For many of us, a runny nose is associated with a pronounced flow of the nose, nasal congestion, nasal voice, sneezing and itching in the nose. However, rhinitis does not always show up with typical symptoms. Sometimes there is severe dryness in the nasal cavities, drying out of the mucous membrane, as well as tissue atrophy. Treatment of dry rhinitis is somewhat different than in other forms of the disease (allergic, infectious), therefore, medicines should be chosen exclusively by a doctor.
Causes of dry rhinitis
The appearance of dry rhinitis is based on atrophic processes in the mucous membrane, which develop gradually, without pronounced symptoms, which is why the chronicity of the disease is often observed.
A prolonged course of dry rhinitis is fraught with the appearance of ulcerative defects, erosions, perforated areas in the nasal septum, which leads to destruction and deformation of the cartilage of the septum.
Most of the cases of the disease are recorded in adulthood, especially in males. Among the reasons provoking drying out of the nasal mucosa, it is worth highlighting:
- surgical interventions on the structures of the nose and paranasal zone;
- trauma to the facial skeleton with damage to the nose;
- professional harm. The disease is typical for people who work with cement, ammonia, lime and other chemicals that, when inhaled, strongly irritate the nasal mucosa;
- abrupt change of residence to places with polluted air (dust, chemicals);
- chronic rhinitis with frequent exacerbations;
- long stay close to factories, factories or a motorway;
- smoking;
- rough blowing out, frequent trauma to the mucous membrane during mechanical cleansing of the nose;
- long-term use of nasal drops with a vasoconstrictor effect.
Frequent trauma to dry mucosa ends with scarring of defects, the risk of metaplasia and the appearance of benign growths in the nasal cavity increases.
Features of symptoms and diagnostics
A dry runny nose is manifested by the following symptoms:
- loss of smell;
- a feeling of nasal congestion;
- severe dryness of the nasal mucosa;
- itching in the nose, which indicates constant irritation of the mucous membrane;
- difficulty blowing out, as well as a feeling of incomplete cleansing of the nasal passages;
- sensation of a foreign element in the nose;
- the presence of dry crusts in the nasal cavities.
A dry coryza is sometimes accompanied by nosebleeds or dry crusts with bloody streaks. This symptom indicates the progression of the disease and damage to the blood vessels.
As a result, a person is worried about headaches, mood swings, insomnia and nervousness.
Having consulted a doctor, the patient must describe in detail the symptoms that bother him, as well as tell about the presence of concomitant diseases and allergic predisposition. To make the correct diagnosis and determine the cause of rhinitis, a comprehensive examination is required:
- rhinoscopy (makes it possible to examine the nasal passages). The study reveals the expansion of the cavities, the accumulation of mucus in the form of crusts, dryness, as well as pallor of the mucous membrane. The surface has a lacquered sheen, there is a decrease in the number of blood vessels, which are visible through the thinned mucosa. Sometimes crusts of a greenish tint are visualized, which indicates the presence of purulent discharge;
- allergy tests;
- analysis of working conditions.
Therapeutic directions
The main tasks in the treatment of dry rhinitis are to eliminate the provoking factor, restore the structure of the mucous membrane, moisturize it from the outside and from the inside. Dry rhinitis requires treatment with several groups of drugs:
- solutions based on sea salt. They allow you to moisturize the mucous membrane and clear it of accumulations of mucus and crusts. For this, ready-made preparations can be used, for example, Aqualor or Humer, as well as solutions prepared at home. The recipe involves dissolving 10 g of salt in 490 ml of warm water;
- oil medicines. It is recommended to lubricate the nasal mucosa with glycerin-based glucose, rosehip oil, thuja or sea buckthorn oil;
- Solcoseryl ointment stimulates blood circulation and accelerates the healing of injured tissue sites;
- antihistamines in the form of a suspension or tablets, for example, Diazolin or Erius. They help reduce swelling of the mucous membranes and cope with nasal congestion;
- local immunomodulators such as Derinat, Interferon;
- antiseptic drugs (Bioparox, Isofra) are prescribed when a bacterial infection is attached.
