Modern medicine knows a wide variety of diseases. Some are independent, others are the result of other pathologies. One of the common ailments are respiratory diseases. They can appear for various reasons. In this article, we will tell you about what acute nasopharyngitis is.
ICD-10 (international classification of diseases of the tenth revision) includes this disease. How it is indicated, you will learn further. You can get acquainted with the main symptoms and causes of this pathology, as well as with the methods of its treatment.
general characteristics
Acute nasopharyngitis is an inflammatory process that occurs on the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx. Pathology can have a different nature of origin. Usually, inflammation is caused by viruses. Less commonly, the disease is bacterial or fungal in nature. Doctors say that allergic acute nasopharyngitis also occurs. ICD-10 includes this pathology under the number J-00.
The disease in the acute stage in the absence of timely treatment can take a chronic form. This pathology is much more difficult to eliminate, but it does not have pronounced symptoms and practically does not bother the patient. Consider the main causes of the onset of the disease.
Viral nasopharyngitis
This type of disease occurs most often. It can affect patients of any age. However, children of school and kindergarten age are more often ill. The disease is transmitted through normal contact, like SARS. Acute nasopharyngitis has an incubation period of several hours to 2-5 days. More often, the signs of the disease begin to appear on the second day after contact with the carrier.
Viral nasopharyngitis (acute) begins due to inhalation of viruses. In this case, pathogenic microorganisms immediately begin to multiply on the mucous membranes of the nose and pharynx. Also not the last role is the body's own defense. With a decrease in immunity, the disease spreads quickly and is difficult.
Bacterial disease
Another reason that acute nasopharyngitis can begin is a runny nose of bacterial origin. Often, the pathology becomes a consequence of sinusitis, sinusitis, rhinitis. This is about the spread of bacteria, not viruses.
The reason for the onset of bacterial nasopharyngitis may be the use of things with an infected person. Usually in this situation we are talking about personal hygiene products (handkerchiefs, towels, toothbrushes and so on).
Fungal nasopharyngitis
Acute nasopharyngitis in adults and children can have a fungal etiology. Often this is a consequence of untreated stomatitis, thrush and other diseases. Fungal nasopharyngitis often develops due to a decrease in immunity, after prolonged use of antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs.
Fungal nasopharyngitis can be transmitted through saliva with a kiss. In children, dirty toys can become a cause of infection.
Allergic form
The cause of allergic nasopharyngitis is the inhalation of contaminated air. It can be household dust, tobacco smoke, dry air or any other allergen. A feature of this form of pathology is that it cannot be transmitted to another person.
Acute nasopharyngitis: symptoms
Regardless of what caused the disease and what form it has, the manifestations are usually similar. The main symptoms of pathology:
- increase in body temperature (a distinctive feature of the acute course of the disease);
- mucous discharge from the nose, which after a few days can become purulent;
- headache, tinnitus;
- general malaise.
In the absence of proper treatment for several days, the mucus in the nose thickens and becomes an excellent medium for the reproduction of other microbes. There is a feeling of congestion, swelling. On examination, purulent congestion is noted on the posterior pharyngeal wall and tonsils, inflammation of the Eustachian tube can be diagnosed.
Acute nasopharyngitis: treatment
Depending on the age and condition of the patient, the doctor selects the appropriate drugs for the correction of pathology. With a viral infection, it is enough to follow the regimen. If the problem arose due to bacteria, then you can not do without antimicrobials.
In addition to medicines for oral administration, it is also necessary to use local remedies. These are the surface of the larynx and the mucous membrane of the nose. Often, additional drugs are connected to treatment: vitamin complexes, a set of beneficial bacteria, and so on. Some patients treat acute nasopharyngitis with grandmother's prescriptions. However, such a correction is not always effective. Remember that improperly selected therapy leads to the development of a chronic type of disease. Consider the main drugs that are used in the fight against inflammation of the nasopharynx.
Immunomodulating antiviral agents
Acute nasopharyngitis most often has a viral etiology. To correct such a disease, appropriate drugs are used. These are the well-known “Arbidol” and “Arpeflu”, “Anaferon” and “Ergoferon”, “Isoprinosine” and “Groprinosin”. They can not only eliminate the viral infection, but also increase the immune defense. All of the medications described are intended for oral use. However, experts often recommend the use of local funds. These are sprays and nasal drops “Irs 19”, “Derinat”, “Ingaron”, “Grippferon”, “Interferon” and so on. They can be used both for treatment and for prophylactic purposes.
