What disease begins with a runny nose. Why is a runny nose dangerous? Common mistakes when treating a runny nose

Acute rhinitis strikes a person suddenly, in the company of a cold or flu. Caused by pathogenic viruses and bacteria: by secreting mucus, the body tries to cope with the invaders.

Acute rhinitis is treated together with the cold against which it arose, bed rest, plenty of fluids, honey, lemons and vitamins. However, keep in mind that:

Warm milk, which is traditionally considered a panacea for colds, not only does not help with a runny nose, but, on the contrary, increases the flow. Other mucus-producing foods include sweets, wheat bread, smoked foods, white rice, pasta, muesli and bananas.

Garlic, onion, horseradish, mustard, ginger, cranberry, carrot juice, and lemon help “turn off the tap.”

One of the most useful products for a runny nose is honey, which works as well as antibiotics as a bacteria killer.

Cabbage also helps to cope with a runny nose - due to the sulforaphane it contains, which has antibacterial activity. Most of this substance is found in broccoli and cauliflower.

Sometimes a chronic runny nose occurs against the background of a love of alcohol; usually this reaction to alcohol occurs in men over 50 years of age, but women are also at risk. According to scientists from the Danish Institute of Public Health, if a woman drinks more than 14 servings of alcohol per week, her risk of developing food-related rhinitis increases by 78%. One serving is equivalent to a glass of wine or a bottle of beer.

Healthy drinks

Place 1 tbsp in a cup of hot water. a spoonful of grated fresh ginger and honey, add a little black pepper, a couple of spoons lemon juice, fresh mint. Stir and drink before it cools down.

Mash frozen cranberries or lingonberries in a mug, fill with hot water, add a spoonful of honey and stir.

Brew dried rose hips with hot water (not boiling water!) in a thermos and let it brew for 3 hours.

Brew echinacea, chamomile, thyme, linden, mint, raspberry leaves or St. John's wort in a thermos - these herbs give a good antibacterial effect.

Be careful, newlyweds!

A common cause of chronic rhinitis is an untreated cold, “unfinished” bacteria that disturb the body. There is only one recipe - to recover.

A constant runny nose can be caused by dry air from central heating - the body tries to moisturize dry mucous membranes. A humidifier will help.

Another one possible reason chronic runny nose - dust, dirt and gas pollution in the city atmosphere. It’s not always possible to escape into the ecological wilderness, but buying an air purifier is easy.

Vasomotor rhinitis is also classified as chronic. The cause of a constant runny nose can be cold, tobacco, or too much strong odors, and tobacco smoke, and alcohol, too hot or spicy food (the so-called food rhinitis), and hormones, and stress. There is even “honeymoon” rhinitis!

Immunity pranks

If your nose runs during or after eating, then most likely you have allergic rhinitis. That is, the cause of the runny nose was a reaction to a specific product. Modern Western medicine associates up to 80% of cases of chronic runny nose with food allergies.

Typical allergens are nuts, citrus fruits, sugar, milk, strawberries, chocolate, chicken eggs, fish, soy. A person can react to almost anything - it depends on the characteristics of the job immune system. To identify the allergen, allergists perform skin tests and other tests.

In addition to true allergies, there is also a false one, otherwise it is called food intolerance. It can be caused by problems with the gastrointestinal tract or insufficient production of digestive enzymes.

Typical examples are milk intolerance and celiac disease. In the first case, there is not enough lactase enzyme to break down milk sugar - lactose. In the second, the body cannot cope with gluten - a protein that is abundant in grains, especially wheat, oats, and rye.

Food intolerance can be caused by preservatives, flavorings and food colorings.

Often the culprit is products containing histamine (a substance that plays an important role in the development of allergic reactions) and other substances with similar properties: wine, beer, hard cheeses, smoked sausage, sausages, liver, canned tuna, herring and herring caviar, ketchup, sauerkraut , eggplants, bananas.

Also dangerous are foods that increase the amount of free histamine, which is usually in a bound, inactive state in the body: chicken eggs, fish, chocolate, strawberries, spinach, tomatoes, cocoa, ham, peanuts.

Examining the gastrointestinal tract and keeping a food diary, which should record everything that was eaten and with what consequences, will help you figure out what exactly you had an allergic reaction to.

Very common childhood disease, which most often manifests itself in the autumn-winter period, but is often diagnosed in the spring/summer (allergic nature). As a rule, for the common cold in school-age children there is no need to special treatment problems - a young, actively developing body effectively fights colds and, according to Dr. Komarovsky, as well as a number of other well-known modern therapists, prescribing powerful drugs like antibiotics only harms this process.

Naturally, if we are talking about allergies, as well as serious pathologies and bacterial infections, then individual therapy is often required, and not just classic vasoconstrictor drops, temporarily making breathing easier. Drug treatment It is rational to use when a cold enters the chronic phase or when symptoms of prolonged (more than two weeks) rhinitis appear - snot of a thick consistency and white, yellow, green color.

Also Special attention should be given to patients under the age of three years- during this period, any disease can provoke the development serious complications in a short period of time, so your child needs to be under the constant supervision of a pediatrician or the supervision of a specialized specialist until the child fully recovers.

Due to possible potential risks to the health of the fetus, the diagnosis of a runny nose, as well as its treatment, must be carried out under the mandatory supervision of your doctor. A number of drugs and procedures commonly used by adults for rhinitis are contraindicated for women during this period, so special emphasis is placed on prevention, additional therapy (immune modulation, homeopathy) and creating ideal conditions for natural recovery.