Oil preparations are especially important in the treatment of dry rhinitis, as they coat the mucous membrane, protect it and stimulate regeneration.
An integral part of therapy is the elimination of the provoking factor (smoking, industrial hazards, or the use of vasoconstrictor nasal drops).
Folk recipes
Often, atrophic rhinitis is diagnosed late, because the symptoms of the disease are not always well pronounced. A person postpones a visit to a doctor, as he tries to cope with the disease on his own or does not pay attention to the signs of the disease at all. This leads to the chronicity of the pathology.
To enhance the therapeutic effect of medications, it is recommended to use traditional medicine recipes:
- nasal drops can be prepared from calendula juice, red geranium, taken in equal volume;
- aloe juice can be mixed with sea buckthorn oil 1: 1;
- menthol and sea buckthorn oil (1: 1) can be used to lubricate the nasal mucosa;
- infusion of eucalyptus, sage, chamomile or calendula is often used to wash the nose;
- infusion of calendula;
- infusion of oak bark helps to reduce the fragility of blood vessels;
- calendula flowers, chamomile, nettle leaves must be mixed in an equal volume, take 15 g of a mixture of herbs, pour 260 ml of boiling water, wait 2 hours. Drip into each nasal passage, five drops 4 times;
- aloe juice must be combined with melted honey 1: 1. Lubricate the nasal mucosa with the resulting mass;
- 30 g of rosehip oil should be mixed with 3 ml of propolis tincture and lubricate the nasal mucosa twice a day.
Sneezing may occur when using aloe - this is normal.
To increase the immune defense, it is recommended to take a decoction of rose hips, echinacea or ginseng. To brew rose hips, it is enough to chop 6-7 berries, pour them into a thermos and pour 900 ml boiling water. In the morning, you can start drinking a drink with 50 ml. A liter of broth must be distributed over the whole day.
Prophylaxis
Now we know what dry rhinitis is, how to treat it, and what causes predispose to its appearance. Consider in more detail the preventive measures, thanks to which it is possible to avoid atrophy of the nasal mucosa.
So, the recommendations:
- regular washing of the nasal cavities with saline solutions prevents microbes from settling on the mucous membrane, as well as cleanse the nasal passages of dust. This procedure is used for both prophylaxis and therapeutic purposes;
- humidify the air in the room, often ventilate the room and do not forget about wet cleaning;
- eat right, enriching your diet with vitamin products, fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs. It is not recommended to abuse sweets, flour products, products with trans fats and dyes;
- you need good rest and adequate sleep, which makes it possible to restore strength and prevent a decrease in immunity;
- frequent walks in the fresh air. It is best to choose locations remote from industrial areas and highways;
- quit smoking;
- use a nasal spray with a vasoconstrictor effect in a strictly limited course and in certain doses;
- it is necessary to contact an otolaryngologist in a timely manner if signs of protracted rhinitis or complications appear;
- to prevent exacerbations of chronic diseases, you need to be regularly examined by a doctor and carry out preventive treatment.
Do not underestimate the effect of drinking regime on the course of dry rhinitis. Insufficient fluid intake in the body leads to an increase in the viscosity of the blood, as well as the secretion secreted. As a result, the nasal mucosa is not sufficiently moisturized, dries up and becomes more sensitive to damaging environmental factors.
Normally, mucus is produced in small quantities, which protects the mucous membrane. As a result of a deficiency of cell secretion, the mucous membrane is injured, its integrity is violated and the formation of scars.
You can strengthen the immune system and moisturize the mucous membrane from the inside by maintaining an optimal water and electrolyte balance. Infusions of herbs, raspberries, currants and various fruit drinks are recommended. To prepare a decoction of currants, it is enough to pour 100 g of berries with 600 ml of water and boil for 15 minutes. If you want a sweeter drink, you can add sugar to taste and boil for a couple of minutes.
A good effect is observed when using balneotherapy for dry type of rhinitis, as well as visiting a seaside resort. This allows not only to cure the nasal mucosa, but to strengthen the human immune system, preventing the progression of the disease.
