Nose Treatment
Nose is a chamber divided into two by a midline septum (in about 90% it is off midline but doesn’t cause trouble) and its side walls contain mounds & troughs (called turbinates & meati). These turbinates & meati produce turbulence in airflow through nose. This, along with hair in the front part of nose, will stop good number of dust particles from entering the lungs. The most important function of the nose is to humidify the air, which enters lungs for oxygenation of our body. Also, it adjusts the temperature of air so that it is not harmful to lungs. The nose takes the brunt of this process and projects the more delicate and sensitive lungs.
Common Cold
Most of the times, it is due to virus infection. In 99% of cases it subsides in a week’s time without treatment, but little care will reduce the chances of complications.
Steam inhalation-vapours of plain hot water (no need to add Medicines, turmeric, mint etc). The temperature of steam need not be high and it should be comfortable to face. Ideally this should be started in the very early phase of viral infection.
Put two drops of nasal decongestant in each nostril twice a day in the given position (keep a pillow behind the shoulders; extend the neck, lift up the chin in such a way that chin and ear are same vertical line). In this position the drops will open the blocked sinus openings and prevent sinusitis. A word of caution: These drops are good for short courses of 5 to 10 days and prolonged use can lead a very dreaded condition called Rhinitis medicamentosa.
Complications of common cold
The viral infection turns into bacterial & needs antibiotics. Infections spreads to throat (sore throat); to ear (acute Suppurative otitis media, severe pain in the ear with block sensation. This needs urgent treatment from ENT specialist); very rarely to eye.
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