Learn how to prevent and treat a runny nose, the annoying “runny nose” symptom

The name may not sound familiar “at first”, but, certainly, you have “suffered” at some time with the so-called coryza – popularly referred to as “runny nose”.

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

Larissa Camargo, otorhinolaryngologist at the Otorhinolaryngology Center at Hospital Santa Lúcia, in Brasília, points out that coryza is a nasal symptom that results from inflammation of the nasal mucosa with the production of a generally transparent, odorless secretion with a thinner consistency.

“The catarrh, in turn, is usually an evolution of many cases of coryza, the result of a solution of proteins, water and remains of antibodies and microorganisms. It is important to note that 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 highlights that the aggressors that stimulate this inflammatory process are usually, mainly:

1. Virus;
2. Allergens (dust, pollen, pet dander).

It is not by chance that a runny nose is often associated with allergic rhinitis – which is triggered by allergens such as mites, dust, fungi (molds), dog and cat hair, etc. It is even considered one of the most common chronic diseases in the world today, affecting people of all ages.

How to avoid coryza?

Larissa highlights as main guidelines:

• Environmental hygiene measures (house cleaning);
• Hand washing;
• Avoid crowded and unventilated environments;
• Maintain a balanced diet;
• Keeping vaccinations up to date;
• Bet on nasal washing (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 is sensitive to. “It is also important to protect yourself from sudden variations in temperature; keep the environment clean and airy; and humidify the environment in times of drought”, she guides.

pharmacy treatments

Larissa explains that it is always essential to guide qualified professionals, but nasal washing, the use of oral and nasal decongestants, nasal and oral corticosteroids or antiallergic drugs are useful and efficient medications in reducing nasal symptoms of upper airway infections.

Clarisse also highlights the importance of nasal lavage with saline or saline. “Topical anti-inflammatories should be guided by a doctor and specialist doctor in more frequent, prolonged and complicated cases – for example, lasting more than three days, purulent yellowish discharge, associated fever and headache”, adds the pulmonologist. .

It is essential to watch out for the rich to bet on “treatments” without medical advice. “All medications must be used under medical prescription, however, hypertensive patients, in particular, should use decongestants with caution; and diabetics and hypertensive patients should also 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 and those with increased eye pressure; and decongestants for hypertensive patients.

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

home treatments

Some people bet on “home remedies” to try to alleviate the discomfort caused by a runny nose, such as those mentioned below. However, there is no evidence that they can help.

Cashew: beat a cashew, without shell and without seeds, with 500 ml of water; drink about 2 glasses a day.

Eucalyptus: make an inhalation with eucalyptus tea, using 100g of eucalyptus to 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 nasal washing with saline solution. It’s cheap and efficient, according to the otolaryngologist.

When should I be concerned?

“Changes in the characteristics of nasal secretion, such as a change in color to more yellow, thicker, associated with other symptoms, such as cough, headache, fever, suggest evolution to a more bacterial condition”, highlights Larissa.

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

Coryza in a baby: what to do?

Babies have limitations in the use of medications due to age group. In this way, highlights Larissa, nasal washing is essential and efficient.

“Anti-allergy and topical nasal medications are usually allowed between 6 months and 2 years,” adds the otolaryngologist.

Coryza, in fact, causes discomfort and, although it should not be neglected, it should not be a reason for despair, as it is usually not associated with any serious pathology. In any case, your trusted doctor should be sought to indicate the correct treatment.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.