Runny nose (Rhinitis)

Inflammation of the nasal mucosa. There are acute and chronic runny nose. Acute runny nose can be an independent disease or a symptom of acute infectious diseases (influenza, measles, diphtheria, etc.). The predisposing factor is mainly hypothermia; less commonly, mechanical or chemical irritations can be the cause.

Symptoms, course. Initially, there is a slight malaise, a feeling of dryness in the nasopharynx, and itching in the nose. Nasal breathing is difficult, sneezing and lacrimation appear, the sense of smell decreases, the timbre of the voice changes, and copious liquid discharge from the nose is observed. Subsequently, the discharge becomes mucopurulent, and if the integrity of small blood vessels is damaged, it becomes bloody.

Inflammation of the nasal mucosa can spread to other parts of the respiratory tract, as well as to the paranasal sinuses, nasolacrimal canal, auditory tube, and tympanic cavity. Rhinoscopy reveals hyperemia and swelling of the nasal mucosa. If the course is favorable, after 12-14 days, nasal congestion disappears and the sense of smell is restored.

Treatment. At elevated temperatures, bed rest is indicated. Mustard foot baths, diaphoretics, and ultraviolet irradiation of the soles of the feet with erythemal doses have a good effect.

Locally, to eliminate swelling of the nasal mucosa, vasoconstrictors are prescribed: 0.1% solution of sanorin, 0.1% solution of naphthyzine, 0.1% solution of galazolin, etc. After vasoconstrictor drops, Vaseline or peach oil is administered. A good effect is achieved by blowing a powder of a certain composition into the nose. Inhalation of antibiotic aerosols is also effective.

Acute runny nose in children of early (infancy) age. It always occurs as an acute inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx, trachea, bronchi and can cause pneumonia.

Rhinopharyngitis in children is a common disease with pronounced local manifestations. The child cannot breathe or suckle. Vomiting, diarrhea and flatulence are common. The child becomes restless, loses weight, sleep is disturbed, and the temperature is often elevated.

Chronic catarrhal (simple) runny nose. Causes: prolonged or recurring acute runny nose; prolonged exposure to various irritants; irritation of the nasal mucosa with purulent secretions in diseases of the paranasal sinuses; circulatory disorders in the nasal mucosa.

Periodic nasal congestion and copious mucous discharge. Rhinoscopy reveals diffuse congestive hyperemia and uniform swelling of the mucous membrane. The complete disappearance of swelling of the nasal mucosa after instillation of a 0.1% naphthyzine solution indicates a chronic (simple) runny nose.

Treatment: nasal drops, astringents or cauterizing agents, cauterization of the inferior turbinates.

Chronic hypertrophic runny nose is a consequence of chronic catarrhal (simple) runny nose. It is characterized by the proliferation of connective tissue in places where cavernous tissue accumulates.

Constant discharge and nasal congestion, heaviness in the head and headache, decreased sense of smell. With moderate hypertrophy, the lower shells are cauterized with acids. If there is no effect, galvanocaustics are performed. Sharply hypertrophied areas of the mucous membrane are removed.

Chronic atrophic rhinitis can be caused by unfavorable factors. Feeling of dryness in the nasal cavity, difficulty blowing your nose, decreased sense of smell; Nosebleeds are common. Treatment is symptomatic.