There is swelling of the nasal mucosa for various reasons, this is the most common complaint with which patients turn to otolaryngologists. Most often it is associated with colds, but there are other, more serious disorders that cause this condition. It is important to start treatment on time for the disease that provoked the pathology so that chronic edema does not develop. Diagnostics is carried out by a doctor, after a detailed study of all the characteristics of the body, he chooses the most effective treatment.
How does
The nose is a kind of entrance gate of the respiratory system. In this organ, every second there is intense work on cleaning the inhaled air from dust and pathogens and warming it. The mucous membrane performs these functions, it is expelled by the ciliated epithelium, each cell of which has up to 500 cilia. These cilia perform about 30 oscillatory movements per minute, which ensures the retention of opportunistic and pathogenic particles.
Swelling of the nasal mucosa occurs at the moment when any pathogenic processes occur in the body. The answer to them is a disruption in the work of the cilia, they do not actively oscillate, therefore pathogens can penetrate into healthy cells and even into the lower respiratory tract. The immune system reacts to this immediately, it sends inflammatory mediators and antigens through the circulatory system, designed to combat the disorder. Blood circulation in the nasal cavity increases, the permeability of the vessels increases, therefore their contents easily go into the intercellular space, which causes swelling of the nose.
Features of manifestation
When swelling of the nasal mucosa appears, the patient is faced with rather unpleasant symptoms. The manifestations of the disorder can be conditionally divided into two types: inflammatory and functional. The first type appears when there is an inflammatory process in the nasal cavity caused by viruses or bacteria. The second develops against the background of systemic and other serious diseases. Let's consider them in more detail.
Inflammatory symptoms:
- dryness and tightness in the nose;
- burning sensation inside the nasal passages;
- swelling of the mucous membrane and the outside of the nose;
- frequent sneezing;
- eye irritation, tearing;
- nasal congestion;
headache;- chills, muscle pain, and fever.
headache;Functional symptoms:
- anemia, which is also called oxygen starvation, causes problems in the brain, they are manifested by a decrease in mental capacity, attention, memory and concentration;
- complete or partial loss of smell, which directly affects appetite, a person refuses food;
- mucus that constantly accumulates in and out of the nose, it can be transparent, purulent or streaked with blood.
Other symptoms may also appear, depending on what kind of disease caused the swelling of the nasal mucosa. With allergic reactions, lacrimation and dermatitis are added.
If the patient has sinusitis, then not only the inner part of the nose is swollen, but also the face, there are strong local pains in the area of the affected sinuses. They can radiate to the forehead, temple, or eyes. It is often only by studying the symptoms that it is possible to understand why the nose swells.
Reasons for violation
If the nose swells, the reasons need to be identified as soon as possible, this will help to start effective treatment in a timely manner. Respiratory infections and allergies in 90% become the "culprits" of this disorder, but there are other pathologies that can manifest themselves in this way.
When the nose is swollen, the following processes are possible in the body:
Allergic reaction. When inhaled and sometimes food allergens enter the body, the mucous membrane reacts to them as to foreign proteins. The immune system sends inflammatory mediators to the affected area, which causes severe swelling of the nose.- Hypothermia. Prolonged exposure to cold causes a drop in general and local immunity. The functioning of the cilia of the ciliated epithelium is disrupted, therefore the pathogenic microflora easily penetrates the mucous membrane and begins to multiply on it. Symptoms with this swelling of the nasal mucosa appear immediately, therefore it is easy to recognize.
- Viral and bacterial infections. If the nasal mucosa swells, the reasons may lie in the multiplication of pathogenic microflora in the nasal passages. However, it also happens that there are other foci of bacterial infections in the body, from which disease-causing agents can migrate into the nasal cavity.
- Overdose with vasoconstrictor drugs. When a patient has a swollen nose after treatment for a runny nose, you need to inquire about the treatment regimen that he used. If you use vasoconstrictor drops and sprays for more than 7 days, addiction to them is possible. The mucous membrane can no longer function normally on its own, it constantly swells, if you do not use the medicine.
- Injuries. Damage to the integrity of the mucous membrane leads to its swelling. In this way, the body tries to defend itself. If the nose is swollen after a bruise, you need to see a doctor for a detailed examination.
- The presence of a foreign body. Most often, children insert various objects into the nasal passages. The body understands that there is a foreign body on the surface of the mucous membrane, therefore it begins to actively fight it, increasing blood circulation and increasing the secretion of mucus. In this case, only the nostril in which there are foreign particles can swell.
