Runny nose (rhinitis) – inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Among the causes that cause a runny nose may be:
- viruses and bacteria (infectious rhinitis)
- plant pollen and other allergens (allergic rhinitis)
- excessive reaction of the blood vessels of the nasal mucosa to external stimuli – cold, heat, stress, physical exertion (vasomotor rhinitis)
Although in recent years there has been an increase in the incidence of allergic rhinitis, the undisputed leader in frequency is infectious rhinitis, primarily of viral origin (ARVI).
The development of infectious rhinitis goes through a number of stages:
1 – "dry" stage – within a few hours from the onset of the disease, there is a feeling of dryness and burning in the nasal cavity, accompanied by sneezing fits. Along with these symptoms, other cold symptoms may appear: headache, fever, malaise.
2 – stage of serous discharge (1–3 days), when there is profuse watery nasal discharge, accompanied by nasal congestion and decreased sense of smell. Due to nasal discharge and friction, irritation and redness of the skin around the nose occur. There may be redness of the eyes and lacrimation, as well as a feeling of ear congestion.
3 – stage of mucopurulent discharge. Nasal discharge becomes yellow or yellow‑green (due to dead leukocytes that fought the infection in the focus of inflammation). If there are no complications, the amount of discharge gradually decreases and recovery occurs.
Usually, acute infectious rhinitis completely resolves within 7–10 days.
With a mild course and normal immunity, symptoms may resolve within 2–3 days.
Impaired nasal breathing during a runny nose and nasal congestion leads to hypoxia, which causes increased fatigue, headaches, and weakness. Rhinitis is accompanied by reduced ventilation of the paranasal sinuses, with the risk of bacterial complications in the form of sinusitis and otitis.
Therefore, to eliminate nasal congestion, decongestants are used — medicinal products whose therapeutic effect is aimed at relieving nasal congestion (literally "elimination of hyperemia and congestion" — from the English congestion — blockage, stagnation, hyperemia)1.
Nosacar nasal sprays and drops contain the decongestant oxymetazoline. The Nosacar product line is available in dosage forms with different concentrations of oxymetazoline for use depending on the patient's age:
- For children from birth to 1 year old, Nosacar Infant drops are used, 0.01% oxymetazoline solution
- For children from 1 year old, Nosacar Kids spray is used, 0.025% solution.
For children from 6 years of age and adults, the following are available for choice:
- Nosacar Classic spray, 0.05% solution
- Nosacar Pro Moisturizing spray, 0.05% solution contains moisturizing components
- Nosacar Menthol Gel spray, 0.05% gel‑like suspension, contains menthol and eucalyptus oil
Nosacar is approved for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Since an overdose may lead to undesirable effects, the recommended dose should not be exceeded.
The medicinal product Nosacar is not recommended for use for more than 5–7 days. There are contraindications and side effects. It is recommended to consult a doctor before use.
The information in this article is for reference purposes only and does not replace a doctor's consultation.
1 Kolosova N.G. Rational use of decongestants in pediatric practice. Pediatrics (Suppl. to the journal Consilium Medicum). 2018; 1: 36-38. DOI: 10.26442/2413-8460_2018.1.36-38
Illustrations from open Internet sources