#infecção respiratória viral aguda #runny nose

How To Take Care of a Runny Nose Safely

28 de outubro de 2025

2 min de leitura

Abrir guia Abrir coleção Abrir série

Some believe that a runny nose cannot be helped. Is this true?. So what is left to do?

Pontos principais

Some believe that a runny nose cannot be helped.
Easing the symptoms
Do not let your guard down

Para quem é

Pessoas explorando Sistema respiratório através de infecção respiratória viral aguda, runny nose.

Por que importa

Este artigo ajuda você a se orientar rapidamente e depois avançar para uma coleção ou série, se quiser continuar.

Autor do artigo

Dra. Helga

Clínica geral

Easing the symptoms

Influenza, acute respiratory infections, and acute respiratory viral infections are the most common causes of a runny nose. It typically lasts from 7 to 14 days and passes when the illness is over. No special measures should be taken, but to breathe normally at night you can use sprays and drops. Remember to not use them for more than 10 days in a row to avoid habituation and drying of the mucous membranes.

There are several types of medications for rhinitis:

Vasoconstrictors are based on xylometazoline, naphazoline, oxymetazoline, or phenylephrine. They relieve swelling, act almost immediately and return physical comfort for a while, but have no therapeutic effect.
Antiviral and antibacterial agents contain interferons, help to reduce inflammation, and dilute mucous secretions, but require long-term use to achieve the effect.
Medications with seawater in their composition soften the mucous membranes and briefly ease breathing, but mainly serve to flush the nose.
Rhinitis pills also constrict the blood vessels, but the effect is more gentle due to absorption through the gastrointestinal tract. At the same time, the essence of the effect on the body does not change: the symptoms are lessened, but the cause of the runny nose remains the same.

A runny nose cannot be cured without treating the underlying disease that caused the runny nose. The runny nose is not a disease — it's just a symptom.

Do not let your guard down

If the condition does not improve after two weeks, it is worth making an appointment with an ENT to make sure that the inflammatory process has not led to otitis media, maxillary sinusitis, inflammation of the Eustachian tube, or the emergence of a purulent abscess.

Make sure to gently blow your nose when you need to. Although it is not a very pleasant sound, just blot the secretions in the event of a significant discharge. Drinking plenty of fluids, humidifying the air in the room, and keeping the temperature just below the usual temperature can also help alleviate a runny nose

Continuar lendo

Sistema respiratório#nasal septum

Deviated Nasal Septum: When Do You Need Surgery?

According to research, approximately 60—90 % of people have a deviated nasal septum. Do they need to have surgery? When is it absolutely necessary?

Dr. Alex28 de out. de 2025

Sistema respiratório#doenças infecciosas

What To Do if You Have Lost Your Voice

The disappearance of the voice is most often associated with colds. However, there are other reasons that you may lose your voice — and some can be quite serious.

Dra. Irene28 de out. de 2025

Ossos e músculos#fitness

What Are the Best Sports That Don’t Harm Our Joints

There is at least one part of our body that does not enjoy sports at all—the joints. What kind of fitness is the best for them?

Dra. Helga28 de out. de 2025

Pediatria#runny nose

Nose Drops: How To Prevent a Child From Using Too Much?

Overuse of vasoconstrictor drops and sprays are common causes among children admitted to emergency departments with poisoning. What makes ordinary medicine dangerous?

Dra. Irene28 de out. de 2025

Instale o Ornament para não apenas ler estes artigos, mas também acompanhar sua saúde, armazenar resultados de exames e acessar outros recursos úteis

Instalar Ornament