an allergic reaction). Allergic rhinitis is usually treated with tablets, but nasal drops are also available. You can also combine: tablets and drops for allergies.

   
   The most unpleasant thing during a cold or allergy is nasal congestion

   Getty Images/Brand X

4. Antibacterial.
   Such drops or sprays for a runny nose are prescribed only if the cause of a runny nose is a bacterial infection. Treating viral or allergic rhinitis with antibacterial drops is not only useless, but also dangerous. Antibacterial nasal drops are usually only available with a prescription and can only be prescribed by a doctor. So don’t self-medicate to avoid harming yourself!
5. Hormonal.
   Similar remedies for the common cold are used if a person has a severe form of allergic rhinitis due to inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. Hormonal nasal drops are not addictive, but have a bunch of side effects. Therefore, only a doctor prescribes such drugs for the common cold.
6. Combined.
   Such remedies for the common cold contain active substances aimed at eliminating several problems. For example, they constrict blood vessels and relieve an allergic reaction. These drugs for the common cold are good because you buy one product instead of two or three. But if it contains a hormone or antibiotic, you will need a prescription from a doctor.

Precautionary measures

• When instilling the drug for the first time, you need to carefully monitor the baby’s condition, since even a harmless drug can cause individual intolerance.
• If unusual symptoms appear (cough, redness of the skin, rash), you should immediately consult a doctor.
• When cleaning the nose of a child under one year old, using drops during treatment must be done very carefully so as not to damage the sensitive mucous membrane and narrow nasal passages.
• Saline solutions for infants are instilled 2-3 drops into each passage, rather than rinsed. A large flow of water can cause spasms.
• The nose is cleaned with cotton “turundas” - thin “flagella” twisted from cotton wool. The use of cotton swabs is prohibited, as there is a high risk of injury.
• Use nasal medications only in doses prescribed by your doctor. Overdose is dangerous.

Aqua Maris Plus

This remedy for the common cold is excellent for maintaining the physiological state of the nasal mucosa. "Aqua Maris Plus" for the nose is created on the basis of sterilized water of the Adriatic Sea with natural microelements. The drug thins mucus and normalizes its production. Microelements in the composition of Aqua Maris nasal drops improve the functioning of the ciliated epithelium, relieve inflammation in the nose, cleanse the mucous membrane and restore it. Aqua Maris Plus, a remedy for the common cold, washes away allergens from the nasal mucosa and reduces inflammation. For hygienic purposes, drops are used to cleanse the nasal mucosa from street and house dust, as well as to moisturize the mucous membrane and soften crusts in the nose in children.

"Aqua Maris" is prescribed for acute and chronic inflammatory processes of the paranasal sinuses, adenoiditis, after operations on the nasal cavity, for vasomotor and allergic rhinitis, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, for dry nasal mucosa in air-conditioned rooms or during the heating season , in dusty rooms, etc.

Aqua Maris Plus

Jadran-Galenski Laboratories, Croatia

For the treatment and prevention of atrophic and subatrophic rhinitis;
- for cleansing and moisturizing the nasal mucosa in inflammatory diseases of the nasal cavity, sinuses and nasopharynx, incl. pregnant women and during lactation; - in the complex therapy of allergic and vasomotor rhinitis (especially for persons predisposed or suffering from hypersensitivity to drugs, including pregnant women and during lactation); — for the prevention of infections of the nasal cavity in the autumn-winter period (including for pregnant women and during lactation); - patients suffering from dry nasal mucosa and persons living and working in rooms with air conditioning and/or central heating, in order to preserve the physiological characteristics of the nasal mucosa in altered microclimatic conditions; - people whose mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract are constantly exposed to harmful influences (smokers, drivers of vehicles, people working from 43

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Nasal congestion in children

Chronic nasal obstruction in a child requires special attention from parents, since it can lead to global consequences - impaired growth and development of the baby3:

