Acute rhinitis is a disease of a viral or fungal nature, accompanied by inflammation of the nasal mucosa and difficulty breathing. Local changes in the mucous membrane can be observed against the background of infection, allergies, or a decrease in immune defense. Rhinitis is one of the most common diseases of the ENT organs. In children, it occupies about 25% of all otolaryngological pathology.
The frequent occurrence of a cold leads to changes in the structure of the nasopharyngeal mucosa, which is fraught with chronic inflammation. In addition to local symptoms, there is a deterioration in the general condition, which makes it difficult to communicate with people around and reduces performance.
The problems of frequent occurrence of rhinitis should be solved starting from childhood. Pediatricians, otolaryngologists, neurologists, allergists, pulmonologists and immunologists take part in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Acute rhinitis can occur as an independent disease or be a sign of another pathology, for example, measles, diphtheria or influenza. The nasopharynx is considered the initial part of the respiratory tract that encounters microbes.
When breathing, air passes through the nasopharynx, warming and clearing. As a result, it enters the trachea and lungs in a "prepared" form. On the surface of the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx, cilia are located, which are in constant motion, directing mucus, microbes and dust particles from the nasal cavities outward.
Mucus is produced to facilitate the movement of air through the nasal passages. It helps to cleanse the nasopharynx, moisturize the mucous membrane and provide it with protection from damaging factors.
In the nasal cavity there is a branched circulatory system, which is part of the defense system. With prolonged inhalation of cold air, a spasm of blood vessels occurs, which reduces the protection of the mucous membrane.
Against this background, microbes can easily attach to the mucous membrane and begin to multiply. In response to the penetration of a foreign agent into the nasal cavities, an abundant production of mucus begins, which is called rhinorrhea. The damaged mucosa becomes edematous and hyperemic.
Most cases of rhinitis are infectious.
Causes
Let's list the factors that provoke the onset of acute. If we consider a runny nose as an independent disease, an infectious or allergic type is often diagnosed. Nasal congestion and rhinorrhea can also accompany scarlet fever, meningococcal or adenovirus infections.
What causes an acute rhinitis?
- infectious infection of viral or bacterial origin. The cause of the disease can be the rapid multiplication of streptococci, pneumococci, influenza viruses of various strains, parainfluenza, adeno-, rhinitis, respiratory syncytial viruses, Coxsackie, ECHO. Among the specific forms of the disease, it is worth highlighting such pathogens as mycoplasma, tubercle bacillus, chlamydia and legionella. As for fungal pathogens, they often provoke the development of a chronic form of the common cold;
- decreased immunity. The cause of immunodeficiency can be chronic tonsillitis, sinusitis, adenoids, diathesis, vaccination, severe systemic diseases, as well as infectious diseases. In addition, a decrease in local protection is observed after general hypothermia, upon inhalation of polluted air or pungent odors of chemicals;
- an allergic reaction. The immune system of each person can react differently to the action of endogenous and exogenous factors. In the presence of a genetic predisposition, diseases of the lymphatic or immune system, the risk of developing allergies is much higher. An allergic reaction can develop after inhalation of pollen, wool, dust, certain odors of chemicals, contact with cosmetics, household chemicals, taking certain medications or eating "edible" allergens;
- disorder of endocrine, nervous regulation of vascular tone, which leads to the development of vasomotor rhinitis. Often, the disease goes unnoticed, and its exacerbations are perceived as acute rhinitis. The development of a vasomotor rhinitis is predisposed by a deformed septum, anomalies in the structure of the nasopharynx, or its damage after injury. The risk of a runny nose also increases if there are nasal polyps, adenoids, prolonged use of nasal medications with a vasoconstrictor effect, or if you live near an industrial area. The cause of an exacerbation of the disease can be a sharp change in the temperature of the inhaled air, strong odors or hormonal fluctuations (pregnancy, adolescence).
Classification of the common cold
Acute rhinitis varies in causation. Pathology goes through several stages, which are characterized by certain symptoms:
- at the first stage, the nasopharyngeal mucosa is irritated by a provoking factor. Clinically, the condition is manifested by dryness of the mucous membrane, sneezing, slight edema and hyperemia of the mucous membrane;
- at the second stage, hypersecretion is noted, which disrupts the patency of the nasal passages, the sensation of taste, odors and makes it difficult for nasal breathing. A person is worried about profuse rhinorrhea and signs of conjunctivitis (redness of the eyes, lacrimation). Discharge from the nose is light, watery;
- the third stage is characterized by the appearance of a yellowish tint of discharge, which indicates the appearance of a purulent impurity. The volume of discharge gradually decreases, they become thicker.