Drug treatment of a runny nose is contraindicated in most cases in the first trimester of pregnancy, when the fetus is just forming.

Causes of a runny nose

1. A variety of infections of a fungal, bacterial or viral nature.
2. Allergic seasonal or systemic manifestations.
3. Physiological reasons- sudden temperature changes environment(for example, hypothermia).
4. Contact with the mucous membranes of the nose by various irritants - from chemical substances and smoke up foreign bodies.
5. General weakening of the immune system due to chronic diseases.
6. Side effect of certain medical supplies.
7. Hormonal problems and disorders of reflex nervous functions.
8. Problems with blood circulation.
9. Other factors.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a runny nose are in the vast majority of cases unambiguous and, as a rule, are divided into three main stages:

1. Hyperemia and irritation of the nasal mucous membranes. The designated internal area feels dry and burning, and the person begins to sneeze. Often there is a slight elevated temperature, malaise, as well as aches in the limbs, especially during physical activity. May be observed.
2. Swelling of the mucous membrane and a significant increase in mucus secretion from the nose. Nasal congestion develops and it becomes difficult to breathe. When the nasal passages are “blocked,” the sense of smell and taste may be dulled. Increasingly, the secretion of liquid, colorless discharge increases, which can irritate the areas of the wings of the nose and upper lip, as well as the external openings of the nasal passages.
3. On the 5th–6th day of a cold, the problem may disappear, suppressed by the immune system. If this does not happen, then the clear secretion from the nose is replaced by purulent mucous discharge, green or green, the mucous swelling increases and completely blocks the nasal passages. Ear congestion may occur. Under favorable circumstances, rhinitis of the third stage completely disappears by the 14th–16th day of illness, or the symptoms of the problem partially attenuate and enter the chronic phase.

Treatment of rhinitis can be divided into two stages - general actions at home, as well as drug therapy.

1. Regularly clearing the nasal passages of mucus by blowing the nose or aspiration (for small children) to prevent the accumulation of secretions in the sinuses.
2. Ventilate and humidify indoor air, moderate walks outside.
3. Drink plenty of fluids.
4. Dry compresses and direct warming of the sinuses in the absence of high fever, infection or suspicion of.
5. (It is not advisable to use essential oils or medications for these purposes that are not approved by your doctor).
6. Acupressure.
7. Maintaining balanced circadian rhythms and correct posture in a dream (a high pillow that raises your head at an angle of 25–30 degrees relative to the surface of the sleeping place).

• . For a certain period of time, they relieve swelling and also normalize the secretion of mucus, relieving the symptoms of a runny nose. They can be used for no more than 10 days in a row. With extreme caution, this type medications are prescribed to children (reduced dosage), as well as pregnant women due to a number of possible side effects.
• Antibiotics. They are used only when the bacteriological nature of the runny nose has been confirmed; preference is given to topical drugs based on the macrolide group.
• Antiseptics/anesthetics. They are often used in combination to relieve symptoms and local disinfection of the internal nasal cavity.
• Antihistamines. Used for confirmed allergic nature of the runny nose, systemic intake of tablets (Loratadine, Erius, etc.).
• Glucocorticosteroids. Used to reduce inflammation in advanced rhinitis. Recommended use local drugs non-systemic exposure to minimize the load on the liver.
• Interferon-based immunomodulators, in tablet, syrup or drop form. Prescribed with caution to pregnant women and children under 5 years of age.
• Vitamin complexes approved by a therapist and used for general strengthening of the immune system.
• Non-narcotic analgesics. Designed to reduce high fever and relieve pain/toxic syndrome (Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, etc.).
• Nasal passage/sinus rinsing systems (Dolphin, AquaMaris, etc.). They are convenient complexes for clearing mucus and preventing the occurrence of sinusitis. As an alternative, use the usual saline solution in the form of a liquid for instillation.
• In-office physiotherapy. Steam inhalation, UV, UHF, diathermy, etc.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine knows hundreds of recipes for treating a runny nose, but they can be used with caution, having carefully weighed the possible potential harm and after consulting with your doctor first, especially if the patient is a child or pregnant woman.

• Boil several eggs, drain the water and, wrapping them in one or two layers of cloth, place them on the sides of the nose in the sinus area. Leave for ten minutes until cool.
• Carefully chop 1 onion and add the resulting pulp to steam inhalation, breathing it several times a day.
• Prepare a decoction - 1 teaspoon of tea per 240 milliliters of water. Boil it for 15 minutes over low heat. After straining, add ½ tsp to the liquid. soda, stirring until completely dissolved. Place the resulting soda-tannin decoction, 1 full pipette, into each nostril for a week, 2-3 times a day.
• Squeeze the juice from Kalanchoe, filter thoroughly and instill a few drops three times a day until recovery.
• Brew a mixture of chamomile, calendula and yarrow in equal proportions in boiling water, placing in a water bath (1 teaspoon per 300 milligrams clean water). Cool and filter the resulting liquid, use 2 times a day, instilling 2 drops into both nasal passages.

Useful video

Runny nose and medications for the common cold - School of Dr. Komarovsky

Rhinitis (runny nose)– the main symptom of colds and various viral infections.