1. Nasal obstruction makes eating difficult. The child refuses to eat, does not gain weight well, and lags behind his peers in physical development.
2. Chronic oxygen starvation of the brain leads to slower mental development and educational lag.
3. Constant discomfort causes bad mood, whims and tears.
4. Mouth breathing disrupts the development of the facial skeleton. The so-called “adenoid” face is formed: a dome-shaped upper palate, an incorrect bite, a half-open mouth, an apathetic facial expression and a smile.
5. Disruption of air movement through the upper respiratory tract provokes snoring and the development of sleep apnea syndrome and enuresis.
6. Impaired ventilation of the lungs can lead to the formation of cor pulmonale and the development of heart failure.
7. Infants may develop respiratory muscle fatigue syndrome, leading to acute respiratory failure3.

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Galazolin

Galazolin nasal drops are great help even with a severe runny nose, when it is difficult to breathe. This remedy for the common cold helps to quickly relieve nasal congestion, reducing swelling of the mucous membrane. “Galazolin” for a runny nose is suitable as an “ambulance” for a runny nose if your nose is stuffy in the evening, but you can only get to the doctor in the morning. "Galazolin" relieves inflammation of the Eustachian tube and widens the passages so that air can pass freely. After using these drops for a runny nose, breathing immediately improves without producing a lot of mucus. The positive effect lasts about six hours. At the same time, doctors do not recommend using Galazolin nasal drops for a long time, so as not to develop an addictive effect.

The active substance of this remedy for the common cold is xylometazoline hydrochloride. Allergies to it do not develop, so even pregnant and lactating women can use Galazolin. If you follow the correct dosage of the drug, the active substance is practically not absorbed into the blood.

Galazolin

Medana Pharma SA (Medana Pharma), Poland

Under the influence of Galazolin, arterial vessels narrow.
As a result, the swelling of the mucous membrane of the nasal passages decreases, and the amount of discharge decreases. Relieving swelling helps restore patency of the nasal passages, Eustachian tube and sinus openings. After using Galazolin, the effect develops after 5-10 minutes. The duration of the vasoconstrictor effect is 8-12 hours. If the dosage is observed, clinically significant absorption of the drug is usually not observed. from 28

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Nazivin

This remedy for the common cold is available in several versions: in the usual dosage, for children of different ages, for those who suffer from allergies or are prone to it. “Nazivin” perfectly treats a runny nose, having a vasoconstrictor effect, and it acts immediately after use - the nose begins to breathe normally, health improves, and the secretion of mucus from the nose decreases. Ear congestion, which so often accompanies a runny nose, goes away. "Nasivin" for the nose helps prevent the development of otitis, sinusitis or eustacheitis.

These drops and nasal spray contain the optimal concentration of the active substance (oxymetazoline hydrochloride), which helps prevent addiction to Nazivin. After one instillation, the positive effect lasts for about 12 hours. But you need to be careful and not overdose on Nazivin (this can cause even more nasal congestion and even increased blood pressure).

Nazivin

Merkle GmbH, Germany

— treatment of acute respiratory diseases accompanied by rhinitis;
- allergic rhinitis; - vasomotor rhinitis; — restoration of drainage in case of inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, eustachitis, otitis media; — elimination of edema before diagnostic manipulations in the nasal passages. from 126

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Isofra

Isofra nasal spray is an antibiotic that fights infections in the nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses. The nasal spray has a convenient dispenser - thanks to this, the active substance (framycetin sulfate) is evenly distributed inside the nose and penetrates into hard-to-reach places. Isofra nasal spray can be used as the only remedy for the treatment of bacterial rhinitis, or as part of complex therapy.

A remedy for the runny nose is prescribed for rhinitis, sinusitis, sinusitis, nasopharyngitis and other complications of the runny nose. Isofra is often prescribed as a prophylaxis after nasal surgery, when general immunity is reduced.

