Swollen nasopharynx, excessive redness of the skin of the face, sneezing and runny nose are a completely natural reaction of the body to incoming viruses. But they require immediate treatment.
In fact, swelling of the nasopharynx in a child and an adult is its pathological condition caused by various diseases. It is noteworthy that swelling itself after some time can lead to no less serious complications. This symptom requires a more careful attitude.
Symptoms of nasopharyngeal edema
The mucous membrane of the nose and pharynx is as if lined with a special tissue, which consists of ciliated cells. Their main function is the slow movement of particles that enter directly into the nose with external air. Due to the influence of certain factors, a change in the functions of these cells can occur, which causes edema.
Infectious agents in the respiratory tract will significantly increase the permeability of the vessels located here. But this is exactly what is needed to combat pathogens. There is an increase in the influx of lymph and blood to the nasopharynx, which causes the development of not only edema, but also inflammation.
Simply put, the mucous membrane is a kind of barrier that effectively delays the infection, prevents it from entering the body, as well as the organs around it. Swelling of the nasopharynx indicates the beginning of the body's struggle with any damage or elements that got into it, which caused a reflex reaction.
Causes
The main causes of this condition are as follows:
- allergic reactions;
- cerebral hernia;
- hypothermia of the body, leading to a slowdown in the movement of ciliated cilia;
- narrow nasal passages;
- the effect on the mucosa of certain irritating substances: aerosol, toxins and dust;
- drinking excessive amounts of alcohol;
- neoplasms in the pharynx and nose;
- mechanical injury;
- acute viral or respiratory diseases.
All of the above causes of nasopharyngeal edema serve as a source of inflammation, which can cause the spread of edema, and also violates breathing. Usually this ailment disappears after about 5 days. However, if a bacterial infection has managed to pass to the sinuses, it may take a lot longer to recover. The patient may even appear more dangerous sinusitis and sinusitis. But most pass swelling of the nasopharynx without a cold.
It is important that with improper and untimely treatment, consequences can arise that pose a danger to life: for example, pus that forms in the nose and flows down to the throat can go to the jaws, eyes and even the brain!
Hormonal disorders
It has been proven that swelling of the nasopharynx in some cases can also be caused by hormonal disorders, which is especially common for pregnant women. The reason for this is the excessive secretion of the hormone progesterone, which should support the normal bearing of the child. It is noted that women who have sinusitis have an increased level of hormone production.
Inflammation
Inflammatory processes that lead to swelling of the nasal mucosa usually occur due to prolonged hypothermia. So, prolonged exposure of a person to frost, especially without a hat and scarf, as well as being in cool water can threaten the health of the nasopharynx. The next cause of inflammation is the regular consumption of cold fluids and food.
Adenoids
The nasopharynx can swell in childhood due to adenoids, in which hypertrophy of the nasopharyngeal tonsil is noted. Also, children may have frequent colds, weakened immunity, as well as a lack of essential vitamins and minerals.
Injuries
Edema of the nasopharynx, which subsequently appears to be an injury, is perhaps a natural reaction for the body. Due to mechanical injury, there is a violation of the integrity of the mucosa, as a result of which the protective systems will compensate for the shortage.
The size of the edema, as well as the time it takes to get rid of it, will directly depend on the general condition of the person and the severity of the injury. If a person has high immunity, his regenerative qualities of tissues will be higher. But, for example, in diabetics, bruises and wounds will heal much longer.
Symptoms of edema
Edema of the nasopharynx can be noticed by simply examining the nose well. Usually she has a swollen appearance, with redness. But it is not always possible to examine everything in detail, therefore, edema is characterized by shortness of breath, a persistent feeling of stuffiness and heaviness in the sinuses of the nose.
Viral or respiratory diseases, which often cause swelling of the pharynx and nose, may differ in the presence of abundant secretions of a greenish color, which, however, may not have a pathological color, as well as fever, muscle pain. Usually the nose completely “stuffs”, there is a feeling of dryness, abundant lacrimation is noted, and it is practically impossible to breathe normally.
If the nasopharynx swells due to infection, the patient may have heaviness in the sinuses, in the center of the forehead and wings of the nose. The victim becomes irritable, fatigue appears, he has a broken condition.
