Is it worth downplaying a runny nose?
One of the most common ailments that is usually downplayed is a runny nose. Unfortunately, in many situations, the assumption that it is a harmless symptom of a cold can prove to be wrong. This is even more worrisome if the runny nose is prolonged, that is, it turns into so-called chronic rhinitis. It is worth pausing for a moment to consider what chronic rhinitis is in children and adults, and how to deal with it if it occurs.
Rhinitis - what is it?
The aforementioned rhinitis is just rhinitis, or inflammation of the nasal mucosa. It can have various causes. Most often it occurs due to allergies, and also when the body is fighting an infection or is severely weakened. Rarely the culprit of a runny nose is bacteria. The ailment can also appear as a result of taking certain medical preparations. If rhinitis shows symptoms for more than twelve weeks, you can talk about a chronic condition.
Rhinitis is the body’s way of getting rid of bacteria and viruses, which is why purulent secretions are observed. The mucous discharge restricts nasal patency, resulting in a lowered sense of well-being and difficulty breathing freely. It is often accompanied by weakness, pain in the sinus area and irritation of the inside of the nose. As a result of the dilation of blood vessels and increased blood flow, swelling of the nasal mucosa occurs. Along with blood, immune cells are transported to the nose. In both children and adults, secretions can flow down the back wall of the throat, which eventually forces the body to cough. This is a natural reflex, which is why so often a cough quickly follows along with a runny nose. In children, in addition to a runny nose, there is often tearing, as well as purulent discharge from the eyes, since the nose is connected to the eyes by tear ducts. Chronic rhinitis has many forms, including:
- Hypertrophic gastritis, which is characterized by obstruction on both sides and must be treated surgically,
- Atrophic rhinitis, which means atrophy of the nasal mucosa, resulting in enlarged nasal orifice patency and unpleasant dryness generating scabs formed from dry secretions,
- ozena, a combination of atrophic rhinitis and bad breath,
- Vasculitis, which is the result of overheating of the feet or back,
- Chronic rhinosinusitis , which means that not only the nose, but also the sinuses become occupied by a mucopurulent secretion.
None of these should be underestimated, as the consequences of not treating them can be very serious and unpleasant.
Chronic rhinitis treatment
If you have developed one of the described rhinitis, you should take care of its treatment. It is always a good idea to start treatment with home remedies, which primarily consist of supplementation (garlic, honey, ginger, raspberry, lemon) and regular nasal cleansing of lingering secretions using sea water or saline. You can also use a solution made from xylitol. To prepare such a solution, add 4 heaping teaspoons of XYLITOL (about 20 g) to 100 ml of water. Then pour it into any container with an atomizer (after a cosmetic or medicine) and apply 4 doses each every 4 hours to the nose and mouth. An equally effective home method of treating a runny nose is to rinse the nasal passages with saline or xylitol solutions. During inflammation, bacteria settle not only in the nose and throat, but also enter the respiratory system in large numbers, which is dangerous. In order to attack the body, the virus must enter through the nose or mouth. On the mucous membranes of the nose, throat it multiplies and then attacks the lungs. This means that the mucous membranes are where we should fight it the most.
If we already know how to treat rhinitis, but symptomatic treatment has not been successful, you may need to introduce drug treatment. The doctor may order the use of drops or pills for rhinitis, which in the case of allergies will be in the form of steroid drugs, or antihistamines.
However, if the rhinitis is hypertrophic, surgery may be necessary. Surgery involves the removal of any existing polyps or hypertrophies within the nasal cavity and sinuses that are responsible for the patient’s condition.
In either situation, it is a good idea to visit the Krajmed Medical Center, where specialists know exactly what to do to make the patient feel as comfortable as possible.
