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Last posts on private forums:  sare  2008-06-16 09:56:33 matthew 2008-04-12 21:25:59 pieniadz 2008-04-12 20:52:26
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Last posts on private blogs: matthew 2008-04-12 21:25:17 mary 2008-04-12 19:27:47 |
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Lastly added medical terms:
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You are in: Main Page / Medical articles / Diseases / Nasal Rhinitis
Nasal rhinitis is a common complaint which affects people of all ages and sexes. Regardless the cause e.g. an allergy, polyps the condition is difficult to be removed. Still, there are some ways (sprays or medications) to treat nasal rhinitis.
Rhinitis, nasal catarrh, coryza or runny nose - these all names refer to this common complaint. How many times a year do you suffer from runny nose? Although it's not so dangerous, still... it destroys our mood and makes our everyday life hard. We feel blue, have swollen and red nose. Catarrh is tiring and unaesthetic, we feel weak, sneeze and this nagging cold causes problems with breathing and obstructs the nose.
What is it?
Rhinitis is defined as an acute inflammation of mucous membranes of the nose. We get the rhinitis when viruses (in other words cold) or bacteria trigger the acute inflammation of mucous membranes. It is an infectious disease which is a droplet infection, we can get it most commonly during coughing or sneezing. The infection can also be passed from person to person by shaking hands, a small chat with a sick person or simply staying in the same room. First symptoms of rhinitis appear quite quickly, within 24-48 hours from the infection, we feel scratching in the throat and nose, sneeze. Mucous membranes of the nose get congested and our nose starts secreting thin liquid, at first very fair but it soon changes into yellow or greenish purulent secretion. Rhinitis can be accompanied by other symptoms such as headache, tiredness, bone and joint pains, itching conjunctiva or eye lacrimation. An infected person has got limited smell and smaller appetite. As the infection progresses, he may suffer from hoarse voice, coughing or even slightly raised temperature.
If we have a strong immune system, it should have no problems with defending this disease. Catarrh may be also caused by bacteria, even after a prior infection by viruses. In case of bacterial infection, the symptoms are stronger and secretion is denser, purulent.
Other type of catarrh involves allergic type - hay fever. It is caused by pollen, saprophyte, animal's fur. Although it most often occurs seasonally it may also be present through the whole year. Above all, the identification of what triggers the condition is the most important, we can eliminate that afterwards. There is also a possibility to undergo the desensitization therapy or take antihistamine or antiedematous medications.
Rhinitis can also be an effect of other infectious diseases, such as flu, measles and smallpox.
Chronic rhinitis is a long lasting disease of mucous membranes caused by e.g. nasal sinusitis, hormone disorders, vitamin deficiency or even inappropriate nose structure. It can be hyperthrophy (impaired patency) or atrophy (mucous membrane gets thinner and thinner).
Where does it come from?
The nose is lined with a membrane and a protective layer of mucus which is supposed to neutralize attacks of viruses and bacteria. The glands present in the membrane ensure the air that gets into the organism is warm and humid. By going through the upper airways the air is warmed up, humidified and cleaned from all tiny dust. When the nose is infected, the mucous membrane is swollen, congested and the ciliated epithelium gets destroyed and damaged. The infection can move from the nose into the larynx, trachea or bronchi. If the cilia are less active, bacteria and viruses can pass through the nose and enter the organism.
Rhinitis affects people with reduced immunity, who got cold, overheated, with malnutrition or overtired. It often occurs in children, elderly, tired or stressed people, the viruses are almost everywhere, it's impossible to avoid them.
Autumn is the season when it's easier to get infected, it's cold and rainy then.
Treating rhinitis
There's a common saying that treated rhinitis lasts week whereas untreated rhinitis 7 days. Up to these days there are no medications which can combat the viruses. You can soothe the symptoms whereas the organism needs to fight the virus on its own. Some people claim that it's better to treat, others prefer waiting, it usually is neglected. It's important to note that children below 2 years old may have difficulties with breathing and swallowing, new born babies - problems with breast sucking, that is why rhinitis shouldn't be neglected in them. If it's untreated it can cause much more serious consequences such as sinusitis, bronchitis or even pneumonia. Rhinitis triggered by viruses should not be treated with antibiotics, the infection can repeat often. It's advisable to stay at home and avoid contacting other people. We should eat healthy products such as fruit, vegetables and meat. Physical activity and avoiding nicotine and alcohol is also good for everyone.
It's also useful to keep feet in hot water, taking plenty of liquids, taking hot baths with eucalyptus or pine oil. It's advisable to drink warm tea with honey and lemon, raspberry or lime juice, infusions made of marigold, linden tree flowers or black elder. Take plenty of sleep.
If you feel really tired it's good to take aspirin which acts as an anti-inflammatory, antifebrile medication. You should not give it to children and people with ulcers. Vitamin C and calcium products relieve from the disease and shorten its length. Application of nose drops reduces congestion, swelling and dilute the mucous but they shouldn't be used for more than 3 days as prolonged treatment can damage the mucosa in the nose. You can also treat the mucous e membranes with an aerosol based on sea water, you should apply Vaseline or an ointment on swollen and painful nostrils. Inhalations of vapor and essential oils are also effective. One should remember to blow the nose often as regular cleaning reduces the amount of secretion which gets down the throat.
Where to the doctor?
If we feel very unwell, have fever, ear ache or when the secretion from the nose contains blood or pus. A visit to the doctor is important when the catarrh is especially annoying and lasts long.
How to prevent from the catarrh?
It's good to remember about some basic rules in order to avoid troublesome catarrh:
1. avoid sudden changes of temperature
2. cover head and neck during cold days, wear warm clothes in autumn and winter
3. drink plenty of liquids
4. relax often
5. air and humidify the air in the room
6. avoid cramped placed and rooms
7. build up the resistance e.g. cold and warm showers
Added by:
mary
not connected with health care system
Added on:
2008-07-23 12:33:46 ,
Updated:
2008-07-23 12:38:25
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