Pus gradually flows out of the nose, having a yellowish or green color, and often has an admixture of a small amount of blood and a rather specific smell, which the patient, however, may not feel. Some part of the pus can break through the membrane after a while, falling into other parts of the head.
If swelling of the nasopharynx is provoked by curvature of the septum, the presence of a tumor or injuries, then, as practice says, there may be no discharge. However, breathing problems, congestion and heaviness in the throat and nose will continue.
Other symptoms accompanying edema are:
- dysphonia (change in timbre, strength and pitch);
- the development of neurovegetative, hormonal, atopic or allergic rhinitis;
- redness of the skin of the face;
- rapid sneezing;
- pressure in the area of the nasolabial triangle and nose bridge.
Effects
If a bacterial infection joins a swelling of the nasopharynx, the patient may develop purulent inflammation. Due to the possible breakthrough of pus and its ingress into the surrounding tissue, the development of the following rather dangerous conditions is possible:
- trigeminal neuritis;
- osteomyelitis of the jaw;
- atrophy of the nasopharynx mucosa;
- meningitis;
- inflammatory process of the optic nerve;
- brain abscess.
Diagnosis of edema
Diagnostic measures for swelling of the nasopharynx consist of the following procedures: laboratory and instrumental examinations, as well as a physical examination. On palpation by a doctor, pronounced edematous and infiltrative changes in the nasopharynx can be determined. At the direction of the doctor, the patient may be prescribed an additional diaphonoscopy or fluoroscopy.
Instrumental methods for diagnosing edema of this type are fibroendoscopy, microrinoscopy, as well as posterior and anterior rhinoscopy. Laboratory diagnostics consists of examining the secretion from the nasal cavity, which involves the use of immunological, cytological, biochemical and bacteriological methods of examination.
Edema treatment
There are several ways to relieve swelling of the nasopharynx. The doctor chooses the treatment regimen for each patient individually, depending on the cause of this pathology. For nasal congestion, Aquamaris, Nazivin, or Naphthyzinum drops are prescribed. However, it is worth knowing that these drugs only relieve symptoms a little, without eliminating the cause of the common cold.
If inflammation of the nasopharynx is manifested due to a viral infection, the most effective anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effect may be the drugs Cromoglin and Cromohexal, Xylometazoline.
In order to remove swelling as quickly as possible, antihistamines should be taken: Tavegil or Diazolin. Euphorbium compositum spray, which is also homeopathic, is also effective. At the beginning of the disease, it must be used every 20 minutes.
There are cases when a viral infection joins the edema of this organ, in addition to homeopathic and anti-allergic drugs, the antiviral Grippferon is prescribed. The areas of the skin near the nose are preferably treated with ointments made from essential oils.
With untimely treatment, a person may develop pathological, excessive swelling of the nasopharynx, lingering rhinitis can begin, and signs of sinusitis may appear. It is very important to flush each nasal passage with normal saline, but not in the supine position.
After this, the nose must be treated with an antibacterial agent (Chlorhexidine, Miramistin or Isofra) - this will make it possible to stop the further spread of the infection, as well as prevent the development of more dangerous sinusitis.
The effectiveness of the treatment of nasopharyngeal edema is also possessed by Octenisept, which allows you to get rid of viruses, microorganisms and bacteria. Since this drug has an irritating effect on the nose and throat, it must be diluted with saline.
If a person does not have allergic reactions, it is recommended to treat the nose with herbal decoctions - St. John's wort, eucalyptus and chamomile - powerful natural antibiotics. With more prolonged swelling of the nasopharynx, the otorhinolaryngologist prescribes hormonal drugs. You can’t take them without a doctor’s prescription.
Does the patient have swelling of the nasopharynx, narrowing of the anastomosis of the accessory sinuses, as well as the auditory tube? Modern antiallergic drugs, which are usually prescribed by a doctor, are designed to block histamine receptors. They make it possible to remove the swelling from the nasopharynx. Newer antihistamines have a more targeted and effective effect.
Total
As soon as a person notes the symptoms of swelling of the nasopharynx, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Of course, the correct and timely treatment of this disease will allow avoiding more serious complications: otitis media and sinusitis. If it is impossible to timely stop the swelling of the nasopharynx, the disease risks becoming chronic.