If there is a runny nose. Leaked from the nose

is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa. The medical name for the common cold is rhinitis. A runny nose (or rhinitis) is most often awakened by viruses and microbes.

The mucous membrane of the nasal cavity is the primary barrier against infections, the villi on its surface trap dust and pollution entering the nose during breathing. In addition, the air in the nasal cavity is warmed to a comfortable temperature. Runny nose and colds often occur with hypothermia, local immunity weakens, and infectious agents get the opportunity to multiply and spread further along the nasopharynx and respiratory tract.

Causes of a runny nose

A runny nose can occur for various reasons. The most common cause of the common cold are infectious agents - viruses, bacteria and fungi. The most common cause is viruses from the group of rhinoviruses, coronaviruses and adenoviruses. Then the disease is classified as infectious rhinitis.

Another cause of inflammation of the nasopharyngeal mucosa is an allergic reaction. Allergens enter the nasal passages during breathing, causing swelling, mucus secretion and nasal congestion. In this case, the disease is classified as allergic rhinitis.

Allergic and infectious rhinitis require different approaches to treatment - to mitigate negative signs diseases in both cases, vasoconstrictors are used, which allows for a short time to ease the patient's breathing and moderate the secretion of mucus. However, with infectious rhinitis, it is necessary complex therapy with the use of antiseptic drugs, and in the treatment of allergic rhinitis are used hormonal agents and histamine receptor blockers.

Possible causes of a runny nose:

Infectious rhinitis. This type of rhinitis is more common than others and is familiar to almost everyone. Infectious rhinitis occurs in an acute form, most often it is caused by bacteria, viruses, less often fungi. If the patient has stable immunity, the infectious rhinitis ends quickly and without complications.

congenital causes. Developmental anomalies in the prenatal period disrupt the normal functioning of the nasal cavity and cause chronic rhinitis. Such causes include violations of the structure of the facial bones, curvature of the nasal septum, hypertrophy or deformation of the nasal cavities. Most often, a one-sided defect occurs when the deformed nostril does not function, and air freely enters through another cavity.

A rare cause of chronic rhinitis is Kartagener's syndrome. Another name for the pathology is primary ciliary dyskinesia. The disease disrupts the mechanism for removing mucus from the nasal mucosa due to improper functioning of the ciliated epithelium. The result of this is stagnation of mucus in the nasal cavity and in the bronchi, the development of bronchitis, the transition of rhinitis to chronic form.


Allergy. One of common causes the appearance in children and adults of a long-term chronic rhinitis - allergic rhinitis. It appears not only at the time of flowering, but also in winter, when, it would seem, there should be no reason for the appearance of an allergy.

    wool of pets;

    Down and feather of parrots;

    Book, household, industrial dust;

    Chemical substances detergents, varnishes and paints.

Medicinal rhinitis. Runny nose, which appeared as a result of taking medications, occurs for two reasons:

    Rhinitis is side effect medicines (for example, drugs that reduce blood pressure);

    There is a rebound effect after an overdose of a vasoconstrictor from a cold.

"Ricochet" rhinitis can develop as early as 4-5 days after the start of treatment for ordinary rhinitis with drops with a vasoconstrictive effect. Untimely cancellation of drops from the common cold leads to addiction to them by the nasal mucosa. Cancellation of the drug leads to increased swelling, increasing the dose leads to the resistance of mucosal cells to the active substance. The result of this situation is the persistence of rhinitis symptoms even at maximum doses. That is why it is not recommended to use vasoconstrictor drops for longer than the period specified in the instructions.

Foreign bodies. Most often, this cause of an atypical runny nose occurs in children of early preschool age.

The child can imperceptibly from the parents place in the nose:

    Small toys and their details;

    Pencils;

    food particles;

    Buttons;

    Vitamins and small sweets;

    Small stationery and household items;

A characteristic symptom of a foreign body in the nose is the discharge of liquid mucus from one nostril. With a long-term runny nose, an experienced otolaryngologist always first of all suspects the presence of a foreign body in the nasal passage. A case of chronic rhinitis lasting for 20 years was recorded, the cause of which was a button that got into the nose in childhood. It was discovered in a woman quite by accident during an X-ray examination.

Due to chronic inflammation or allergic effects on the nasal mucosa, benign ones occur. Formations reach a significant size, blocking the nasal cavities and blocking the flow of air.

Most often, polyps form in adults. If they are diagnosed in a child under 10 years of age, their possible cause is chronic sinusitis, cystic fibrosis. Often a combination of a polyp with an allergy to acetylsalicylic acid or yellow fruits.

Vasomotor rhinitis. The cause of the pathology is a violation of the regulation of the tone of the vessels of the nose. With this pathology, the parasympathetic nervous system, the nerve endings of which exhibit a vasodilating effect. The vessels of the nasal mucosa overflow with blood, it, the air does not pass through the nasal passages. Symptoms vasomotor rhinitis- sneezing, stuffy nose, secretion of large amounts of mucus. They are aggravated under the influence of stress, cold, intense odors, spraying in the air. chemical substances with strong emotions.

atrophic rhinitis. This type of runny nose is rare, its cause is the thinning of the nasal mucosa, its atrophy due to a rare type of inflammatory process. It is provoked by such types of bacteria as Proteus, Klebsiella, as well as hereditary predisposition. Symptoms of atrophic rhinitis - ozena (discharge with a fetid odor), loss of smell, green mucus with the formation of crusts.

Runny nose as a symptom of other diseases. One of possible causes long-term runny nose becomes latent hypothyroidism - reduced function thyroid gland inadequate production of hormones. For this reason, the connective tissues of the whole body swell, including the nasal mucosa. As a result of edema, air flow decreases, congestion occurs. Clarification of the diagnosis is carried out by passing an analysis for thyroid hormones.

Another reason for the development of chronic rhinitis is autoimmune diseases:

  • Wenger's granulomatosis

    systemic scleroderma,

    Rheumatoid arthritis.

The symptoms of a runny nose differ depending on the stage of the disease:

    The first stage lasts from several hours to two days. The patient at this time feels dryness of the mucous membrane, burning in the nose and continuous itching. Already at this time, breathing through the nose is difficult, the perception of tastes and smells is disturbed. The temperature is usually normal, occasionally (more often in children) slight hyperthermia can be observed.

    At the second stage the virus actively multiplies, abundant discharge begins from the nose, it is impossible to breathe through the nose. Often, the patient's ears are blocked, the temperature rises, lacrimation and frequent sneezing begin. The disease is accompanied by headache, loss of appetite and other symptoms.

    The third stage occurs 4-5 days after infection. The mucous membrane of the nasopharynx, damaged by viruses, is populated by various bacteria, as a result of which mucous membranes appear. purulent discharge from the nose.

If a person's immune system is in good shape, the body is activated to fight infection. Puffiness gradually subsides, the sense of smell improves and recovers nasal breathing. After a few days, the person recovers. If a person’s body is weakened, without adequate treatment he may not be able to cope with the disease, in this case the worst thing is that various, including severe, complications may develop.

Runny nose without fever - what does it mean?


A runny nose that is not accompanied by fever may be a sign viral infection, in particular, this is typical for rhinoviruses. Nasal congestion, copious mucous discharge and difficulty breathing are the main symptoms this disease. Headaches, sore throat, stuffy ears and hearing loss may be added to them. Most often, this type of runny nose appears in adults and is a sign of good immunity, because in the process of fighting the infection, the hypothalamus, where the thermoregulatory centers are located, is not affected.

The cause of a runny nose without fever is hypothermia of the body, as a result of which it becomes more susceptible to infection.