In addition, a runny nose is the body’s protective reaction to irritation by various microbes, viruses and allergens of the mucous membrane. Protection of the mucous membrane manifests itself in the form of increased secretion of mucus and swelling, which remove pathogens at the initial stage of penetration into the body.

Rhinitis is part of a group of diseases called -. This group, in addition to rhinitis, also includes:,. For a visual example, consider the picture below:

Types and causes of rhinitis (runny nose)

• Vasomotor rhinitis. This type of runny nose is caused by impaired nasal breathing due to narrowing of the nasal cavity, which is a consequence of swelling of the tissues of the nasal turbinates, due to impaired vascular tone of the nasal mucosa. Vasomotor rhinitis is divided into:

— Allergic rhinitis. Reasons: the body's reaction to house dust, poplar fluff, animal hair, fluff, feathers, plant pollen.

— Neurovegetative rhinitis. Causes: violations of the nervous mechanisms responsible for the normal physiology of the nose.

• Infectious rhinitis. This type of runny nose is the most common. Its main causes are viruses and bacteria. In addition, any type of infectious runny nose is a companion to diseases such as, etc. It is dangerous because the virus, penetrating the nasopharynx, disrupts the body’s defense mechanisms and allows free entry for the virus. Infectious runny nose is divided into:

- Acute rhinitis;
— Viral rhinitis;
- Bacterial rhinitis.

• Chronic rhinitis. Divided into:
  

— atrophic rhinitis. Causes: Complex chronic type of runny nose, the causes of which are hereditary predisposition, viral infections and long-term diseases of the nasal cavity. This type of runny nose is called “Stinking runny nose of Ozen”.

— hypertrophic rhinitis. Causes: Occurs upon contact with dust and gases. Due to these factors, the bone frame of the nasal concha and mucous membrane grows.

• Drug-induced rhinitis. The cause of drug-induced runny nose, as a rule, is addiction and abuse of various drops and sprays.
  

• Traumatic rhinitis. Caused by damage to the nasal septum.
  

Main causes of runny nose

To summarize everything, we can identify the following main causes of runny nose (rhinitis):

• Symptoms of neurovegetative runny nose:

- labored breathing;
- thin watery discharge;
- frequent attacks of heavy liquid discharge after sleep.

Treatment for this type of runny nose should include treatment nervous system, sedatives and water procedures.

• Symptoms acute runny nose:

- frequent sneezing;
- lacrimation;
- general malaise;
- copious serous-mucous discharge, acquiring a mucopurulent character.

• Symptoms of a viral runny nose

- dryness and burning in the nose;
- swelling of the nasal turbinates;
- difficulty breathing through the nose;
- sneezing;
- (over time).

If you experience these symptoms, it is best to consult a doctor.

• Symptoms of bacterial rhinitis:

- increase in body temperature;
— ;
- swelling of the nasal turbinates;
- cloudy, thick discharge of yellow or green color;
- redness over upper lip and near the nose.

Prolonged bacterial runny nose can lead to inflammation of all sinuses (sinusitis), and other, more serious diseases.

• Symptoms of atrophic rhinitis:

- atrophy of the mucous membranes and bone walls of the nasal cavity;
- discharge of purulent secretion with a sharp, unpleasant odor;
- dried crusts;
- loss of smell.

If you have this type of runny nose, it is better to consult a doctor immediately.

• Symptoms of hypertrophic rhinitis:

- constant difficulty in nasal breathing.

It is treated by removing hypertrophied areas of bone and mucous membrane.

• Symptoms of drug-induced runny nose:

- mucosal vessels stop working independently.

This is a difficult type of runny nose to treat, since the nutrition of the mucous membrane is disrupted and it dies.

• Symptoms of traumatic rhinitis:

— often, one half of the nose suffers from rhinitis, and the other from dry mucous membrane;
- no snot comes out. They thicken and flow down the wall of the larynx into the pharynx.

In this case, it is necessary to lower the temperature and increase the humidity in the room where people are most often present. This can be done, for example, using a humidifier.

As we already know, rhinitis (runny nose) is a symptom, therefore, to treat it, it is necessary to identify the disease that caused the runny nose.
It is also worth noting that some types of runny nose do not require treatment as such, but simply the prevention of its irritants. For example: sometimes, to stop a runny nose, it is enough to carry out wet cleaning in the living room and remove the source of the pathogen (animal, some flowering houseplants, old carpet or even change the pillow).

To treat a runny nose, vasoconstrictor drops and sprays are mainly used, as well as antiviral drugs that are effective against many types of ARVI viruses.

Vasoconstrictor drugs against runny nose

Various drops and sprays against the runny nose, getting on the nasal mucosa, cause a narrowing of the blood vessels. The swelling in the nasal cavity, which blocked the air, decreases. The rate of formation of new mucus decreases and it becomes thicker.

If you choose between drops and spray, then it is better to give preference to the spray, since it has exact dosage medications, which is why it is more economical, prevents overdose and side effects from it.

Products containing xylometazoline:“Galazolin”, “Dlyanos”, “Rinonorm”, “Ximelin”, “Farmazolin”.

The duration of action of drugs with xylometazoline is about 4 hours.

Products containing oxylometazoline:“Nazivin”, “Fervex”, “Nazol”, “Noxprey”, “Fazin”.

The duration of action of drugs with oxylometazoline is 10-12 hours.

Drugs containing oxymetazoline are strictly contraindicated in: pregnancy, impaired renal function and children under 1 year of age.