Isofra

Laboratories Bouchard-Recordati, France

As part of combination therapy for infectious and inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract, including: - rhinitis;
- rhinopharyngitis; - sinusitis (in the absence of damage to the septum). Prevention and treatment of inflammatory processes after surgery. from 220

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Immunomodulators

A runny nose in an infant often develops against a background of reduced immunity. Having determined this, the doctor will prescribe immunomodulatory drops. By changing the number of immune cells towards an increase, they increase immunity, have a positive effect on the healing process and guarantee the absence of complications. These drops are of plant and artificial origin.

For infants, such drugs must be diluted before use.

The group of immunomodulators includes immunostimulants. They activate the body's immune defense. Such drugs with antiviral or antibacterial effects will restore the mucous membrane and help quickly cure its damage.

Sanorin

These drops for runny nose help reduce the symptoms of rhinitis literally from the first use. Sanorin can completely cure a runny nose in about five days. The active substance of “Sanorin” for the nose is naphazoline nitrate, it constricts blood vessels, reduces the secretion of snot, drying out the mucous membrane.

"Sanorin" can be bought in the form of drops, spray or emulsion. This remedy for the common cold helps with chronic rhinitis, sinusitis, sinusitis and other problems with the nasopharynx. Sanorin drops may contain eucalyptus oil or aloe extract. But it should be noted that this drug for the common cold is contraindicated for those who have high blood pressure, a tendency to tachycardia, any problems with blood vessels, or eye diseases. The maximum course of treatment with Sanorin is seven days (for children - no more than three days).

Sanorin

TEVA, Ukraine

Sanorin is a vasoconstrictor drug for topical use in ENT practice.
Alpha2-adrenergic agonist. When applied topically, it has a rapid, pronounced and long-lasting vasoconstrictor effect on the vessels of the mucous membrane (reduces swelling, hyperemia, exudation). Facilitates nasal breathing during rhinitis and reduces swelling during conjunctivitis. After 5-7 days, tolerance occurs. from 55

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Nasal congestion during pregnancy

Pregnancy-related nasal breathing problems are primarily caused by hormonal changes. Symptoms of obstruction occur closer to the second half of the term, although some women note their appearance in the first months of pregnancy:

• A change in the ratio between the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone in favor of the latter leads to a change in the tone of smooth muscle fibers. This is necessary primarily to relax the uterus and maintain pregnancy. Dilatation of the nasal veins is a byproduct of the action of hormones, leading to swelling of the mucous membrane and nasal obstruction.
• During pregnancy, the volume of circulating blood increases sharply and there is a risk of edema, including in the nasal area.
• The natural decrease in immunity during pregnancy contributes to colds, accompanied by a runny nose.

In addition, factors independent of pregnancy cannot be discounted.

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Vibrocil

The cold remedy “Vibrocil” is prescribed for allergic rhinitis and as a vasoconstrictor. "Vibrocil" quickly and effectively relieves swelling of the nasal mucosa and helps you breathe freely again. "Vibrocil" has such a safe composition that it is prescribed to children from a very early age. These drops for the common cold have no contraindications or side effects.

The active ingredients of Vibrocil nasal drops are phenylephrine and dimethindene. The first constricts blood vessels, and the second has an antihistamine effect. In addition, this remedy for the common cold contains sorbitol and lavender oil extract - they fight germs and are effective natural antiseptics. Literally after the first use, there will be less mucus in the nasal sinuses, and if it is allergic rhinitis, swelling will decrease. "Vibrocil" is suitable for the treatment of all types of runny nose, as well as in the complex therapy of otitis media.

Vibrocil

Antibacterial

When yellow or green mucus accumulates in the nasal passages and pus appears, we are talking about a bacterial infection.

Antibacterial agents containing antibiotics are prescribed after confirmed diagnosis.

Preparations with silver ions actively resist bacterial inflammatory processes. They effectively fight the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, but the drops must be used with caution; before use, you need to read the instructions for the drug.