Another reason for the occurrence of a runny nose without fever is individual characteristics the patient's condition. So, rhinitis can appear in women in the first trimester of pregnancy and in young children when their teeth erupt. Treatment in this case is purely symptomatic, since a runny nose is not a sign of a serious pathology, but develops due to weakened immunity.

Factors provoking the development of a runny nose without fever:

    Air pollution with dust, toxic and irritating mucous substances. So, allergic rhinitis often develops as a result of constant contact with animals, passive or active smoking, being in a dusty room;

    Hot spices when hit nasal cavity can provoke irritation of the mucosa and in the future cause the development of a runny nose;

    Sharp changes in air temperature and humidity - for example, in the cold season, there is often a difference between low air temperature outside and elevated temperature in room;

    Adenoid growths of the tonsils are a common cause of a runny nose in children;

    When entering the nasal cavity foreign bodies runny nose acts as a symptom, this cause is also more common among children;

    Polyps and other neoplasms in the nose, as well as an abnormal structure of the nasal septum, can provoke chronic rhinitis.

How to treat a runny nose?

There are certain rules, following which, you can quickly and effectively cure a runny nose.


    It is important to learn how to blow your nose correctly so that blowing your nose does not lead to complications. An increase in pressure in the nasal cavity can cause bacteria to enter the Eustachian tube. Pathogenic microorganisms can easily cause otitis (inflammation of the middle ear). If you blow your nose incorrectly, you can damage the already irritated shell of the middle ear. Correct technique- gently blow your nose separately with each nostril, while opening your mouth so as not to increase pressure in the nasal cavity.

    For effective treatment runny nose should not irritate the mucous membrane by exposure to cold, tobacco smoke, strong odors, dust, intense sneezing. Physical exercise increase the strength of breathing, so even in the warm season, you can increase the runny nose with fast walking and exercise.

    It is impossible to increase the period of use of drugs with a vasoconstrictive effect without a doctor's prescription. Following the instructions, you can significantly reduce the risk of a "rebound" runny nose from using drops for more than 4-6 days.

    Drops on a natural basis such as Pinosol effectively eliminate the symptoms of a runny nose. Its components (essential oils of eucalyptus, mint and pine) act as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent.

    Rinsing the nose with salt water removes dust, allergens, excess mucus, pathogens, and dried crusts from the nasal mucosa. This procedure is carried out at least 3 times a day, the optimal amount is 150-200 ml for each nasal cavity.

    It is important to maintain the optimum temperature (+20+22°C) and humidity in the room where the children are. Too dry air in a home with central heating irritates the nasal mucosa, so it is imperative to use humidifiers. Be sure to ventilate the room, taking children out of it.

    Children of younger preschool age do not have the opportunity to blow their nose, so the accumulated mucus makes it difficult to breathe with a runny nose. They remove the mucus from their nose with special devices. Rinse the nose in the same way as adults, children are allowed no earlier than 3 years.

    Proper Treatment effectively relieves the symptoms of rhinitis. Since the nasal mucosa in children quickly absorbs the active substance of the drugs, it is better to use natural-based products. Ointment and drops are used to treat children from 2 years old, spray - from 3 years of age. The drug is not addictive, acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, its natural ingredients and oil base perfectly moisturize the nasal mucosa.

    So that adenoids in children do not become a source of complications in the form of relapses of rhinitis and the appearance of complications, they are removed in a timely manner. The spread of pathogenic bacteria slows down the normal physical development of children.

How to treat allergic rhinitis?

    The main rule is not to provoke allergic rhinitis by contact with the allergen. Prolonged inflammation of the nasal mucosa is complicated by sinusitis, the appearance of polyps, and mucosal hypertrophy. If the allergen gets on the skin and clothes, they are immediately removed.

    To remove allergens from the nasal mucosa, it is washed with 1% saline solution, it is important to carry out this procedure before bedtime.

    To prevent complications, modern antihistamines(Zodak), helping to stop the process, to prevent its transition to a severe form.

    It is necessary to clarify the diagnosis, consult an otolaryngologist.

    It is not necessary to provoke an increase in the symptoms of any kind of rhinitis by exposure to smoke, dust, spraying chemicals.

    If it is impossible to accurately determine the cause of a runny nose, the patient's condition will improve markedly by washing the nasal cavity with salted water.

    If a runny nose occurs, as a reaction to drugs (pressure drugs, contraceptives), you need to find analogues without side effects;

    Should be carefully treated somatic diseases, manifestations of which may be a runny nose.

    The negative effect of vasoconstrictor drugs for the treatment of rhinitis is eliminated with natural-based drops that do not cause addiction, acting as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent at the same time.


If left untreated, a runny nose can lead to serious complications- inflammatory processes in the maxillary sinus, pharyngeal and laryngeal mucosa, acute or chronic otitis media, ethmoiditis.

But how to treat a runny nose? In the early stages of a runny nose, it is recommended to leave the house less often and contact with others. Although a runny nose in itself is not dangerous, but with improper treatment or its absence, it can disable a person for several days or even weeks. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid the spread of infection and create all conditions for a speedy recovery.

Therapeutic measures in the early stages include warming procedures for the legs, inhalations with therapeutic solutions with salt or essential oils, taking a large amount of liquid - tea, lemon drink with ginger, infusion medicinal herbs, rosehip decoction.

You should follow all the rules of hygiene of the nasal cavity and constantly clean it from excess mucus using disposable nosepieces. Care should be taken when cleaning the nasal passages under running water, as high blood pressure in the nasal cavity can contribute to the spread of infection, causing otitis media, pharyngitis, laryngitis, inflammation maxillary sinuses. It is necessary to clean the nostrils one by one, since with their simultaneous cleansing there is a risk of damage to blood vessels, the formation of couperose stars.

At the second stage of the disease, if all the preliminary procedures were ineffective, you can start using medications prescribed by your doctor. Vasoconstrictors for emergency treatment of nasal congestion are used for no longer than five days to avoid addiction.

To thin the mucus, it is important to constantly ensure the flow of fluid into the body, and taking drugs with mucolytics also helps in this. Too viscous and thick mucus does not separate well from the nasal cavity, makes breathing difficult and prolongs the time to recovery.


Vasoconstrictor drugs for the common cold. The largest group of drugs are vasoconstrictors, after the use of which the mucosal edema decreases almost instantly and the subjective state of the patient is facilitated. However vasoconstrictor drugs have their own contraindications and features of use, therefore, in the fight against the disease, one should not rely only on this group of funds.

Vasoconstrictors are usually released in the form of drops or spray, getting on the nasal mucosa, these drugs constrict the blood vessels, due to which the edema disappears, nasal congestion disappears and the person can breathe normally.

Other useful property vasoconstrictors - the ability to influence the amount of mucus and the rate of its production, which removes the symptoms of the common cold. The main active components of vasoconstrictors are naphazoline, xylometazoline, oxymetazoline.

Depending on the main active substance, three groups of vasoconstrictors are distinguished:

    Xymelin, Dlyanos, Rinonorm - drops based on xylometazoline, Galazolin in the form of drops, spray or gel - a drug based on xylometazoline, the duration of exposure is up to 4 hours;

    Fervex, Nazol, Nazivin - contain oxymetazoline in different concentrations, which allows them to be used to treat the common cold in both adults and children. The validity period is longer - up to 12 hours. There are contraindications for patients with kidney failure, women during pregnancy and diabetics.

    Naphthyzin, Sanorin - medications based on naphazoline. The validity period after a single application is 6 hours. The drugs in this group are affordable and do not damage the nasal mucosa. Sanorin is considered one of the safest vasoconstrictors, as it contains natural ingredients (aromatic eucalyptus oil) as excipients, which enhances healing effect and prevent complications.