Products containing naphazoline:"Sanorin", "Naphthyzin".

The duration of action of drugs with naphazoline is 4-6 hours.

All vasoconstrictor drops and sprays against the runny nose are not recommended for use for more than 7 days in a row. With weekly use of such drugs, no side effects are observed, but with regular long-term use, the vessels become dependent on the medication.

Tablets against runny nose

"Sinupret". Used for treatment colds in the bronchi, lungs and nasopharynx. They have mucolytic, expectorant and anti-inflammatory effects. Contains extracts of gentiana, shevel, verbena, elderberry, primrose flowers with a calyx. Contraindicated in children under 3 years of age.

"Koldakt". Complex drug based on chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride. It is used to eliminate the symptoms of many colds, accompanied by allergies, swelling of the respiratory tract and nasopharynx, and runny nose. Contraindicated in children under 12 years of age, pregnant women, those suffering from... With the permission of a doctor, take for bronchial asthma, diabetes mellitus and older people.

"Rinopront". Vasoconstrictor and antihistamine, relieves any type of runny nose for up to 12 hours, reduces the permeability of capillary walls and exudative manifestations.
Contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women suffering from glaucoma. arterial hypertension and those suffering from prostate enlargement.

To correctly determine the diagnosis and proper treatment you need to consult a doctor.

Inhalations

Essential oils. Add 2-3 drops of oil to 0.5 liters of boiling water: eucalyptus, juniper, fir or pine. Or a mixture of oils, 1 drop each: + cinnamon, pine + eucalyptus or pine +.

Inhalations with essential oils It should not be performed on children under 3 years of age or anyone with bronchial asthma, allergies or individual intolerance to oils.

Kalanchoe. Add 2 tbsp to 0.5 liters of boiling water. spoons of freshly squeezed juice and get started.

Onion or garlic juice. Add a few drops of freshly squeezed onion or garlic juice to hot water and begin the procedure.

Herbal decoction. Add the selected herb to 1-2 liters of boiling water: 2 tbsp. spoons of eucalyptus or chamomile leaves, 3 tbsp. spoons of pine buds or 2 tbsp. spoons of chamomile and eucalyptus leaves. Boil for 5 minutes and breathe.

The drug "Rotokan". Contains chamomile extract, and. Add 2 tbsp to half a liter of hot water. spoons of the drug and let's get started.

Everyone knows the widespread symptoms of a runny nose: headache, nasal discharge, nasal congestion. It is also known to be an inflammation of the nose, which is common throughout life especially in children. But what consequences can a simple, seemingly at first glance, nasal congestion and the associated difficulty in breathing lead to?

Rhinitis is an infection that affects the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and causes disruption of its functions. There is both an independent disease and against the background of other infections that penetrate the body, for example: diphtheria, influenza, measles, gonorrhea, HIV infection.

Causes of rhinitis

1. Violation of local immunity. Here it is necessary to note some physiological characteristics structures of the nasal cavity, which are actively involved in protecting against the penetration of dust and other small particles that carry bacteria and viruses.

• The integumentary epithelium of the nasal mucosa is covered with tiny cilia, which are constantly in motion and have the effect of pushing foreign particles out of the nasal cavity.
• Protective proteins called class A immunoglobulins are constantly present in the mucous membrane, which actively fight against penetrating infection. If the activity of local protective forces decreases, microorganisms that were in a dormant state and did not cause harm until then may immediately become active.

1. External damaging factors. These factors reduce the effectiveness of the protective mechanisms of the nasal mucosa, resulting in an inflammatory reaction that leads to disease of the nasal mucosa. These factors include:

• The influence of local and general cooling on the human body. As a result, the body's resistance to protection against microbes is reduced.
• An important role is played by nasal injuries, various foreign objects in the nasal cavity (more often in young children), which irritate the mucous membrane with their presence for a long time. Surgical interventions are also considered to be a traumatic factor that increases the risk of an inflammatory reaction.
• Industrial hazardous factors. Being in a room filled with dust, harmful toxic and other chemical waste for a long time will cause irritation of the mucous membrane with increased sensitivity to various pathological agents.
• Allergic factor. House dust, fur, pollen, poplar fluff and many other tiny particles that surround us can cause allergic rhinitis.

Symptoms of acute rhinitis

First stage characterized by the fact that microbes have just penetrated the nasal cavity and have an irritating effect on the mucous membrane. In this case, the following characteristic symptoms appear:

• Feeling of dryness in the nose
• Feeling of tickling, burning in the nasal cavity

• Headache, which may gradually get worse.
• In some cases, there is a slight increase in body temperature up to 37.5 degrees.

Second stage begins from the moment when a lot of mucus, of a liquid consistency, begins to flow from the nose. During this stage, the symptoms of the disease increase. It is characteristic that the symptoms of dryness and burning in the nasal cavity disappear. But nasal congestion appears, and breathing becomes difficult. Patients may notice decreased sensitivity to odors.

Due to the fact that the nasal cavity communicates through small passages with the superficial mucous membrane of the eye - the conjunctiva, inflammation can spread to it. In this case, they speak of concomitant conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva). There is lacrimation.

Third stage is inextricably linked with the reaction of the immune system to harmful microorganisms that have entered the nose. Usually this stage begins 4-5 days from the onset of the disease. It cannot be confused with anything, since during this period mucopurulent contents of a thick consistency and often with an unpleasant odor begin to be released from the nose. The pus may also be yellowish-green in color.

