In this article we will tell you how to properly use these tools, and when they are used, and also give an overview of the best vasoconstrictor drops in the nose for children of different ages.
How do vasoconstrictors work?
During a runny nose of any origin, the mucous nasal cavity becomes inflamed and swollen, and the amount of mucus that is produced by it increases several times. As a result, nasal passages overlap, and a sick kid has a nasal congestion that causes a headache, as well as general malaise and weakness.
The composition of vasoconstrictors includes active substances called adrenomimetics, which stimulate adrenic receptors. Under the influence of these substances, the vessels contract, the edema subsides and the breathing of the sick child is facilitated. Unfortunately, this effect lasts a limited time. Preparations of the old generation do not last more than 4 hours, and good modern vasoconstrictive drops for children can alleviate the condition for up to 12 hours.
Such funds are used in the following cases:
- viral or allergic rhinitis;
- acute otitis media;
- sinusitis (sinusitis, etmoiditis, frontalitis).
These medications can not be used for longer than a certain amount of time, which is necessarily indicated in the instructions. If this rule is violated, the child may become addicted, which will be very difficult to get rid of. An overdose of vasoconstrictive drops in children also causes various negative reactions, in particular, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, deterioration of vision.
Which vasoconstrictive drops for children are better?
There are 3 categories of such drugs:
- Means of short action (4-6 hours) on the basis of naphazoline (Naphthyzin, Sanorin), tetrizoline (Tysin, Vizin) and phenylephrine (Nazol Baby, Vibrocil ). In most cases, for the treatment of the common cold in children up to a year, vasoconstrictive drops are applied precisely on the basis of phenylephrine.
- Preparations of medium duration (6-10 hours) based on xylometazoline
(Otrivin, For Nos) and tramazolin (Rhinospray, Adrianol). - Drops of long-acting (more than 10 hours), based on oxymetazoline. The most popular drugs in this category are Nazivin and Nazol.
Each of the medicines has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is not possible to answer unambiguously which of these means is better. In addition, any vasoconstrictive drops can cause an individual reaction of the child's body. In any case, before using the drugs from the common cold it is necessary to consult a doctor and carefully read the instructions for use.