Lozenges, drops, inhalations, plasters - effective treatments for rhinitis
Małgorzata Kruk (MPharm)Start treating rhinitis by moisturising the nasal ducts. Use a sodium chloride solution (0.9% NaCl to be purchased in pharmacies over the counter) or a spray of sea water which will restore the proper humidity of the dried and irritated nasal mucous membrane. Furthermore, these solutions dilute the secretion and facilitate its removal from the nose.
For temporary treatment, use drops with oxymetazoline or xylometazoline – they will constrict the fine blood vessels of the nasal mucous membrane. As a result, the swelling of the mucous membrane and the quantity of secretion will decrease and you will start breathing more freely. Remember that drops for rhinitis with xylometazoline and oxymetazoline are intended for short-term use only (up to 4 days). If you suffer from glaucoma, cardiovascular diseases (arterial hypertension, ischemic heart disease), metabolism disorders or you use medications from the group of MAO inhibitors – stop using drops based on substances that constrict the nasal mucous membrane.
Inhalations can also prove useful in treating rhinitis. You may prepare the inhalations on your own at home using hot water and several drops of essential oils (eucalyptus oil, lavender oil, mint oil, tea tree oil, and pine oil). You can apply special plasters to bedclothes to help you breathe freely at night as well. Plasters for rhinitis release volatile essential oils and facilitate breathing and will ensure a good night’s sleep.
Lozenges containing anti-allergic substances, which inhibit hypersensitivity reactions to an allergic factor (the allergen) are also an effective method to treat rhinitis, especially allergic rhinitis. If you suspect you may have an allergy, use lozenges with cetirizine, loratadine or desloratadine. As a result, you will quickly fight allergic rhinitis.
Relief in viral rhinitis may be brought by complex lozenges - with an anti-allergic substance (cetirizine, loratadine) and pseudoephedrine which will inhibit the formation of exudation.
Remember that chronic rhinitis lasting more than two weeks and a change in colour (yellow, green purulent rhinitis) or an odorous scent of rhinitis secretions all require an urgent visit to a physician.