Purulent contents with a foul odor appear due to the fact that protective cells (phagocytes, neutrophils) penetrate into the nasal mucosa, which simultaneously cause inflammatory process, with swelling of the surrounding tissues, and also “devour and digest” bacteria that have penetrated inside the nose. If the volume of captured pathogenic bacteria is too large, the phagocytes become too overcrowded and rupture, and at the same time processed killed bacteria come out - that is, pus.

After a few days, all of the above symptoms gradually subside, and the inflammatory process is nearing completion. Improved: respiratory function nose and general state sick. The duration of inflammatory phenomena varies depending on the body’s resistance to resist the influence of internal and external harmful factors.

It happens that physically healthy person leading an active lifestyle, carrying out physical and hardening procedures, rhinitis occurs in mild form and lasts only 2-3 days. Or, conversely, when the body’s defenses decrease, the disease is much more severe, with pronounced symptoms of intoxication (headache, muscle pain, a sharp increase in body temperature to high numbers of 38-39 degrees), and lasts not 2-3 days, but much longer, reaching sometimes up to 3-4 weeks, and even transition to chronic form diseases.

The indicated symptoms and stages of the inflammatory process in acute rhinitis are classic and in most cases of rhinitis of a specific origin are the same.

Acute rhinitis in children

1. Weakness and underdevelopment of local immunity, manifested in insufficient production of class A immunoglobulins in the mucous membrane.
2. The narrowness of the nasal passages causes difficult access for medications and insufficient emptying of purulent masses.
3. Presence of adenoid growths. On the back of the throat, where the nasal cavity exits, there is lymphoid tissue called adenoids. Adenoids perform protective functions and prevent infection from entering the body. But in younger children they are too large and very sensitive to any irritating factor, so inflammatory processes occur with complications associated with blockage of the nasal cavity and difficulty breathing.
4. The auditory tubes are wide and short in length, connecting the upper part of the pharynx with the cavity of the middle ear. This circumstance causes infection to penetrate into the ear and contributes to the occurrence of inflammation in it - otitis media.

• High body temperature – 38-39 degrees
• Refusal infant from sucking the breast. Since there is nasal congestion, children breathe only through the mouth, and when sucking, the mouth participates only in the act of sucking.
• Children lose their appetite, lose weight, and have difficulty sleeping at night.
• Due to a violation of the diet, flatulence (bloating), diarrhea, and even vomiting appear.

Diphtheria rhinitis

Diphtheria

With diphtheria, the heart is often affected, so children complain of pain in this area. Along with local specific changes, a significant role in the patient’s condition is played by the symptoms of general intoxication, which develop when diphtheria toxins penetrate the blood. The child may be in very serious condition and needs urgent medical attention.

Rhinitis with scarlet fever

Scarlet fever

• Severe intoxication, manifested by high body temperature, chills, heavy sweats and headache
• Enlargement of nearby lymph nodes, which are mobile and painful when touched. These include the submandibular, anterior and posterior cervical, parotid The lymph nodes.
• A characteristic feature is the appearance of a pinpoint rash on the skin of the body 3-4 days after the onset of the disease. The rash spreads throughout the body except in one place. This place is located in the area of ​​the nasolabial triangle, where the skin peels off and remains its normal color.
• Bright red tongue, similar to a raspberry (raspberry tongue).

Rhinitis with measles

A distinctive sign of rhinitis due to measles is the appearance of pinpoint rashes on the inner surface of the cheeks, in the nasal cavity, and on the lips. The rash appears in the form of small spots, around which a white band forms.

Among other things, the disease is accompanied by a disturbance in the general condition of the child, with an increase in body temperature, headache and other symptoms of an active inflammatory process.

Acute rhinitis with influenza

Damage to cell membranes vascular wall causes blood elements to come out, hence the symptom of nosebleeds appears, as one of the symptoms that suggests that rhinitis is caused by the influenza virus.

The penetration of the influenza virus is not limited to the nasal mucosa. The influenza virus spreads through the blood throughout the body. This explains the multiplicity of different symptoms encountered with influenza rhinitis.

First of all, the following local symptoms should be highlighted:

• Headache
• Rhinorrhea is very frequent and profuse discharge from the nose, which is mucous in nature. If, after several days, the mucous discharge changes to purulent discharge, then this fact suggests that a secondary bacterial infection has occurred against the background of influenza.
• Damage to the trigeminal nerve - the penetration of the influenza virus into the fibers of the trigeminal nerve causes its inflammation, which is called trigeminal neuralgia. Patients feel pain in the right or left half of the face, or in both halves. Trigeminal nerve carries with it pain receptors to the masticatory muscles, to the temporal and frontal parts of the head.

• Increase in body temperature to 38 degrees and above.
• Soreness and aches in the muscles.
• Increased sweating and chills.
• Diarrhea and possible nausea. Appear in severe cases, with severe intoxication of the body, the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is disrupted.

Diagnosis of acute rhinitis

Diagnostics acute rhinitis does not present any great difficulties, and includes asking the patient about his complaints, how much time has passed since the first symptoms appeared. If you carefully trace the chain of symptoms of the disease with the order of their appearance, you can easily determine at what stage of development the inflammatory process in the nasal cavity is.