- Neoplasms in the nose. Overgrowth of lymphoid tissue that makes up adenoids, polyps, and cysts can cause permanent swelling. These disorders affect the functioning of the mucous membrane, reducing its protective functions.
- Anatomical features. If the nose is swollen and the swelling does not go away, it may be due to the incorrect anatomical structure of this organ. Curvature of the nasal septum, too narrow passages, abnormal wings can all cause swelling.
Unfavorable environmental conditions. Swelling of the nose is often observed in people who live or work in adverse climatic and environmental conditions. Inhalation of dry and hot air, chemical vapors, exhaust gases, dust and other harmful volatile substances can disrupt the functioning of the mucous membrane.- Wrong way of life. Quite rarely, this factor causes frequent edema, but it also exists. It has been proven that people who abuse alcoholic beverages and heavy smokers face this violation. Alcohol and tobacco smoke causes general intoxication of the body and disruption of the mucous membranes.
Allergic reaction. When inhaled and sometimes food allergens enter the body, the mucous membrane reacts to them as to foreign proteins. The immune system sends inflammatory mediators to the affected area, which causes severe swelling of the nose.
Unfavorable environmental conditions. Swelling of the nose is often observed in people who live or work in adverse climatic and environmental conditions. Inhalation of dry and hot air, chemical vapors, exhaust gases, dust and other harmful volatile substances can disrupt the functioning of the mucous membrane.Edema elimination methods
Only a doctor can choose a means to relieve swelling, since the use of different drugs is indicated for different violations. To make the correct diagnosis, laboratory and instrumental studies are used, anamnesis is also collected and an instrumental examination is carried out. Only after carrying out all these procedures can you choose an effective treatment regimen.
Consider what methods and medications will help alleviate the condition.
| Means and methods for eliminating edema | Mechanism of action | Indications |
|---|---|---|
| Vasoconstrictor drugs "Nazivin", "Sanorin", "Naftizin", "Galazolin", "Xylomethozolin" and others. | Drops and sprays relieve swelling from the mucous membrane by narrowing the vessels and reducing their permeability. | Used as an aid for edema of infectious and traumatic origin. |
| Moisturizers "Akamaris", "Aqualor", "Salin", "Saline". | Gently cleanses the mucous membrane of pathogenic microflora and moisturizes it, eliminates symptoms such as dryness and burning. | Indicated for viral infections, allergic rhinitis, frequent stay in dusty rooms with dry air. |
| Antimicrobial agents "Isofra", "Bioparox", "Polydex". | They kill bacteria, disinfect mucous membranes, dilate blood vessels and relieve swelling. | Drops and sprays are indicated for bacterial origin of edema. |
| Cold compress on the bridge of the nose. | Reduces pressure in the nasal area, reduces pain. | Indicated for injury to the nose. |
| Physiotherapy procedures (electrophoresis, phonophoresis, laser therapy). | They increase local immunity, relieve inflammation, dilate blood vessels, and eliminate edema. | Indicated for viral infections, injuries or the presence of benign neoplasms in the nose. |
| Vitamin supplements and immunomodulators. | Vitamin supplements and immunomodulators. They increase the density of the walls of blood vessels, improve local and general immunity. | Used to strengthen the body's defenses against viral and bacterial diseases. |
| Surgery. | Helps to eliminate foci of infection located in the nose, to correct anatomical imperfections. | They are used only in cases where traditional methods of treatment do not have any effect, for example, with a deviated nasal septum, overgrowth of polyps and cysts. |
Preventive measures
In order to prevent the appearance of mucosal edema, you need to carefully monitor your health. Viral and bacterial infections can be prevented by strengthening the immune system. To do this, it is worth eating more fortified food, leading an active lifestyle, quitting smoking and drinking alcohol, and hardening.
Those who work in hazardous industries must constantly use personal protective equipment and moisturize the nasal mucosa with saline solutions.
To prevent infection during the epidemic season, you need to get vaccinated on time and avoid contact with infected people. It is best to install a household air humidifier in an apartment, it will help to avoid overdrying the air during the heating season.
Let's summarize
Edema appears on the nasal mucosa only if any pathological processes occur in the body. This is a completely natural defensive reaction, but it causes a lot of trouble for patients. Different medications prescribed by your doctor can be used to relieve symptoms. However, the main challenge is to treat the disease that caused the swelling.