It's important to know! Most drugs for the treatment of the common cold contain vasoconstrictors, which can quickly achieve an effect - relieve nasal congestion, make breathing easier and reduce the amount of discharge. However, with constant use, they can be unsafe - addiction develops to vasoconstrictor drugs, as a result of this relief does not occur even at higher dosages.

Regular use of vasoconstrictors can lead to complications such as loss of nasal sensation, taste and smell disorders.

    Nasal drops and sprays are not used every time you feel a stuffy nose, but in critical situations when other remedies do not help;

    It is impossible to use vasoconstrictors regularly for self-treatment of the common cold - complex preparations that do not lead to complications and side effects are better able to cope with this task.

    If during the use of vasoconstrictors you feel a deterioration in well-being, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Preparations for the common cold are selected and prescribed by a doctor, taking into account the characteristics of the disease - this way the treatment is more effective, and side effects are minimized.


Remedies for viral infections. With a runny nose caused by viruses, it is not recommended to take medicines in the early stages - the body must activate the immune forces, and discharge from the nose is a sign of its fight against pathogens. When the snot becomes transparent yellowish or green, treatment can begin.


Complex preparations from a runny nose. Complex preparations are designed not only to remove the symptoms of the common cold, as vasoconstrictors, but, first of all, to remove the cause of its occurrence. So, for example, with an allergic rhinitis, which is provoked by the entry of a certain allergen into the nasal passages, the effect on mucus production will not have the desired result - as soon as the remedy expires, the runny nose will resume. In this case, it is better to use a specialized tool or a complex of drugs.

Vibrocil - medicine based on two active ingredients, a decongestant and a blocker of H-1 histamine receptors, not only constricts blood vessels and removes swelling, but also affects the cause of the common cold. Antihistamines in its composition remove allergic reaction, and the decongestant has vasoconstrictive properties.

Another popular combination active substances- mucolytic and decongestant - provides removal of puffiness and outflow of mucus due to a thinning effect, as a result of which a runny nose is cured faster.

Complex preparations give high efficiency in the treatment of the common cold and minimize the risk of side effects and complications.


Essential oils from a runny nose. Essential oils are a common component of preparations for the treatment of the common cold, and can also be used as an independent remedy. Their effect is based on antiseptic properties; when applied topically, essential oils restore the barrier properties of the nasal mucosa without injuring it. AT medicinal purposes most commonly used oils are mint, pine and eucalyptus.


Salt solutions for the common cold. Washing saline solutions- one of the most effective ways cold treatment. Salt solutions are used for both infectious and allergic rhinitis, as they cleanse the nasal passages of infectious agents, allergens and excess mucus, preventing drying and damage to the mucosa.

Salt solutions have no restrictions in use even for young children, they have no side effects characteristic of vasoconstrictors, they do not form addiction. Common drugs in this group are Aqualor, Salin, Humer, Aquamaris, Marimer.


Drugs for allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is treated with specialized drugs - in addition to vasoconstrictor drugs, histamine receptor blockers and hormonal agents can be used. Among hormonal drugs Flixonase, Baconase, Nasobek, Nasonex are most often prescribed. The effect of Nasonex appears after 12 hours, the patient's well-being improves significantly. The drugs are available in the form of local application, therefore, do not affect the state of the body as a whole.

Homeopathic medicines for the common cold. Homeopathic remedies with antiviral action that promote lymph flow, relieve swelling and strengthen the immune system can be quite effective in treating the common cold. Among them, there are such drugs as Edas-131, Cinnasbin, Euphorbium Composite, Sinupret, which contain natural ingredients that help the body fight viruses.

Pencil asterisk from the common cold. The Vietnamese remedy Asterisk is available in the form of a balm, ointment, patch, nasal spray and inhalation pencil, it successfully fights colds thanks to a complex of natural ingredients - it contains cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus and mint essential oils. Thanks to these components, the product has a characteristic aroma, and when applied it gives a cooling effect.

The star pencil is much more convenient to use than the classic Golden Star balm in a tin - it goes directly into the nasal cavity, does not leave a characteristic aroma, and does not cause irritation to the mucous membranes.

If the effect of the balm is reflexogenic in nature - it is applied to the heels, chest, wings of the nose at the points that are used in the Eastern practice of acupuncture, then the Asterisk pencil falls directly on the mucous membrane, softening it, reducing swelling and the amount of secreted mucus. You can use it from 7 to 12 times a day, for this you need to breathe through each nostril in turn over a filter soaked in aromatic oils.

There are contraindications for use for people prone to allergic reactions and for young children.

What can and cannot be done with a cold?


    Is it possible to do inhalation with a cold? Inhalations are considered the most effective method treatment of the common cold, so in the process of inhalation of vapors, the useful components of therapeutic solutions instantly fall on the mucous membrane and have an effect. Compared with other topical agents for the treatment of the common cold, inhalation has several advantages. So, unlike drugs for instillation, with inhalation medicinal solution does not flow into oral cavity and does not enter the stomach, but is evenly distributed over the mucosa, and remains there for exposure.

The mucous membrane of the nose is inflamed in various diseases. Characteristic symptoms- congestion, difficulty breathing, discharge. To quickly cure a runny nose, it is necessary to determine its cause and type. A timely and correct diagnosis helps to avoid undesirable consequences, facilitates the course of the disease.

What is a runny nose

They think about the treatment of a runny nose (rhinitis) when the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract.

A common cause is mechanical or chemical irritants. Some people get stuffy nose and want to sneeze when dust gets in, in a draft, in too bright light.

Runny nose, caused by the above reasons, in adults and children does not go away for several days, does not require treatment.

The common cold itself is not contagious, its causative agent is unknown.

But the symptoms of a runny nose are characteristic of many diseases - for example, for the initial period of SARS, influenza.

In everyday life, the need to cure a runny nose is associated with nasal congestion. Others consider heavy discharge to be an obligatory symptom. Still others are looking for a cure for a runny nose when they start to sneeze.

The mucous membrane swells with a change in temperature, under the influence of alcohol, a pungent odor, and for other reasons.

Types of runny nose

Vasomotor variety associated with watery compartments. Congestion alternately in one nostril, then in the other. I want to sneeze, tears flow, my head hurts.

Causes - tobacco smoke, hormonal disorders, emotional distress. This type of rhinitis is correctly considered a disease of a neuro-reflex nature.

The condition is accompanied by weakness, fatigue, irritability, insomnia.

allergic variety manifests itself seasonally or as a reaction to certain foods, dust, animal hair, substances that are part of detergents or cosmetics.

I want to sneeze, my nose itches, tingles.

To avoid bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis treat rather than relieve symptoms with drugs or ointments.

With vasomotor and allergic rhinitis, the nasal cavity is not inflamed.

infectious variety occurs with colds. The reason is viruses, bacteria, fungus. Symptoms: burning and dryness in the nasopharynx. To prevent the virus from entering the throat and bronchi, start treatment immediately.

Coryza manifests itself or as a symptom of acute respiratory diseases.

The nose is slightly itchy, dry, general lethargy and weakness. It is difficult to breathe through both nostrils, I want to sneeze, tears flow.

The condition is accompanied by a deterioration in the sense of smell, abundant mucopurulent discharge from the nose, if the vessels are damaged, they are bloody (snot with blood).

The duration of acute rhinitis is a week or longer. Maybe 37C or higher.

Chronic runny nose in a simple form manifested by abundant secretions, often unilateral congestion. Develops as a complication acute form in violation of blood circulation in the mucosa, diseases of the paranasal sinuses.

If you do not treat a simple chronic rhinitis, as well as under the influence of a sharp climate change, the development of an inflammatory process in paranasal sinuses nose, adenoid, it goes into hypertrophic form.

