As of: March 5, 2024, 9:36 a.m
By: Juliane Gutmann
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From acute colds that only last a few days to chronic rhinitis: Not all colds are the same.
A doctor explains what works.
Runny nose, also known as rhinitis, is one of the most common diseases of the respiratory system.
The annoying ailment is often one of the main symptoms of a viral infection.
Cold or flu viruses trigger an inflammatory reaction in the mucous membranes of the nose, which leads to nasal congestion, sneezing and nasal discharge.
But allergies, such as hay fever, can also trigger rhinitis.
In such cases, the immune system reacts to allergenic substances such as pollen or dust mites.
When your nose runs or is blocked, many people swear by home remedies.
Inhaling chamomile tea or cold baths are the remedies of choice.
What really helps with a cold depends on the type of rhinitis.
In the case of a cold caused by allergies, the cause, i.e. the allergy, must be treated so that the symptoms disappear.
“Long cold” lasts for weeks
In the picture interview, Prof. Thomas Deitmer, Secretary General of the German Society for ENT Medicine, gives tips on what you can do if you have a cold caused by a cold.
A cold is often persistent.
Home remedies are then helpful.
© Kniel Synnatzschke/Imago
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Viral infections in the form of colds and the associated symptoms usually subside within a week, according to the lung information service.
But coughs and colds can also be persistent and last for weeks.
A British research team came to the conclusion that viral infections that are not caused by Sars-CoV-2 viruses can also lead to long-term symptoms.
However, according to the researchers, there is so far no evidence that a “long cold” can have the same severity and duration as Long Covid, informs the
MDR
.
Cortisone in nasal spray can be useful
If you have a cold that lasts for a long time, you could have a sinus infection.
In this case, ENT expert Thomas Deitmer recommends: “One treatment option is prescription sprays or drops with a cortisone that only has a local effect.
They dampen the inflammatory reactions and thus also the formation of mucus.
They work particularly well in combination with saline nasal rinses.”
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When it comes to nasal sprays, you should pay attention to the active ingredients.
“But be careful with sprays with decongestant active ingredients,” warns Professor Deitmer in the Bild interview.
These should not be used for longer than two weeks, otherwise the risk of a habituation effect occurring and nasal spray addiction developing increases.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editorial team cannot answer individual questions about medical conditions.