Rhinitis - what is this disease? In everyday life, it is called a runny nose. The stuffy nose phenomenon is familiar to us. Often, experiencing this condition, we do not pay due attention to it. Of course, rhinitis is accompanied by not too pleasant sensations. With this disease, the head hurts and the nose turns red. There is a need for a constant change in the handkerchief. In addition, one cannot avoid the squinting looks of colleagues afraid to catch the virus.
Why does rhinitis occur?
What are the reasons that cause the appearance of secretions from the nasal sinuses? Traditionally, we associate them with a common cold. The phenomenon, which is usually called snot, is referred to in medical terminology as rhinitis. What is this pathology? This is an inflammatory process that covers the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity.
As a rule, viruses cause this pathology. But there are other reasons. They should be borne in mind when choosing the methods that you will use in the treatment of a disease called this: rhinitis. What are these reasons?
Nasal congestion can occur with severe temperature changes or low ambient temperatures. Cause ailment can take spicy dishes or spices. The cause of the common cold, especially in young patients, can be adenoids - expanding tonsils. Provokes rhinitis tobacco smoke. This phenomenon is observed, as a rule, in
passive smokers due to irritation of the nasal mucosa. Foreign bodies that enter the airways can also cause a runny nose.
Structural disturbances provoke pathology. These include the incorrect configuration of the nasal septum. Allergy sufferers and patients with polyps on the mucous membranes suffer from rhinitis. A runny nose can occur from the presence of a variety of etiologies in the nose of tumors.
Only a doctor can determine exactly why rhinitis arose. That is why with the appearance of nasal congestion, you should not postpone the visit to the clinic. The effectiveness of treatment will directly depend on the correct diagnosis.
Pathology can occur in acute or chronic form. Depending on the type of disease, a specialist is prescribed a certain course of therapy.
Acute form of pathology
In most cases (according to statistics, this is 70%), a runny nose from which children or adolescents suffer is a symptom of influenza or SARS. It is an acute infectious rhinitis. This pathology is also characteristic of the adult population.
The disease in its development goes through three stages. The first of these is dry rhinitis. This is the reflex stage, when during hypothermia of the body, a decrease in immunity occurs. The vessels of the nasal mucosa expand sharply. At the first stage of the development of the disease, this process is accompanied by dryness, and then swelling of the mucosa appears. It is the cause of nasal congestion.
At the second, catarrhal stage, viruses are activated on the mucosa. This provokes a large blood flow caused by swelling of the tissues, which leads to discharge from the nasal glands.
During the third period of the development of pathology, swelling of the mucosa decreases. It becomes easier for the patient to breathe, and discharge from the nose acquires a thick consistency.
Chronic form of pathology
If the disease was not completely cured, then the development of chronic rhinitis is possible . Permanent allergies, interruptions in blood supply to the nasal mucosa, or exposure to negative production factors can provoke this form of pathology.