Headache, stuffy nose, constant discharge, impaired sense of smell.

Chronic atrophic rhinitis develops with a weakened, after transferred infectious diseases With acute runny nose, due to surgical intervention in the nasal cavity, the effects of adverse climatic conditions, harmful substances.

The nasal cavity is dry, the sense of smell is reduced, it is difficult to completely blow your nose, periodic bleeding from the nose.

If you do not get rid of a runny nose, over time it becomes chronic, it can cause inflammation of the maxillary sinuses -. Complications are associated with inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, middle ear.

Treatment of acute rhinitis

The onset of the disease is dryness in the nose, a feeling of heat. After 1-2 hours, the nose is blocked, the head hurts, copious discharge. Frequent sneezing, fever. A week later - the discharge is thick, purulent.

Acute rhinitis is treated by observing bed rest:

  • Put mustard plasters on the calves.
  • Warm your feet in hot water with the addition of mustard (1 tablespoon per 8 liters of water).
  1. Stir in equal amounts , coltsfoot, .
  2. Or mix in equal amounts of eucalyptus,.
  3. Brew 1s.l. one of the fees with a glass of boiling water, simmer for 5 minutes, insist in a sealed container for 1 hour.

To wash the nose with a runny nose, drip 10 drops of infusion into the nostril. Then tilt your head, let the liquid flow out, blow your nose. Repeat 7-10 times for each nostril.

If the nose is very stuffy and rinsing is difficult, drip 5-6 drops, do not blow your nose. Treat 7-10 days.

As prescribed by the doctor, instill vasoconstrictor drugs Ephedrine, Naphthyzin, Sanorin, Galazolin.

Vasoconstrictor drugs should be used to treat the common cold no more than 1-2 times a day, so as not to cause irreversible changes.

Treatment of chronic rhinitis

With a constant runny nose without fever, one or both nostrils are blocked, especially when lying down. Abundant mucus, reduced sense of smell, headache, dry mouth. Chronic runny nose lasts for several months or years.

The left nostril lays on the left side, the right - on the right. Nasal breathing is difficult in the supine position.

A common cause is a deviated nasal septum. The growth and thickening of the mucous membrane closes the nasal passages, which interferes with breathing through the nose.

Sometimes the mucosa, on the contrary, is thinned. Very viscous mucus forms crusts. When the crusts decompose, a fetid runny nose (ozena) is diagnosed.

This form of rhinitis causes inflammation of the middle ear (otitis media) or paranasal sinuses (sinusitis).

To recover, some people instill vasoconstrictor drops for a long time, which give a short-term result.

Treatment is more effective if there is no pathological enlargement of the pharyngeal tonsil (adenoids) - it makes it difficult to breathe through the nose. Otherwise, the adenoid is removed.

To dry the mucosa, reduce secretion, ointments from the common cold are used, which include streptocid, menthol, lanolin.

Effective against viruses Oxolinic ointment. Against sinusitis - Simanovsky's ointment.

For prevention and treatment during periods of exacerbations, the composition is useful:

  1. Mix 1 part marigold flowers and 2 parts raspberry leaves.
  2. Brew 3 tsp. mixture with a glass of boiling water, leave for 2 minutes.

Inhale for 5 minutes twice a day. Treat within a week.

How to cure a runny nose at home


To get rid of the disease, direct efforts to weaken specific complaints, avoid possible complications.

Some believe that walking in the fresh air helps to quickly cure a runny nose. But cold, moisture-saturated air irritates the mucous membranes. Therefore, the answer to the question "Do I walk with a runny nose?" more negative than positive.

During treatment, it is useful to exclude everything that irritates the mucous membrane and causes increased blood circulation - inhalation of warm steam, smoking.

When treating a runny nose, especially an infectious one, use disposable wipes so that self-infection from a handkerchief does not occur.

During the treatment of the common cold, avoid milk and dairy products as a source of mucus, as well as high-sugar foods. Limit the use of peanuts, fatty foods, citrus fruits.

As prescribed by the doctor, allergic rhinitis is treated with Suprastin, Pipolfen.

Treatment with menthol oil (1%).

  • Several times a day, instill oil into the nostrils.
  • In the supine position, place cotton swabs in the nostrils,
  • Squeeze them through the wings of the nose, squeeze out the oil so that it penetrates into the back of the lower part of the nose.

Children under 3 years old cannot be treated in this way.

Lanolin ointment (1-2%).

  • Lubricate the front of the nose with a mixture of lanolin ointment and petroleum jelly.

Balm "Asterisk" helps to cure an infectious (cold) runny nose or alleviate the condition. Essential oils and other substances have an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, eliminate the cause of the disease.

  • Apply a little balm to the temples and wings of the nose.
  • Place a small amount of balm (half a match head) into a glass of boiling water.
  • Wrap the glass in a cone with a towel folded several times.
  • Inhale steam through the hole in the cone for 5 minutes through the nose.

Vitamin C. You should not immediately take pharmacological medicines for the common cold - this is how immunity does not participate in the treatment:

  • When the first symptoms appear, take 1 g of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) after breakfast for 1-2 days.

Washing with saline. To make a runny nose go faster, rinse your nose with salted water at the rate of 1 tsp. table or sea in a glass of warm boiled water. At the pharmacy, ask for a special nose can or use an old teapot:

  1. Tilt your head sideways over the sink.
  2. Pouring salt water into the upper nostril so that water flows out of the lower one.
  3. Tilt your head to the other side, repeat the procedure.

The procedure is shown in the figures in the article.

Another way to rinse the nose with a runny nose is to draw water into the nose from a handful so that the water is in the mouth, spit it out.

Blow out the right and left nostril alternately so that the secretions do not penetrate the Eustachian tube and cause otitis media.

Hungry saliva:

  • In the morning before breakfast, insert turundas moistened with saliva into the nostrils.

Folk treatment of the common cold with mustard

Recipe 1. Actions at the first symptoms:

  1. In the evening, fasten the mustard plasters on the heels, wrap them in flannel, put on woolen socks.
  2. After one or two hours, remove mustard plasters, walk quickly for 5-10 minutes, go to bed.

This method relieves a runny nose and congestion in one day, allows you to wake up healthy in the morning.

Recipe 3. In the first hours, warming up the legs cures a runny nose:

  • Add 200g of table water and 150g of mustard powder to a bucket of warm water.
  • Place the legs, cover the hips and knees with a woolen blanket.
  • When the legs turn red, rinse with warm water, put on woolen socks, lie down.
  1. Brew 1 tsp. mustard powder with a small amount of boiling water, stir.
  2. Moisten a cotton swab with the composition, inhale alternately with each nostril.

How to cure a runny nose with honey

  1. Soak the rollers from the bandage with fresh liquid honey, insert 2 cm into the nostrils.
  2. To endure burning, which soon turns into heat. Keep 30-60 minutes.

Adults and children need 3-5 sessions.

Recipe 2. If the burning sensation is too strong:

  1. Dilute 1 tsp. honey in 2s.l. warm boiled water, moisten the rollers.
  2. Alternately insert into each nostril.
  • Bury a honey solution of 4-6 drops in each nostril 3-4 times a day.
  • Grind 5g, add a little butter, up to 50g sunflower oil, mix thoroughly.

Application of propolis ointment:

  • Soak tampons, lay in the morning and evening in each nostril for 10 minutes.
  • Soak tampons, insert into nostrils. Lie without a pillow for 5 minutes on the left side, 5 minutes on the right side.

Onion, garlic, horseradish - medicines for the common cold


  • Cut the onion, rub the wings of the nose with it, put small pieces through gauze into the ear canals.