The final diagnosis is made after a special examination by an otolaryngologist (ENT doctor). The doctor examines the nasal cavity using a special device called a light reflector, which reflects light from a light bulb and directs it into the nasal cavity being examined.

With rhinitis at an early stage of development, redness and swelling of the mucous membrane are usually noticeable. Subsequently, purulent discharge appears.

Diagnosis of rhinitis of viral origin fundamentally different from that during inflammation caused by pathogenic bacteria.

• With rhinitis caused by influenza viruses, measles, whooping cough, adenoviruses and other types of viruses, purulent discharge from the nasal cavity is never encountered.
• With viral rhinitis, there is always copious mucous discharge. In a word, “the snot flows like a river without ceasing.” The patient is forced to constantly walk with a handkerchief or sanitary napkins.

• Significant impairment of the patient's general condition. An increase in body temperature can reach 38-39 degrees, which almost never occurs with viral rhinitis.
• There is nasal congestion that interferes with nasal breathing.
• After some time from the onset of the disease, nasal discharge takes on the appearance of a mucous character, up to purulent contents with an unpleasant odor and a yellow-green color.

Treatment of acute rhinitis

In the treatment of acute rhinitis, both symptomatic drugs and special drugs aimed at reducing inflammatory processes in the nasal cavity are used. For bacterial infections, the use of antiseptic agents is justified, with the help of which the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity is washed and cleansed.

Treatment of the first stage of rhinitis based on use:

• Hot foot baths for 10-15 minutes
• Applying mustard plasters to the sole area or calf muscles
• Drinking hot tea with raspberries or a slice of lemon

• Antiseptic agents, local action. It is recommended to instill a 3-5% solution of protargol into the nose 2 times a day.
• Antiallergic drugs - diazolin, tavegil or loratadine tablets in tablet form. These drugs are taken mainly for allergic rhinitis. The dose is determined depending on the severity of sneezing, lacrimation and nasal discharge.
• Means that increase local immunity - drops with a solution of interferon, or lysozyme.
• For headaches, analgesic drugs are used - analgin, solpadeine, Tylenol. Children are recommended to take 250 mg. Adults – 500 mg. When a headache occurs.

1. Antibiotics used to treat acute rhinitis include:
2. Amoxicillin– a broad-spectrum antibiotic, available in 500 mg tablets. Children over 12 years of age are prescribed 500 mg. 3 times a day, for 5-7 days.
3. Bioparox– antibacterial drug local action. Available in aerosol form in bottles. Prescribed 1 inhalation inside each nostril every four hours.

• Naphthyzin- a vasoconstrictor. For children, a 0.05% solution is used; for adults, a few drops of a 0.1% solution are instilled every 4-6 hours.
• Xylometazoline– also vasoconstrictor medicine. Children are prescribed nasal drops in the form of a 0.05% solution 2 times a day. For adults, the frequency of instillation is the same, the only thing is that the concentration of the drug is increased to 0.1%.

Sinupret- This combination drug of plant origin.

It is recommended to use to improve the outflow of mucus or pus from the nasal cavity. It has properties such as increasing local immunity, enhancing the secretion of mucus by the villi of the mucous membrane and thereby promoting a speedy recovery.

Treatment of rhinitis in infants

• First, nasal congestion interferes with the baby's normal breathing and breastfeeding. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically clear the nasal passages from mucus stuck there. This procedure is carried out using a suction canister, immediately before feeding.
• If the mucus dries out and crusts form in the nasal cavity, they are carefully removed with a cotton swab pre-moistened in a sterile solution of sunflower oil or petroleum jelly. The crusts gradually soften and are easily removed from the nose.
• If, after the above procedures, nasal breathing is not restored, then drops of a 0.05% solution of xylometazoline (galazolin) are instilled into the nose.
• During the period between feedings, drops are placed in the nose antimicrobial drug 2% protargol solution, which also has an astringent effect and reduces the secretion of viscous mucus from the nose.

Chronic rhinitis

The most common causes of chronic rhinitis are:

• Deviation of the nasal septum. These include congenital anomalies of the nasal septum, turbinates, and post-traumatic injuries.
• Polyps inside the nasal cavity that block the nasal passages and contribute to congestion.
• Growths of adenoids on the back surface of the upper part of the pharynx. Adenoids are lymphatic tissue that prevents infection from entering the body. With frequent inflammatory processes, it grows and contributes to the chronicity of the process in the nasal cavity and sinuses.
• General chronic processes in the body. These include chronic diseases gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular diseases, decreased overall body resistance.

1. Chronic catarrhal rhinitis

Treatment consists of removing causal factors leading to chronic course disease.

1. Chronic hypertrophic rhinitis

The diagnosis is made on the basis of endoscopic examination of the nasal cavity. Chronic hypertrophic rhinitis often leads to complications in the form of inflammation of the sinuses - sinusitis (sinusitis, frontal sinusitis).

Used in treatment surgical interventions. Operations are carried out at local anesthesia, and consist of removing growths, which improves nasal breathing.

1. Atrophic rhinitis

Atrophic rhinitis is one of the most unfavorable consequences due to frequent inflammatory diseases nasal cavity, unfavorable environmental factors. It is also possible to develop dystrophic processes against the background of general serious illnesses organs and systems of the body.

Patients experience constant dryness in the nose. Purulent yellow-green discharge is observed, and when it dries, crusts form in the nasal cavity.