To enhance the body's resistance, vitamin complexes can be prescribed: MultiTabs, Vita Bears, Complivit, and many others. Always pay attention to the dosage of such funds. It should be selected in accordance with the age of the patient and his individual characteristics. Vitamin C plays an important role in enhancing immune defense.
Are antibiotics needed?
If acute nasopharyngitis has a bacterial nature of occurrence, then treatment necessarily includes antimicrobial agents. They are prescribed only after laboratory studies. To do this, pass a smear from the cavity of the pharynx and nose. After that, the specialist will determine the presence of the sensitivity of microorganisms to a particular drug.
Antibiotics for oral administration are usually prescribed on the basis of azithromycin and amoxicillin. These are Amoxiclav, Flemoxin, Sumamed, Azitrus and so on. Less often (with the inefficiency of the above), antimicrobial cephalosporin formulations are recommended (Suprax, Cefatoxim, Ceftriaxone). The use of antibiotics lasts approximately 5-10 days. Even with a sharp improvement in well-being, you can not interrupt the prescribed course.
Antibacterial drugs are introduced into the nasal cavity. The most commonly used are Isofra and Polydex. The safer ones are Protargol and Sialor. Also, the drug "Bioparox" was recently used to treat nasopharyngitis. However, at the moment they are trying not to appoint him.
Antihistamines
If acute nasopharyngitis is caused by an allergic reaction, then antihistamines must be connected to treatment . They are available in tablets or drops for ease of use. The most popular trade names are Zirtek, Zodak, Tsetrin, Suprastin, Tavegil and others.
Remember that the use of such medicines can cause side effects in the form of drowsiness, dizziness and increased fatigue. Therefore, do not engage in responsible matters during the treatment period. Or you can consult a doctor and choose the most suitable regimen for yourself, for example, before bedtime.
Relieve swelling in the nose.
Acute nasopharyngitis in children is often accompanied by severe edema. Moreover, the younger the child, the worse the situation. In infants, the ailment often passes to the ear region: the inflammatory process begins, accompanied by edema. That is why it is so important to use medicines to narrow the vessels.
The most popular drugs based on oxymetazoline and xylometazoline. Naphazoline is less commonly used. The trade names for these medicines are: Snoop, Otrivin, Nazivin, Rinostop, Tizin, and so on. All medicines are used no more than 3-5 days strictly in the specified dosage. Children are often given the medication “Vibrocil”. It can be used for up to one week. The active substance of the drug is phenylephrine. It is also contained in the Polydex medicine. When combining these compounds, it is necessary to adjust the dose.
Antihistamines will help in some way to relieve swelling of the nasal cavity. However, they do not work as fast as topical medicines.
Flushing the nasal passages
Before applying any drugs to the nasal mucosa, the surface must be washed. During the procedure, all pathogens are removed by a fluid stream. As a result, drugs are better absorbed and produce a greater effect.
The washing procedure helps to some extent relieve swelling. Saline solutions draw out excess fluid. You can prepare a tool for cleansing the nasal passages yourself. To do this, dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a liter of water. You can also purchase a ready-made product in a pharmacy. These are drugs "Dolphin", "Rinostop", "Aqualor", "Physiomer" and so on.
Preventive actions
To avoid infection with nasopharyngitis, you need to carefully monitor your health. Regularly carry out hygiene procedures to clean your nose. For this, the above medicines are suitable. You must also humidify the air in the room in which you are. Do not allow the mucous membranes of the nasal passages and larynx to dry out; drink more clean water. Do not forget about nutrition. The benefits of fruits and vegetables are undeniable. Through these products you can get a lot of vitamins and minerals. Form your mode. Wake up at the same time, walk more in the fresh air. This will help prevent colds and its consequences - nasopharyngitis.
During epidemics, try not to visit crowded places. In case of forced contact with an infected person, use antiviral agents for prophylaxis. However, this topic must first be discussed with the attending physician.
If you feel the onset of the disease, then do not try to transfer it on your feet. Be sure to use medicines and observe bed rest. Sports also increase the body's resistance, but exercise should be moderate. At the first symptoms of the disease, do not try to eliminate it yourself. Remember that a timely visit to a specialist is a guarantee of a quick recovery. Do not be ill!