The remedy provides immediate relief. Some in this way get rid of a runny nose for three days.

  • Finely chop or on a plate, inhale the vapors.

Recipe 3. Another way to get rid of a cold:

  1. Finely rub the garlic, place in a glass bottle, add water, close with a cork.
  2. Heat in a saucepan of boiling water so that the walls of the bottle do not touch the saucepan.

Inhale through each nostril from the neck of the bottle. Repeat the procedure 2 times a day.

  • At night, fix the parts of the bulb near the nostrils.

The method helps to quickly cure a runny nose, cope with sinusitis.

Recipe 5. To cure a runny nose in adults and children:

  • Instill an aqueous solution at the rate of 1 drop of fresh garlic juice per 1 tsp. water.
  • Take after 2-3 hours, 1 tsp. mixture of onion and honey.
  • Place chopped fresh garlic in gauze in the nostrils, rub well.

Some in this way cure a runny nose in a few hours.

  • Quickly cures a runny nose by instilling a mixture of onion juice, fresh potato juice, sunflower oil, honey, taken in equal parts.

Recipe 9. Bury infusion:

  • Mix 2-3s.l. finely chopped onion, pour 50 ml of warm boiled water, add 0.5 tsp. honey, insist half an hour.

Recipe 10. The best remedy from a cold:

  1. Grind fresh garlic, add water to sting the tongue.
  2. Mix with the same amount of aloe juice, add the same amount of honey.

Bury a few drops 3-4 times a day.

Recipe 11. Horseradish juice helps cure chronic runny nose:

  • Mix at the rate of 150 g of horseradish juice and the juice of 2-3 lemons, do not use pure horseradish juice.

Take a mixture of 1/2 tsp. twice a day, do not eat or drink for half an hour. The tool eliminates mucus, has a diuretic effect. At first, it causes plentiful.

Cold juices

Beet juice.

  • Bury children in each nostril 5 drops of fresh beetroot juice. Can be mixed with honey at the rate of 1 tsp. honey for 2.5 tsp juice.
  • In case of thick discharge, rinse the nose with boiled juice.
  • Moisten cotton swabs with beetroot juice, place them in the nose for 10 minutes.

Repeat the procedure 3-4 times a day.

Kalanchoe juice helps to quickly get rid of the common cold.

  • Lubricate the nostrils 1-2 times a day with fresh juice to separate the mucus.
  • Bury aloe juice 2-4 drops 4 times a day.

Radish juice:

  • Put tampons moistened with radish juice into the nostrils.

Ginger, lemon juice for the treatment of chronic rhinitis.

  • Mix 50g grated and juice.

Take on an empty stomach twice a day for 1/2 teaspoon.

  • Mix fresh ginger juice with the same amount of water

Bury children three times a day and at bedtime.

Mother and stepmother, yarrow:

  • With a constant runny nose, instill juice from the leaves of the mother and stepmother, as well as yarrow juice.

Oils for colds

Rosehip or sea buckthorn oil quickly relieve congestion:

  • Bury 2-3 drops or place oil swabs in the nostrils.

Eucalyptus oil helps to cure a runny nose:

  • Heat 100 ml of vegetable oil, add 0.5 tsp. dry eucalyptus leaves, simmer over low heat for 10 minutes, insist in a sealed container for 5 hours, strain.

Bury warm up to 6 times a day.

Pumpkin seed oil, garlic:

  • Stir 1 tsp. and 1-2 drops of fresh garlic juice.

Bury warm.

Treatment of allergic rhinitis pumpkin oil.

  • Bury 6-7 drops for 14 days.
  • Take orally 1 tsp. three times a day one hour before meals.

How to treat a runny nose by warming up the nose

Buckwheat, salt from a prolonged runny nose:

  • Fill a cloth bag not to the top with thick hot buckwheat porridge or salt.

Keep in the area of ​​the maxillary sinuses (on the sides of the nose) until cool.

boiled egg for the treatment of the common cold:

  • Apply near the nose through a handkerchief.

Hot hand baths help to cope with a runny nose and congestion.

How to rinse your nose with a runny nose

Chamomile, St. John's wort from a severe cold:

  • Bury twice a day a decoction of chamomile and St. John's wort at the rate of 1 tsp. to a glass of boiling water.

St. John's wort has an anti-inflammatory effect, accelerates the recovery process.

Soda. Rinse your nose at night:

  • Drop a weak solution of soda.

Tea mushroom helps to get rid of a common cold:

  • Rinse with a weak infusion (dilute with 10 parts of water).

Golden mustache:

  • Grind the leaves, pour a glass of water, simmer for 3 minutes, let cool. Add 1 tsp. salt and 0.5 tsp honey, mix.

Rinse your nose with warm saline.

Starch helps to cope with sneezing with a runny nose:

  • Instill a weak solution of starch.

Cotton wool. In Tibet, when you have a cold, you tickle your nose with a match, at the end of which is cotton wool. Sneezing causes copious secretion of mucus.

How to cure a runny nose

Hydrogen peroxide helps at the beginning of the disease:

  • Instill a solution of 3% (3-6 drops per 1 tsp of warm water).

After a copious discharge of mucus, the congestion disappears. After half an hour, sniff the ammonia in turn with each nostril.

Flax seeds, rye breadcrumbs:

  • Heat in a frying pan or rye cracker until smoke appears, inhale through the nose.

Treat runny nose several times a day.

Oregano:

  • With a prolonged runny nose, sniff the powder of oregano grass.

nettle treat allergic rhinitis:

  • Mash a green leaf, inhale the aroma for 3 minutes several times a day.

Horseradish, radish, honey, salt:

  1. In the evening, warm up the body in a bath or bath.
  2. Grate the sacrum with grated radish mixed with the same amount of grated horseradish.
  3. Add some honey and table salt.

After drinking tea with raspberries, mint. The next morning manages to get rid of the common cold.

Modified: 06/26/2019

Myth. Whether the body manages to defeat viruses on its own, without drugs, depends on immunity and many other factors. It is better not to take risks and not let everything take its course: if you do not treat a runny nose, it may well turn into sinusitis, otitis media, pharyngitis, laryngitis, it can even end in bronchitis or pneumonia.


2. You can catch a runny nose if you get cold or get your feet wet.

Myth. With good immunity, neither hypothermia nor wet feet in themselves will lead to a runny nose. But if, due to these factors, the immune system weakens, it can easily become a target for viruses that attack it.


3. Washing the nose and gargling with saline solutions help not to get sick, and if you get sick, you will recover faster

Truth. This simple procedure helps to moisturize the nasopharyngeal mucosa, strengthening its local immunity, and clears it of mucus and microbes. The main thing is not to be lazy and do it every day, at least in the morning and evening, and if you feel that you are getting sick, once an hour or two. If you start gargling and rinsing your nose at the first sign of a cold, you can quickly defeat the virus.


4. Runny nose can be chronic

Truth. A runny nose, or scientifically called rhinitis, is usually just a symptom. It all depends on the cause of the disease. And if, for example, we are talking about allergies, then this symptom can really accompany for a long time, and in some cases (for example, with a deviated nasal septum or some endocrine diseases), you can suffer from a runny nose all your life. But if we are talking about a runny nose as a symptom of a cold (that is, SARS), and it does not go away a week after the start of treatment, and the discharge has become yellow or gray, then microbes are actively multiplying in the sinuses, and this is not a chronic runny nose. Not far from sinusitis, sinusitis, etc. Urgently see a doctor!


5. To get a runny nose, you need to be sneezed on you.

Myth. If this is a symptom of SARS, an acute respiratory viral infection, then you can become infected both by airborne droplets and by direct contact with the carrier of the virus or even just his things.