The treatment uses both general strengthening therapy in the form of taking multivitamin complexes, strengthening the immune system, hardening procedures, and locally using rinsing the nasal cavity with physiological sodium chloride solution, lubricating the mucous membrane with glycerin along with instillation of a 10% alcohol solution of iodine. An iodine solution improves the functioning of the villi of the mucous membrane.

Using sea salt inhalations is beneficial. To prepare the solution, take 5 grams of sea salt (one teaspoon) per glass of boiling water. Inhalations are carried out 2-3 times a day.

Vasomotor rhinitis

Vasomotor rhinitis is characterized by an increased reaction of the body in response to the penetration of allergens. Main clinical symptoms vasomotor rhinitis are: frequent sneezing. Copious mucous discharge from the nose, congestion of the nasal passages. The combination of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes - conjunctivitis is not a rare event with this form of the disease.

There are two main forms of vasomotor rhinitis:

Seasonal form– appears when the above symptoms appear in the spring-autumn period of the year. This form is associated with the appearance of pollen from various plants causing allergic reaction. Long-term inflammatory processes in the nasal cavity against the background of allergies can lead to the transition of the disease to a permanent form.

Year-round or permanent form diseases– observed throughout the year and is caused by constant contact of the patient with house dust, fur or other type of allergen.
Treatment consists, first of all, of avoiding contact with the allergen that caused the body’s increased reaction. On top of that, antiallergic drugs are prescribed.

• Clemastine (tavegil)– tablets 1 mg. Take 1 tablet orally 2 times a day.
• Cromolyn (cromoglycic acid)- Available in 15 ml bottles. in the form of a spray.

Prevention of rhinitis

Preventive measures include:

• Preventing the occurrence of colds.
• It is not recommended to suddenly move from a warm room to a cold one, not to be in drafts, and not to drink ice water or other soft drinks.
• It is recommended to carry out hardening procedures. Pouring cold water(start gradually, from using warm water to cool). Regular exercise.
• Nutrition should be nutritious, high-calorie, and most importantly, follow the correct regimen. The diet should consist of the consumption of fruits and vegetables with a high content of vitamin C (onions, cabbage, citrus fruits, currants). It is recommended to drink tea with raspberries, rosehip infusion, milk with honey.
• Periodic wet cleaning and ventilation of the room will prevent the entry and spread of infection.
• Timely consultation with a doctor at the first signs of the disease will prevent the occurrence of possible complications, especially in infants.
• Taking morning or evening sunbathing will strengthen the immune system, help in the formation of vitamin D and give a healthy glow to the child’s skin.
• Hygiene measures, such as washing your hands with soap after using the toilet and before eating, will help prevent infection from getting into the mouth or nose (by picking it with your finger), as often happens in young children.

It is difficult to find a person who has not at least once experienced what a runny nose is. The problem is widespread and is faced by all people without limitation. But not everyone understands what processes occur in the nose and why discharge suddenly appears from it. These questions are worth considering in more detail.

The nasal cavity is covered with mucous membrane. It consists of prismatic epithelium equipped with cilia (ciliated) and glandular cells. This cover is densely permeated with capillaries and contains sensitive nerve receptors (including olfactory ones). The morphological features of the mucous membrane are a solid basis for the functions it performs:

• Upper respiratory tract protection.
• Humidifying and warming the air.
• Smell.

Glandular cells secrete mucus, which lubricates the surface layer of the epithelium, thereby maintaining optimal moisture conditions. It contains substances that help destroy microbes (lysozyme, interferon, lactoferrin, secretory immunoglobulins), preventing them from further dissemination. Foreign particles, immersed in the mucous fluid, are brought out due to the movement of the cilia of the ciliated epithelium. This is how the main function is carried out - protective.

Thus, the inhaled air in the nasal cavity is cleaned, moistened and warmed. The latter circumstance is associated with intense blood circulation in the capillaries. It should also be mentioned that the mucous membrane has an olfactory function, allowing a person to distinguish odors. All this can be disrupted during a runny nose.

Causes and mechanisms

The medical name for a runny nose is rhinitis. But its structure is quite diverse. The appearance of a pathological process on the mucous membrane is associated with inflammation, increased vascular permeability (including allergies), and trophic disorders. Most often you have to deal with an infectious-inflammatory runny nose. It develops under the influence of saprophytic flora, which is already contained in the nasal cavity, but is activated against the background of a decrease in local and general reactivity of the body. Contributing factors are:

• Hypothermia.
• Acute and chronic diseases.
• Injuries and surgeries on the nose.
• Foreign bodies, adenoids.
• Deviation of the nasal septum.
• Occupational hazards.
• Smoking.

With inflammation, the mucous membrane swells, a serous effusion forms in the nose, and the movement of the cilia stops. The epithelium is infiltrated with cellular elements and then sloughed off to form erosions. Great importance What causes a runny nose is attributed to vascular changes. They develop under the influence of neurovegetative stimulation (stress, emotional tension, cold air, irrational use of vasoconstrictors) or upon contact with allergens:

1. Household (dust, wool).
2. Food (citrus fruits, chocolate, strawberries, nuts, seafood, eggs).
3. Plant (pollen, fluff, odors).
4. Chemical (paint and varnish products, perfumes and cosmetics, detergents).
5. Medicinal (wide range of drugs).

