Do you have a runny nose, does your child have a runny nose in the winter, or does your grandmother always have a “runny nose”? Tips to fight a runny nose (rhinorrhea) with our ENT doctor.
1. Blowing your nostrils through the nostrils, the first reflex
“Blowing your nose is the first reaction to a runny nose, Logically explains Dr. Wissam Al Bakouri, an ENT doctor and head and neck surgeon at the Adolf de Rothschild Foundation Hospital. A runny nose is because the nasal mucosa is inflamed and congested. The mucous membrane then secretes mucus. Either we blow our nose back and swallow this secretion, or we blow our nose into the frontal tissue and We get rid of phlegm, in which microbes are trapped, Dust and Allergens.” Effectively remove secretions In case of a runny nose, snort your nostrils gently and without hyperpressure (do not squeeze).
2. Nasal shower, the best anti-runny nose tip for adults and children
In addition to blowing your nose as often as necessary, it is essential Wash your nose with body serum, And not just in children: “The Cleaning with a spray is not enough To clean the nasal mucosa, because it is mist. However, it is not enough to moisten the mucous membranes, they must be cleaned with a nasal shower, Doctor recommends El Bakkouri. An adult requires 60 ml of physiological serum per nostril, by washing with a high flow rate. Thus, the nose is ready to receive any topical treatment prescribed by the doctor, usually corticosteroids.
► In adults: Lean over the basin. Collect approximately 20 ml of physiological serum using a nasal syringe. Lean your head forward, Then turn it to the right to clear the right nostril. Insert the entire syringe into the right nostril and allow the liquid to flow through the left nostril. Do the same on the other side. This Manipulation should be done 3 times in a row To get 60 ml in each nostril.
► In children : The child usually knows Blowing your nose with the help of your parents from the age of 2 and half. Before the age of 2 years, the child does not know how to blow his nose and the secretion easily goes to the back of the throat. So nasal bath is the first course of action to adopt in case of runny nose. “Like adults, Nasal bulb Not providing enough current. there A nasal syringe is then selected” Place the baby in a sitting position on the changing table, facing the adult’s chest. Lean child’s torso slightly forward. Collect 10 to 20 ml of physiological serum with a nasal syringe. Place the syringe in one of the nostrils and pour in the liquid. “Be careful, we must make sure Do not squeeze the tip of the syringe completely : You have to release some air. Otherwise, the Risk is otitis” Alerts head and neck surgeons.
3. Infusion to hydrate against a runny nose
In the case of a runny nose, hydration is a natural and essential tip: “Properly hydrating helps combat the thick secretions.” So it is advisable Drink plenty of water, at least 1.5 liters per day. Consuming herbal tea also relieves the symptoms of runny nose. Pour 1 tsp. Dried large flowers, 1 tbsp. No Dried peppermint and 1 tbsp. Dry yarrow in 500 ml of boiling water. Let it steep for 15 minutes, strain, then drink a cup. there Peppermint is a herb with a pungent flavor And can help unblock the nose. For children, this herbal tea can be replaced by one lime blossom infusion, At the rate of 1 tsp. Dried flowers for 250 ml of water.
4. Clear the air to fight a runny nose
By ventilating your home, you can renew and purify the air. In case of a runny nose, and even on a daily basis, it is advisable to ventilate your home. Between 10 and 15 minutes every day. If it’s cold, it’s best to move to another room while you ventilate the other room. Put the eucalyptus leaves in a saucepan Boiling water humidifies the air and helps clear the airways. “Hygrometry is also important, because Very dry air can irritate respiratory mucous membranes such as the nasal mucous membrane. On the contrary, A Excessive moisture is conducive to mold growth, which may be responsible for allergies without your knowledge. If your nose is constantly running, Do not hesitate to evaluate for allergies : Dust mites and mold are potential allergens. You should also ensure a good general temperature in your home and take standard temperature measurements. To clean mattresses, pillows and carpets“
5. Menthol stick relieves symptoms of runny nose
The products can be found in pharmacies Dispensed without a prescription To fight a runny nose. “The nose has mechanical receptors and (chemical) chemoreceptors: through these receptors, the mucous membrane of the nose reacts to heat, dust, allergens, viruses, during physical exercise, changes in position, etc. It also reacts to other substances. such as pepper or menthol, swelling or secretion mucus. Menthol sticks can help relieve the symptoms of a runny nose. However, it will only relieve them without removing the cause.” Doctor Al Bakkouri explains.
When to seek advice?
A runny nose is very common, whether in babies, children or adults. “If you should consult your doctor Symptoms suggestive of sinusitis Appears, as Headache, feeling of heaviness under the eyes or in the cheekbones, in case of nasal congestion, cough or fever. Indeed, a blocked nose that is left untreated can affect the pulmonary system and sinuses,” Concludes Dr Wissam Al Bakkouri. In case of concern or fever Associated with persistent rhinorrhea in infants or children, do not hesitate to make an appointment with your doctor.
Thanks to Dr. Wissam Al Bakkouri, ENT Doctor and Head and Neck Surgeon at Adolphe de Rothschild Foundation Hospital.
- Nasal washing in adults. Adolf de Rothschild Foundation Hospital
- Adolf de Rothschild Foundation Hospital