6. Cold drops can be addictive.

Truth. It is no coincidence that doctors advise using such remedies in the treatment of a cold only in the first 2-3 days, during the acute stage, when the nose is stuffed up, it pours out of it and it is impossible to breathe. Vasoconstrictor drops, if used for a long time, disrupt the nutrition of the nasal mucosa and vascular tone, they become more fragile. The elasticity of their walls is markedly reduced, and as a result, chronic atrophic rhinitis may occur.

Evgenia Shakhova

Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Doctor of the Highest Category, Chief Otorhinolaryngologist of the Healthcare Committee of the Administration of the Volgograd Region

Acute rhinitis is most often of viral etiology. The first period of the disease lasts from several hours to a day and is characterized by a feeling of tension, dryness in the nose. The second stage is characterized by copious discharge from the nose, congestion. At this stage, vasoconstrictor drops are usually used to improve breathing. But it is important to remember that without a doctor's prescription, they can only be used for a few days.


7. If you have a runny nose, it is better to refuse a handkerchief.

Both truth and myth. If we are talking about a fabric handkerchief, then this is absolutely true: after the very first use, it becomes a real breeding ground for germs. So disposable paper handkerchiefs are not only more convenient, but also more hygienic. If, from their frequent use, the skin turns red, irritated, use a softening cream or ointment with panthenol.


8. If you drip onion or garlic juice into your nose, you will quickly recover.

Myth. There is not a single serious scientific study confirming this. But in this way, you can easily earn a serious irritation of the already inflamed nasal mucosa or even burn it. It is much more useful to eat onions and garlic for food: phytoncides will help you recover faster.


9. If you warm up your nose and legs, you can get rid of a runny nose faster

Both truth and myth. In the acute stage of a runny nose, warming up the nose really helps to "dry the runny nose" - largely by improving the blood supply to the nasal mucosa and reducing swelling. But if microbes began to actively multiply in the sinuses, heat will accelerate their reproduction, and sinusitis or sinusitis may develop. That is why it is possible to warm the nose only in the initial, acute stage of the disease. As for hot foot baths, they are really useful at any stage of a cold: there are many reflex points on the soles of the feet, closely related to respiratory system and at the same time helping the immune system to cope with viruses faster.

Everyone knows the common symptoms of a runny nose: headache, nasal discharge, nasal congestion. It is also known to be an inflammation of the nose that often occurs throughout life especially in children. But what are the consequences of a simple, seemingly at first glance, nasal congestion and the difficulty in breathing associated with it.

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

Causes of rhinitis

They can be divided into two broad categories:
  1. Violation of local immunity. Here it is necessary to note some physiological features 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 with them.
  • The integumentary epithelium of the nasal mucosa is covered with tiny cilia, which are constantly in motion and have a pushing effect of foreign particles from the nasal cavity.
  • Protective proteins, called class A immunoglobulins, are constantly present in the mucous membrane, which actively fight penetrating infection. In the event of a decrease in the activity of local protective forces, microorganisms that were in a dormant state and did not harm until then can immediately become active.
  1. External damaging factors. These factors reduce the effectiveness of the protective mechanisms of the nasal mucosa, as a result of which an inflammatory reaction develops, which leads to a disease of the nasal mucosa. These factors include:
  • 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 for a long time with their presence. Surgical interventions are also considered as a traumatic factor that increases the risk of an inflammatory reaction.
  • Industrial harmful factors. Being in a room filled with dust, harmful toxic and other chemical waste for a long time, there will be irritation of the mucous membrane with an increased perception of various pathological agents.
  • allergic factor. House dust, fur, pollen, poplar fluff and many other tiny particles that surround us can be the cause of allergic rhinitis.

Symptoms of acute rhinitis

In its development, acute rhinitis goes through several successive stages. Each stage has its own characteristics, allowing you to determine at what stage the development of the disease is.

First stage characterized by the fact that microbes have only penetrated into 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
Common symptoms include:
  • Headache, which may gradually increase.
  • In some cases, there is a slight increase in body temperature up to 37.5 degrees.
The duration of the first stage lasts for only a few hours, and sometimes one or two days, after which the symptoms change and the disease moves on to the next stage of its development.

Second stage begins from the moment when a lot of mucus, a liquid consistency, begins to flow from the nose. In 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 a decrease in sensitivity to odors.

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

Third stage inextricably linked with the reaction immune system on harmful microorganisms that have entered the nose. Usually this stage begins 4-5 days after the onset of the disease. You can’t confuse it with anything, because during this period, mucopurulent contents, of a thick consistency, and often with an unpleasant odor, begin to stand out from the nose. The pus may also be yellowish-green in color.

Purulent contents with a fetid 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, as well as "devour and digest" the bacteria that have invaded the inside of the nose. In the case of too much captured pathogenic bacteria, the phagocytes overflow and burst too much, along with this, the processed killed bacteria come out - that is, pus.

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

It happens that physically healthy person leading an active lifestyle, conducting physical and hardening procedures, rhinitis occurs in mild form and lasts only 2-3 days. Or, on the contrary, with a decrease in the body's defenses, the disease proceeds much more severely, with severe 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 the transition to the chronic form of the disease.

These 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


Rhinitis in childhood especially at the beginning of a child's life, they are much more difficult than in adults. Very often, the inflammatory process can move to adjacent areas, such as the middle ear, pharynx or larynx. This circumstance is facilitated by anatomical and some other features of the structure of the nasal cavity in childhood. These include:
  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 to drugs, and insufficient emptying of purulent masses.
  3. The presence of adenoid growths. On the back wall of the pharynx at the exit from the nasal cavity there is a lymphoid tissue called adenoids. Adenoids perform protective functions, and prevent the penetration of infection into the body. But in early childhood, they are too large and very sensitive to any irritating factor, so inflammatory processes occur with complications associated with blockage of the lumen 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 middle ear cavity. This circumstance is the cause of infection in the ear and contributes to inflammation in it - otitis media.
In addition, newborns and children of the first years of life do not just have rhinitis, because when an infection enters the nasal cavity, both the nose and the pharynx immediately become inflamed. The disease is called rhinopharyngitis. The disease is accompanied by severe violations of the general state of health. Frequent symptoms it will be the following:
  • High body temperature - 38-39 degrees
  • Refusal baby from breastfeeding. 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, sleep poorly at night.
  • In connection with a violation of the diet, flatulence (bloating), diarrhea, and even vomiting appear.

diphtheria rhinitis

Diphtheria is a disease caused by a diphtheria bacillus. It affects the larynx, pharynx, and vocal cords. Diphtheria mainly affects children who have not been vaccinated against diphtheria bacillus. It is specific that in diphtheria a very close-fitting plaque is formed in these places, as well as on the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity. All this makes it difficult to breathe through the nose. The films are very difficult to separate, and when this succeeds, small wounds are formed that do not heal for a long time and from which bloody mucus is released.

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

Rhinitis with scarlet fever

Scarlet fever- an infectious and inflammatory disease of the palatine tonsils, in which the process can spread to the nasopharynx and the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity. Caused by bacteria called streptococci. Distinctive features rhinitis with scarlet fever is that there are:
  • Severe intoxication, manifested by high body temperature, chills, heavy sweats and headache
  • Enlargement of adjacent lymph nodes, which are mobile and painful when palpated. These include submandibular, anterior and posterior cervical, parotid The lymph nodes.
  • characteristic feature is the appearance on the 3-4th day from the onset of the disease of a small punctate rash on the skin of the body. The rash spreads all over the body except in one place. This place is located in the area of ​​​​the nasolabial triangle, where the skin flakes off and remains the usual color.
  • Bright red tongue, similar to a raspberry (crimson tongue).
Scarlatinal rhinitis is rare due to the widespread use of antibiotics to treat inflammatory processes in the upper respiratory tract and oropharynx.