Recovery is observed after 7-10 days from the onset of the disease.
In case of improper treatment, weakened immunity, or the continuation of the action of the provoking factor, the symptoms may bother a month or more. With an infectious course of the disease, the risk of bacteria spreading to surrounding healthy tissues increases, which predisposes the onset of inflammation in the paranasal sinuses, posterior pharyngeal wall or tonsils. With the defeat of the lacrimal ducts, symptoms of conjunctivitis are observed.
When the auditory tube is involved in the inflammatory process, swelling of the mucous membrane and inhibition of the airway function occurs. Limited air supply leads to impaired ventilation in the ear regions, increasing the risk of opportunistic flora activation. Bacterial reproduction leads to the development of otitis media, painful sensations, tinnitus and decreased hearing.
Clinical signs
Only a doctor can determine the exact cause of the disease and confirm the diagnosis of acute rhinitis. Symptoms in children are severe and at high risk of complications. The latter are associated with the anatomical features of the nasopharynx, auditory tube, as well as an incompletely formed immune system.
In infants, nasal congestion can lead to difficulty sucking on the breast or nipple, which can lead to weight loss. Even with a slight swelling of the nasal mucosa, breathing through the nose is completely absent. The baby's breathing becomes frequent, more shallow, restlessness appears, and sleep is disturbed.
Breathing through the mouth causes air to be swallowed and causes indigestion. Long-term disturbance of nasal breathing is accompanied by increased hypoxia, retardation of psychomotor development and seizures.
At an older age, as well as in adults, rhinitis symptoms appear quickly, a couple of hours after exposure to a provoking factor.Symptomatically, the disease begins with a tickling in the nose, sneezing, and the appearance of a small amount of watery discharge. The swelling of the mucous membrane gradually increases and, accordingly, the nasal congestion. The amount of discharge on the second or third day of illness increases, nasal breathing and smell are impaired.
In the area of the bridge of the nose, a feeling of heaviness may appear, there is a headache and insomnia. Profuse rhinorrhea leads to frequent friction of the wings of the nose, due to which the skin becomes hyperemic, peeling and small cracks appear.
With an infectious form, hyperthermia is observed. The level of fever depends on the type of infection:
- with a viral origin of the common cold, hyperthermia can reach 39 degrees, but it remains at a high level for no more than two to three days. Then the temperature becomes normal or subfebrile fever persists;
- in the case of a bacterial infection, hyperthermia can reach 39 degrees and be observed for more than three days. After taking antipyretics, the temperature decreases for a short time. The fever recedes only after the start of the antibacterial course and the sanitation of the infectious focus.
If we consider allergic rhinitis, the clinical signs are:
- mucous rhinorrhea;
- sneezing;
- itchy eyes, skin;
- lacrimation, redness of the conjunctiva of the eyes;
- swelling of tissues;
- obstructed nasal breathing with possible bronchospasm;
- skin rashes;
- bowel disorder.
Acute rhinitis of allergic origin can only be cured by eliminating the provoking allergen.
Prophylaxis
It is unlikely that a runny nose can be completely avoided, but it is quite possible to minimize its risk. For this it is recommended:
- normalize nutrition (eat healthy foods, avoid processed foods, foods with trans fats and carbonated drinks);
- drink enough fluids. The daily volume should reach two liters, which allows maintaining the physiological water-electrolyte balance in the body and removing toxic waste products;
- avoid communication with sick people, especially during an epidemic;
- dress according to the weather;
- regularly undergo examination, preventive treatment of chronic diseases;
- strengthen immunity through hardening procedures;
- exercise. In the absence of time for sports activities, it is enough to do morning exercises;
- regularly ventilate the room, carry out wet cleaning;
- avoid contact with allergens. If it is impossible to avoid the action of the provoking factor, you should consult with an allergist in advance to determine measures to prevent the development of rhinitis.
In some cases, a change of residence may be required, which is also a therapeutic and prophylactic method of dealing with a common cold.
