It's the fall with the cloud, and with the stuffy nose. Rhinitis - or nasal congestion, as doctors call it, is one of the obvious signs of colds, and of allergy. While it doesn't really matter to us what makes a nose shut, there are some signs that you should recognize and help get rid of.
What is the difference between colds and allergies?
Colds are a viral (viral) disease that passes through the air. There are about 200 types of cold viruses and every time someone sneezes or coughs around us, tiny fragments of millions of viruses are sprouting in the air looking for a new nose to settle in.
Infection with viruses can occur when we touch any object - a glass, a pacifier, a door handle that someone with a cold has touched before. They just sit there waiting to be transported: from the hand that touches the eyes, nose, mouth. Everywhere that is part of our upper respiratory tract, every organ that is lined with a warm, moist layer. That's what they like and that's where they breed.
One of the main signs of a cold is a runny nose. Nasal congestion, as doctors like to call it. In fact, it is a type of infectious inflammation that can accompany it besides clogged nose and also leak sneezing, sore throat or headache, sometimes fever, and general bad feeling.
Allergy, on the other hand, is not contagious, it is the body's reaction to various substances, which can manifest in the upper respiratory system, skin, and other organs. Allergic rhinitis is one of the common reactions that can cause nasal congestion, as well as sneezing, nasal irritation, palate, and eyes. Some people suffer from allergic reactions infrequently, some suffer year-round and some suffer only in a particular season, such as the transitional seasons - spring and fall - due to sensitivity to flowering or other seasonal components in the air. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is an atopic disease called also hay fever.
Another difference between colds and allergy is directly related to the same nasal congestion and is the runny color. Yes, it's unpleasant to think about, but while allergic rhinitis is transparent, viral rhinitis has an asymptomatic, yellowish, or greenish color.
How to open a clogged nose?
No obstruction is a nagging matter that interferes with sleep, breathing, even affecting the taste of food. While there are medications, swallowing pills, and nasal drops that can bring immediate relief, consider that once you stop using them, the congestion returns and a vicious circle may form. In addition, some drugs cause a feeling of drowsiness, so they can interfere with children during school or prevent adults from driving, for example.
Compared to the side effects of the medication, there are many different drugs and methods for nose relief, which are natural and easy to use.
Saline: Saline preparations are natural and sold in pharmacies. Suitable for the care of children, infants, and toddlers as well.
Homeopathy: Prescription homeopathic remedies are now available for nasal congestion. Some are also suitable for the care of children, infants, and toddlers.
Hot Humidifiers: Hot humidifiers are suitable for treating rhinitis and nasal congestion. There are devices with a special compartment for dipping aromatic oils. Suitable for the care of children, infants, and toddlers as well.
Aromatic (essential) oils: The oils that are considered most suitable for treating nasal congestion are peppermint oil, eucalyptus, rosemary, thyme, lavender, moss, and tea tree. One of the recommendations is to drip them into the bathwater, hot water heater or hot water bowl and breathe in the steam. Some are also suitable for the care of children, infants, and toddlers.
Herbal infusions: Echinacea, eucalyptus leaves, ginger, and the sambuk fruit are among the most recommended in folk medicine for the treatment and relief of nasal congestion. Some are also suitable for the care of children, infants, and toddlers.
Chinese Medicine: According to Chinese medicine, there are a number of foods that stimulate the production of phlegm in the body, such as milk and its products, citrus fruits, peanuts, sugar, white flour, and more. The recommendation is to remove them from the menu by trial and error. Suitable for children, infants, and toddlers.
In Chinese medicine, there are also 8 pressure points that can release nasal congestion: at the intersection of the eye sockets and eyebrows, at the base of the cheekbones, under the clavicle, back and hands. It is worth getting guidance from a Chinese healer.
The onion method: Place half the onion by the bed or squeeze some juice and gently apply it with a stick in the nostril. The strong aroma may ease. Suitable for children, infants, and toddlers.
Vitamins and minerals: Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and zinc may facilitate the treatment of colds and other winter diseases. They will not specifically help with nasal congestion, but may hasten recovery from the common cold and may prevent the next cold. The recommendation is to eat lots of foods that are rich in them or consume them as a dietary supplement.