Rhinitis with measles

Rhinitis with measles, or as it is also called measles, is quite common in young children who have become infected with the measles virus. Measles rhinitis is partly similar to the inflammation of the nasal mucosa, which occurs during allergic processes in the body. The child begins to sneeze, lacrimation and inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eyes appear. The mucous membrane of the nose and eyes is bright red and edematous.

A distinctive feature of rhinitis with measles is the appearance of a small punctate rash on the inner surface of the cheeks, in the nasal cavity, on the lips. The rash looks like small spots around which a white belt forms.

Among other things, the disease is accompanied by a violation of the general condition of the child, with fever, headache and other symptoms of an active inflammatory process.

Acute coryza with influenza

The flu is viral disease, and therefore, like any virus, it infects cell membranes, destroying them and violating their protective properties. Therefore, there is always the possibility of attaching other pathogenic bacteria.

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

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

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

  • Headache
  • Rhinorrhea - very frequent and copious discharge from the nose, which are mucous in nature. If, after a few days, the mucous discharge is replaced by purulent discharge, then this fact indicates that a secondary bacterial infection has joined against the background of the flu.
  • The defeat of 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 chewing muscles, to the temporal and frontal parts of the head.
To general symptoms include:
  • An increase in body temperature to 38 degrees and above.
  • Soreness and aches in the muscles.
  • Increased sweating and chills.
  • Diarrhea and possibly nausea. Appear in severe cases, with severe intoxication of the body, the work of the gastrointestinal tract is disrupted.
Influenza is a very serious infection that causes many complications. As for influenza rhinitis, complications can be the spread of the inflammatory process to the sinuses, and to the middle ear. Therefore, neglecting the advice of a doctor on caring for a patient during this period and letting the disease take its course often leads to a weakening of the body's defenses and a chronic process in the nasal cavity.

Diagnosis of acute rhinitis



Diagnostics acute rhinitis does not present great difficulties, and includes asking the patient about his complaints, how much time has passed since the onset of the first symptoms. If you carefully follow 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 early stage development is usually noticeable redness and swelling of the mucous membrane. In the future, purulent discharge appears.

Diagnosis of rhinitis of viral origin fundamentally different from that of 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 never occurs.
  • With viral rhinitis, profuse mucous discharge is always present. In a word, "snot flows like a river without ceasing." The patient is forced to constantly walk with a handkerchief or sanitary napkins.
Diagnosis of rhinitis caused by a bacterial infection characterized:
  • A significant violation of the general condition of the patient. 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.
  • Discharge from the nose after some time from the onset of the disease takes on the appearance of a mucous character, up to purulent contents with an unpleasant odor and a yellow-green color.
This division can be conditional if the patient lives in a dirty, dusty room, does not follow the basic rules of personal hygiene, and most importantly, the people around him suffer from some acute infectious disease transmitted by airborne droplets.
This means that if a person becomes infected, for example, with the influenza virus, then a secondary bacterial infection can join in a few days, with all the ensuing consequences.

Treatment of acute rhinitis

Acute uncomplicated rhinitis is treated at home. Treatment is carried out depending on the stage of development of the inflammatory process.

In the treatment of acute rhinitis, both symptomatic agents and special drugs are used to reduce inflammation in the nasal cavity. In case of bacterial infections, the use of antiseptic agents is justified, with the help of which the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity is washed and cleaned.

Treatment of the first stage of the course of rhinitis based on using:

  • Hot foot baths for 10-15 minutes
  • Applying mustard plasters on the sole area or on the calf muscles
  • Drinking hot tea with raspberries or a slice of lemon
To medicines used in this stage include:
  • antiseptics, local action. It is recommended to instill a 3-5% solution of protargol into the nose 2 times a day.
  • Antiallergic drugs - dragees of diazolin, tavegil or loratadine in the form of tablets. These funds are taken mainly with an allergic origin of rhinitis. The dose is set 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, analgesics are used - analgin, solpadein, Tylenol. Children are recommended to take 250 mg. Adults - 500 mg. When a headache occurs.
Treatment of the second and third stages of acute rhinitis slightly different from that in the initial manifestations of the disease. In the stage of the height of the disease, inflammatory processes in the nose intensify, purulent discharge appears due to the increased activity of pathogenic bacteria and the fight against them by the immune system. In this regard, in especially severe cases of the course of the disease, in combination with symptomatic treatment, broad-spectrum antibiotics and various antimicrobials are prescribed. These drugs are taken orally in the form of tablets, capsules, or they are washed in the nasal cavity.
  1. Antibiotics used to treat acute rhinitis include:
  2. Amoxicillin- a broad-spectrum antibiotic, available in tablets of 500 mg. Children over 12 years of age are prescribed 500 mg. 3 times a day, for 5-7 days.
  3. Bioparoxantibacterial drug local action. Produced in the form of an aerosol in vials. Assigned to 1 inhalation inside each nostril every four hours.
To reduce the symptoms of nasal congestion, topical preparations are instilled into the nose, narrowing the blood vessels and thereby relieving spasm and swelling of the mucous membrane. As a result, nasal breathing improves and the patient feels much better. These drugs include:
  • Naphthyzin- vasoconstrictor. For children, a 0.05% solution is used; for adults, a 0.1% solution is instilled a few drops every 4-6 hours.
  • Xylometazoline also a vasoconstrictor. Children are prescribed nose 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 that increases the concentration of the drug to 0.1%.
It should be taken into account the fact that the use of nasal drops should not exceed more than 7-10 days. Since various side effects associated with a violation of the olfactory and cleansing function of the nose may appear when using them. With a burning sensation, local irritation and dryness in the nose, take these drugs it is recommended to stop.

Sinupret- this is combination drug vegetable origin.

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

Treatment of rhinitis in infants

There are some features in the treatment and care of infants with acute rhinitis.
  • First, nasal congestion interferes with normal breathing and breastfeeding of the baby. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically clean the nasal passages from mucus stuck there. This procedure is carried out using a suction cartridge, immediately before feeding.
  • If the mucus dries up 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.
  • In the period between feedings, instilled into the nose antimicrobial drug 2% solution of protargol, which also has an astringent effect and reduces the secretion of viscous mucus from the nose.

Chronic rhinitis


During the year, very often many people get sick with acute inflammatory diseases of the pharynx and upper respiratory tract: rhinitis, bronchitis, tonsillitis. If these processes are constantly repeated, or the inflammation worsens, before it has time, it will still end, then in this case they speak of chronicity acute infection. According to the World Health Organization, every person on earth gets sick an average of four to six times a year.

The most common causes of chronic rhinitis are:

  • Deviation of the nasal septum. These include congenital anomalies in the development of the nasal septum, turbinates, post-traumatic injuries.
  • Polyps inside the nasal cavity, closing the nasal passages and contributing to congestion.
  • Growth of adenoids on the back 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 of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular diseases, and a decrease in the overall resistance of the body.
There are several clinical forms chronic rhinitis:
  1. Chronic catarrhal rhinitis
It is one of the complications of acute rhinitis, since frequent colds, runny nose lead to the constant presence of various pathogenic bacteria in the nose. A characteristic feature is the constant uniform reddening of the mucous membrane, constant secretions of mucopurulent contents. In the position lying on the side of the patient, he feels stuffy nose on the side that is below. Nasal congestion worsens in cold weather.

Treatment is to remove causative factors leading to chronic course disease.

