How to treat runny nose, sore throat and ears at home?

Every year, with the onset of the viral season, a similar scenario repeats itself in doctors' offices – people come with a stuffy nose, a sore throat or ear discomfort, hoping to find a quick solution. Antibiotics seem to be the most effective. However, as our head of the clinic Dr. Med. Rudolfs Janis Viksne points out, most of the time they are not needed and sometimes can even harm. That's why we've put together recommendations on what treatments you can safely do at home, but in which cases it's important to see a doctor in advance.

A lot of viral infections start in the nose – how to treat a runny nose?

Viral infections most often start directly in the upper respiratory tract, including the nose. The first days are characterized by watery secretions, which later thicken, and many worry: “Does a green runny nose mean you need antibiotics?” The answer is no, don't. The tone of the discharge more often reflects the stasis caused by edema than a bacterial infection. Typical viral infection resolves within 7–10 days. During this period, the main task is to help the body cope with the virus, rather than trying to “defeat” it with antibiotics.

What you can do at home:

adequate fluid intake

regularly rinse your nose with isotonic salt water.

temporarily use nasal drops or sprays that relieve swelling (decongestants), strictly following the instructions;

take care of rest and sufficient sleep.

If symptoms persist for more than 10 days, after initial improvement, the condition suddenly worsens and severe facial pain in the forehead or cheek area, high body temperature and severe weakness appear, be sure to consult a doctor. This may be a sign of a bacterial infection, and in such cases antibiotics may indeed be necessary, but the decision on their choice and duration of use is left to the discretion of the doctor.

Neck pain most often associated with infections – how to treat a sore throat?

Neck pain is one of the symptoms that most frightens patients. But most of the time, they accompany a viral infection along with a runny nose, cough, and low temperatures. In such cases, redness of the throat is not a signal for the need for antibiotics, but for the active work of the immune system.

Symptoms of bacterial tonsillitis, or angina, include severe, rapidly progressive sore throat, difficult and painful swallowing, high temperature, white or purulent plaque on the tonsils, painful cervical lymph nodes, and, crucially, usually no runny nose and cough. In this situation, the treatment should be carefully evaluated – antibiotics may be necessary, but only after a doctor's examination.

Dangerous symptoms that require urgent medical attention:

difficulty opening the mouth

inability to swallow even saliva;

unilateral swelling of the neck or jaw.

These may be signs of a peritonsillar abscess that is being treated urgently.

The most common culprit of ear problems is the nose – how to treat sore ears?

Ear pain is often a consequence, not a foundation. Edema of the nasopharyngeal mucosa blocks the Eustachian canal (the channel that connects the nasopharynx to the middle ear), the ear no longer “breathes” and symptoms such as pain, pressure sensation, muffled sound and feeling like “under water” appear. It's called tubotitis, and it's very common during the viral season. Although tubotitis is not usually dangerous, it can be unpleasant. Important to remember: treatment should be aimed at improving nasal ventilation and reducing edema. Only when normal ventilation is restored does the ear also get better – and the improvement is not always immediate.

Acute otitis media usually has more pronounced symptoms – throbbing or stabbing pain in the ear, increased temperature, and purulent discharge from the ear may occur. Sudden or rapidly progressive deterioration of hearing may also be associated with the inflammatory process in the middle ear, so such symptoms should not be ignored – they should definitely be evaluated by a doctor.

If swelling behind the ear appears, discharge continues for several weeks, dizziness or impaired balance join, an urgent examination by a specialist is required.

When should a doctor be consulted?

Remember to see your GP if:

the symptoms of the virus do not go away for more than 10–14 days;

the condition worsens rapidly after initial improvement;

elevated body temperature that persists for more than 4 days.

The otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) should be consulted if:

severe pain in the face, ear or neck

have shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or swallowing

you experience severe weakness, dizziness, or a feeling of “something is not normal”.

An ambulance should be called if:

Difficulty breathing

unable to swallow even saliva;

there is a severe, rapidly increasing swelling in the neck or behind the ear;

a disturbance of consciousness appears.

Apply for an appointment:

ENT specialist's consultation (otolaryngologist's consultation)

Consultation with a doctor of medical sciences otolaryngologist (Dr. med. otolaryngologist consultation)

Nasal endoscopy (endoscopic examination of the nose and nose)

Examination of the ear under a microscope (otomic microscopy)

Laryngeal flexion endoscopy (fibrolaryngoscopy)

Professionals

Dr. med. Rudolfs Janis Viksne