Rhinitis: causes and treatment methods

The most common cause of rhinitis is viral infection. When infectious agents enter the nasal cavity, they penetrate the surface cells, which have the shape of cilia. Because of this, their protective functions are disrupted, and the body becomes more vulnerable to pathogenic bacteria and fungal infections. Therefore, it is so important to begin treatment at the first sensations of headache and soreness in the nose and throat.

However, there are other causes that lead to chronic rhinitis.

Dental problems. This is especially true for untreated teeth in the upper jaw, since their roots are in close proximity to the maxillary sinuses. In this case, it is impossible to achieve an improvement in the condition of rhinitis as long as the inflamed tooth is in the oral cavity.

Polyps. They are benign formations from the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity, resembling bunches of grapes in shape. If conservative methods fail to stop their growth, then a surgical method of excision of polyps is used. Otherwise, not only chronic rhinitis can occur, but also a deterioration in the sense of smell, as well as respiratory diseases.

Curvature of the nasal septum. This problem is more common in men, since the main cause of its occurrence is considered to be injuries. Due to impaired air exchange, the nasal cavity cannot fully perform its protective function, so a runny nose is more difficult to treat. The presence of curvature can be determined using an X-ray, and the situation can only be corrected surgically. As a result of the operation, all protruding parts of the septum are removed while preserving the mucous membrane.

Allergy. Allergy sufferers sneeze and runny nose are caused by proteins found in tree and flower pollen grains, as well as animal hair, household dust and other allergens. It is very important for such people to understand the nature of rhinitis and choose the appropriate medications for treatment. In addition, by following simple rules, you can significantly reduce the number of relapses. These include wearing sunglasses and frequently washing your face and hands during the flowering of trees and grasses, as well as refusing to use cosmetics with plant extracts.

Fungal infection. Fungi are part of the opportunistic flora, and normally they do not cause disease. However, with long-term treatment with antibiotics, the body's microflora changes, allowing fungi to multiply rapidly. However, it should be remembered that antifungal drugs can only be taken after confirming the diagnosis with a laboratory test of a smear, as well as a computed tomography of the nasal sinuses.

Despite the fact that rhinitis is one of the most common diseases affecting people of any gender and age, its treatment is surrounded by many myths and misconceptions.

If your feet are wet, a runny nose is guaranteed. Colds are caused not by the cold itself, but by opportunistic flora inhabiting the mucous membranes of the throat and nose. For a person with a strong immune system, prolonged hypothermia is not scary, and in a weakened body, even a cold wind or rain can provoke the disease.

Drops should be administered in a lying position. To properly instill the drops into your nose, you only need to tilt your head back and tilt it towards the nostril being treated. If you do these manipulations in a lying position, most of the medicine will end up in your throat.

The disease can only be caused by a person sneezing nearby. Since rhinitis is transmitted by airborne droplets, you can become infected from a person in another part of the bus or even from someone who has already left the bus. The source can also be the patient's things or those he touched.

Warming up the nose speeds up recovery. This treatment method is effective only at the very beginning of the disease. It improves blood circulation in the nasal area and partially relieves swelling. But if microbes have already penetrated the nasal cavity, thermal procedures can cause their active reproduction and lead to complications of rhinitis.

Onion and garlic juice is an excellent folk remedy. Drops from freshly squeezed juice can burn the mucous membrane, so it is better to cut garlic and onion into slices and place them near the patient. Inhalation of phytoncides really kills germs and promotes a speedy recovery.

Vasoconstrictor drops should not be used for more than a week. In fact, treatment with such drugs lasts from 3 to 5 days. Then, in order to avoid addiction, allergic reactions and other complications, you should stop taking the drug and consult a doctor.

You need to blow your nose often. In reality, sick people have difficulty breathing not because of snot, but because of swelling in the nasal cavity. You should get rid of mucus very carefully, cleaning your nostrils one by one. Otherwise, the infection may spread deep into the nasopharynx or even into the ear canal.

To prevent a runny nose from becoming chronic and causing complications such as otitis, sinusitis and other diseases, you should see a doctor to determine its nature and begin treatment as quickly as possible.