  1. Chronic hypertrophic rhinitis
In some cases chronic inflammation in the nasal cavity promotes the growth of the mucous membrane of cartilage and bone tissue in the nose. This process is slow and imperceptible, but can steadily progress. Anatomical formations in the nasal cavity, increasing in size, close the respiratory openings, and the patient constantly walks with a stuffy nose and he develops a characteristic nasal voice. With the growth of nasal conchas, pockets are formed, where infection and purulent contents are constantly present.

The diagnosis is established 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 with local anesthesia, and consist in the removal of growths, in which nasal breathing improves.

  1. Atrophic rhinitis
Atrophic rhinitis is a disease characterized by widespread disruption of the normal anatomical structure nasal cavity, with the death of the villi of the mucous epithelium of the nasal cavity and the violation of their physiological functions.

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

Patients feel constant dryness in the nose. There are purulent yellow-green discharges, which, when dried, form crusts in the nasal cavity.

In the treatment, both general strengthening therapy is used in the form of taking multivitamin complexes, strengthening the immune system, hardening procedures, and local washing of the nasal cavity with physiological sodium chloride solution, lubricating the mucous membrane with glycerin, along with instillation of 10% alcohol solution of iodine. A solution of iodine improves the functioning of the villi of the mucous membrane.

It is useful to use inhalations with sea salt. To prepare the solution, take 5 grams of sea salt (one teaspoon) per cup of boiling water. Inhalations are carried out 2-3 times a day.

Vasomotor rhinitis

Vasomotor rhinitis occurs when it comes to the presence of any allergic agent in the nasal cavity. Allergens can be: house dust, fur, smells of cats and dogs, plant pollen, poplar fluff and many other substances. To the appearance of vasomotor rhinitis contribute to how internal features body to produce large amounts biological substances in response to the penetration of allergens, and the harmful effects of environmental factors: road dust, exhaust gases, toxic waste from industrial activities, and many others.

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. Abundant 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 occurrence in this form of the disease.

There are two main forms of vasomotor rhinitis:

Season uniform- 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 an 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 due to the constant contact of the patient with house dust, fur or another type of allergen.
Treatment consists, first of all, in the exclusion of contact with the allergen, which caused an increased reaction of the body. In addition, antiallergic drugs are prescribed.

  • Clemastine (tavegil)- 1 mg tablets. Take orally 1 tablet 2 times a day.
  • Cromolyn (cromoglycic acid)- Available in 15 ml bottles. in the form of a spray.
Application - spray a spray into each nostril at the first sign of an allergic rhinitis.

Prevention of rhinitis

Prevention of the appearance of inflammation of the nasal mucosa includes a whole range of measures aimed at eliminating the influence of harmful factors, hypothermia, timely treatment other acute infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Preventive measures include:

  • Prevention colds.
  • It is not recommended to abruptly move from a warm room to a cold one, not to be in drafts, not to drink ice water and 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 complete, high-calorie, and most importantly, the correct regimen should be observed. 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 in the room will prevent the ingress and spread of infection.
  • A timely visit to the doctor, at the first signs of the disease, will prevent the appearance 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 skin of the child.
  • Hygiene measures, such as washing hands with soap after using the toilet and before eating, will help prevent infection in the mouth or nose (when picking it with a finger), as is often the case in young children.

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

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

  • Upper respiratory protection.
  • Moisturizing and warming the air.
  • Olfaction.

Glandular cells secrete mucus, which lubricates the surface layer of the epithelium, thereby maintaining an optimal moisture regime. It contains substances that contribute to the destruction of microbes (lysozyme, interferon, lactoferrin, secretory immunoglobulins), preventing them 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 intensive blood circulation in the capillaries. It is impossible not to mention that the mucous membrane has an olfactory function, allowing a person to distinguish smells. All this can be disturbed during a runny nose.

Causes and mechanisms

The medical name for the common cold 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 with allergies), and trophic disorders. Most often you have to deal with an infectious-inflammatory rhinitis. 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 operations on the nose.
  • Foreign bodies, adenoids.
  • Deviation of the nasal septum.
  • Professional hazards.
  • Smoking.

With inflammation, the mucous membrane swells, a serous effusion forms in the nose, and the movement of cilia stops. The epithelium is infiltrated with cellular elements, and then desquamated with the formation of erosions. Great importance in what causes a runny nose, vascular changes are assigned. They develop under the influence of neurovegetative stimulation (stress, emotional stress, 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. Vegetable (pollen, fluff, smells).
  4. Chemical (paint and varnish products, perfumes and cosmetics, detergents).
  5. Medicinal (a wide range of drugs).

The sensitizing agent, hitting the mucous membrane, induces immune response reactions. It is first taken up by macrophages, which present antigenic particles to T-lymphocytes. They produce cytokines that stimulate the formation of plasma cells. And they, in turn, synthesize specific class E immunoglobulins. The latter are adsorbed on the surface of basophils and mast cells. And when there is repeated contact with the allergen, 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.

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

Symptoms

Those who often have a runny nose know firsthand how it manifests itself. But without the intervention of a doctor is still not enough. 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 rhinitis begins acutely. Both halves of the nose are affected at once. Its main symptoms will be:

  • Allocations.
  • Congestion.
  • Deterioration of the general condition.

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


The next stage is accompanied by the formation of serous secretions. Transudate sweats from the vascular wall, so a clear liquid flows abundantly from the nose, which soon becomes mucous. Dryness no longer bothers, but nasal breathing is difficult. Often, signs of conjunctivitis join and lay the ears. This is due to the spread of the process to the lacrimal canaliculus and the Eustachian tube.

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

In childhood, acute rhinitis is more severe, which is due to the physiological narrowness of the nasal passages, the imperfection of protective mechanisms, adenoid growths, the impossibility of adequate blowing. Even a common runny nose that has appeared in an infant can cause high temperature, which can provoke convulsions and meningism phenomena. Babies refuse natural feeding, because they cannot suckle with a stuffy nose, get tired quickly, and are drowsy. Due to the wide and short auditory tube, the inflammatory process often extends 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 can appear against the background of common infectious diseases (usually of a viral 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 pass without it. AT clinical picture general manifestations will prevail:

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

In influenza, coryza with scanty serous discharge and severe nasal congestion. It appears from the first days of illness and can be combined with nosebleeds. Adenovirus infection is accompanied in parallel by conjunctivitis, pharyngitis, swollen lymph nodes. And with measles, against the background of catarrhal phenomena in the nasopharynx, a rash occurs on the body (maculopapular).

allergic rhinitis

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

  • Paroxysmal sneezing.
  • Copious liquid discharge.
  • Itching in the nose and tickling.
  • Feeling of congestion.

With a seasonal form of exacerbation, they can appear only in the spring (during the flowering of plants), and a year-round runny nose is accompanied by permanent signs which significantly impair the quality of life of patients. In addition, rhinitis is often included in the picture of general atopy, along with bronchial asthma and pollinosis.

Chronic rhinitis

A runny nose that lasts for a long time is called chronic. However, morphological changes in the mucous membrane are of a different nature:

  • Edema and hyperemia.
  • Hypertrophy.
  • Atrophy.

Accordingly, the symptoms also differ. For example, with hypertrophic rhinitis, nasal congestion occurs, which does not go away after vasoconstrictor drops, and 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 a decrease in smell. In chronic rhinitis, in addition to atrophic, there will also be discharge (mucous or mucopurulent).

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

Additional diagnostics

For more information about what a runny nose is and why it develops, provide laboratory and instrumental methods. Diagnosis of the state 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. Allergic tests (skin, scarification, injection).
  5. Rhinofaringoscopy.

The results of these procedures are able to dispel any doubts that have arisen during the clinical examination of the patient. They also allow you to make a final diagnosis indicating the nature of the pathological process and its causes. And then the runny nose is subject to medical correction.