The sensitizing agent, once on the mucous membrane, induces an immune response. It is first taken up by macrophages, which present antigen particles to T lymphocytes. They produce cytokines that stimulate the formation of plasma cells. And they, in turn, synthesize specific immunoglobulins of class E. The latter are adsorbed on the surface of basophils and mast cells. And when repeated contact with the allergen occurs, they will contact it, forming an immune complex. This will be a signal to exit the cells biologically active substances(histamine, bradykinin, thromboxane, serotonin, etc.), which increase the permeability of the vascular wall and cause symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

You can understand why a runny nose occurs and what it is only after consulting a doctor. The specialist will conduct a full diagnostic to determine the source of the problem.

Symptoms

Those who often have a runny nose know firsthand how it manifests itself. But you still can’t do it without a doctor’s intervention. He will conduct an in-depth assessment of existing complaints, detail them and perform a physical examination. This is necessary to build a preliminary conclusion on which further diagnostic measures are based.

Acute rhinitis

Infectious-inflammatory runny nose begins acutely. Both halves of the nose are affected at once. Its main symptoms will be:

• Discharge.
• Congestion.
• Deterioration of general condition.

But they do not appear immediately. The course of acute rhinitis goes through three successive stages. First, the mucous membrane is irritated. This is characterized by a dry, tickling, scratching sensation in the nose. Meanwhile, the temperature rises, fatigue and malaise appear. Upon examination, redness is detected in the nose, injected vessels are clearly visible, but there is no discharge.

The next stage is accompanied by the formation of serous discharge. Transudate sweats from the vascular wall, so a clear liquid flows profusely from the nose, which soon becomes mucous. Dryness no longer bothers me, but nasal breathing becomes difficult. Signs of conjunctivitis and blocked ears often appear. This is due to the spread of the process to the lacrimal canaliculi and Eustachian tube.

After about 5 days, the amount of discharge begins to decrease, it becomes thicker and acquires a yellowish-greenish tint. This happens due to the penetration of leukocytes and desquamated epithelium. Nasal congestion gradually disappears, breathing is restored, and the general condition returns to normal. At protracted current Rhinitis can cause sinusitis, pharyngotracheitis, and otitis media.

In childhood, acute rhinitis is more severe, which is due to the physiological narrowness of the nasal passages, imperfection of protective mechanisms, adenoid growths, and the inability to adequately blow the nose. Even common runny nose, which appears in a baby, can cause high temperature, which can provoke convulsions and meningism. Infants refuse natural feeding because they cannot suckle with a stuffy nose, they get tired quickly, and are drowsy. Due to the wide and short auditory tube, the inflammatory process often spreads to tympanic cavity(otitis).

The development of acute rhinitis goes through several stages, which are accompanied by corresponding clinical manifestations.

Specific rhinitis

A runny nose may appear against the background of general infectious diseases(usually viral in nature). Then it has a secondary character and is called specific. With influenza, adenovirus infection, measles and other diseases, rhinitis is a constant companion of patients. Even common colds do not go away without it. IN clinical picture General manifestations will prevail:

• Fever.
• Body aches (muscles and joints).
• Malaise and fatigue.
• Headache.

With the flu, a runny nose with scanty serous discharge and severe nasal congestion. It appears from the first days of illness and can be combined with nosebleeds. Adenoviral infection is simultaneously accompanied by conjunctivitis, pharyngitis, and enlarged lymph nodes. And with measles, against the background of catarrhal symptoms, a rash appears on the body in the nasopharynx (maculopapular).

Allergic rhinitis

Sensitization reactions cause a special runny nose - this is rhinitis of an allergic nature. It is part of the structure of vasomotor disorders, which are manifested by the following main symptoms:

• Paroxysmal sneezing.
• Copious liquid discharge.
• Itching in the nose and tickling.
• Feeling stuffed up.

In the seasonal form, exacerbations may appear only in the spring (during the flowering of plants), and a year-round runny nose is accompanied by constant signs, which significantly worsen the quality of life of patients. In addition, rhinitis is often included in the picture of general atopy, along with bronchial asthma and hay fever.

Chronic rhinitis

Runny nose, ongoing long time, called chronic. However, morphological changes in the mucous membrane are of a different nature:

• Edema and hyperemia.
• Hypertrophy.
• Atrophy.

Accordingly, the symptoms differ. For example, with hypertrophic rhinitis, nasal congestion occurs, which does not go away after vasoconstrictor drops, and a nasal voice. And the atrophic process is characterized by a feeling of dryness, itching and tickling in the nose, as well as crusts that form due to the accumulation of viscous mucus. But all of these forms are accompanied by difficulty in nasal breathing and decreased sense of smell. At chronic rhinitis In addition to atrophic, there will also be discharge (mucous or mucopurulent).

There are several types of chronic runny nose, which have certain differences in the clinical picture.

Additional diagnostics

Additional information about what a runny nose is and why it develops is provided by laboratory and instrumental methods. Diagnosis of the condition of the mucous membrane includes the following studies:

1. General analysis blood and urine.
2. Serological analysis (antibodies to infections).
3. Nasopharyngeal swab (microscopy, culture, PCR).
4. Allergy tests (skin tests, scarification tests, injection tests).
5. Rhinopharyngoscopy.

The results of these procedures can dispel any doubts that arose during the clinical examination of the patient. They also make it possible to make a final diagnosis indicating the nature of the pathological process and its cause. And then a runny nose is subject to medical correction.