How long does rhinopharyngitis last? Treatment of acute rhinopharyngitis, its causes and symptoms. Complications of rhinopharyngitis in children of different ages

The disease, which is characterized by an inflammatory process that occurs on the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and pharynx, is called "rhinopharyngitis". Symptoms and treatment of rhinopharyngitis will be discussed in this article.

Often patients hear from the doctor the diagnosis of "rhinitis" or "pharyngitis". However, due to the fact that these anatomical regions are located very close to each other, inflammation of one of them never proceeds in isolation, as a rule, and adjacent areas are involved in it.

Therefore, the diagnosis of "rhinopharyngitis" would be more correct and logical. The pharynx anatomically refers to the digestive organs, but, in fact, it is the area where the respiratory tract begins. During the onset of an inflammatory lesion of the nasal cavity, the pathological process in almost every case extends to those departments that are located below - that is, the larynx, pharynx and trachea. This usually happens either mechanically, when the liquid discharge from the nose flows into the throat, or by contact: the direct spread of pathogens from the diseased mucous membrane to the healthy one.

Symptoms of rhinopharyngitis are quite unpleasant.

Forms of the disease

Like many other pathologies of the inflammatory nature of the upper respiratory sections, this disease can occur in acute and chronic form. The first one develops suddenly, usually within a short period of time after the occurrence of the causative factor, and is characterized by very pronounced symptoms, and the second form is long-term, when the clinical manifestations of the pathological process are mild. Chronic nasopharyngitis is most often a consequence of acute.

The symptoms depend on the form. It has two varieties - purulent and catarrhal. Chronic inflammation of the nasopharynx can also be catarrhal in nature, or it can be atrophic and hypertrophic. The classification into the above forms of the disease is carried out mainly according to the type of inflammatory process, and in medical practice it does not matter much. Symptoms of rhinopharyngitis are discussed below.

The main causes of the pathological process

The occurrence of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx and nasal cavity can occur according to the following scenarios:

1. The inflammatory process on the layers of cells lining these areas from the inside can occur as a result of various injuries and the addition of a concomitant infection. A large number of infectious agents live on the internal surfaces of the respiratory tract, and this is considered the norm. A healthy mucosa is able to successfully resist various attacks of harmful microorganisms on its own and the disease does not develop. Its occurrence may be due to a number of specific factors, which include temperature changes, the ingress of foreign bodies or dust particles into the respiratory organs, irritation with chemicals, as well as tobacco smoke - directly during smoking, or when it is passively inhaled.
2. The disease can be triggered by the vital activity of highly pathogenic microbes on the mucosa: a variety of viruses, fungi, bacteria, mycoplasmas, which cannot multiply on healthy mucous membranes, since the process of their reproduction is suppressed by the normal microflora of the body. These pathological microbes get on the mucous membrane, as a rule, by airborne droplets. A person can contract these infections from a patient through direct contact, through saliva when kissing, as well as coughing or sneezing.
3. In addition, there is also an allergic form of this disease. It is a direct consequence of a violation of the functions of the human immune system. Rhinopharyngitis in this situation occurs after exposure to allergens on the mucous membranes and an incorrect reaction of the immune defense to them. The starting factor of the disease in this case is allergic rhinitis, which can be complicated by pharyngitis and inflammatory processes occurring in other parts of the respiratory tract.

One of the most common types among the viral types of this disease is rhinovirus, and among the bacterial types - pneumococcal, staphylococcal, meningococcal, streptococcal. In most cases, the pathological process begins with infections of viral origin, after which a bacterial or fungal infection joins it.

Factors contributing to the development of the disease

Prerequisites for the onset of symptoms of nasopharyngitis are any factors that reduce the natural defenses of the human body and contribute to the introduction of infections. These include:

1. Diseases of the digestive system.
2. Pathologies of the cardiovascular system.
3. Violation of the functions of the endocrine system.
4. Hypothermia.
5. Frequent stressful situations.
6. Hypovitaminosis caused by starvation and monotonous poor-quality nutrition.
7. Alcoholism, smoking, drug addiction.

Clinical symptoms of rhinopharyngitis

The main manifestations of this disease in both adults and pediatric patients are:

1. Copious discharge of mucus from the nose of various colors and character.
2. Unpleasant pain in the nasal cavity and throat - burning, perspiration, dryness.
3. Cough of various etiologies.
4. Difficulty in nasal breathing, congestion.

The symptoms of chronic rhinopharyngitis are just that.

Pain syndromes of varying severity are also possible, especially with purulent processes that are observed not only when swallowing, but also at rest. The patient may be disturbed by headaches, frequent sneezing, lethargy and weakness, fever, and with the development of a purulent form of rhinopharyngitis, the patient's condition may be accompanied by severe chills and fever.

This disease occurs equally in people of all age categories. However, in newborns and children in the first years of life, this pathology can proceed very rapidly, accompanied by a sharp increase in temperature and quickly spread to the rest of the respiratory tract - the trachea and bronchi. In the absence of adequate treatment, nasopharyngitis can cause serious complications, up to the most severe inflammatory pathologies of the middle ear and lungs.

Now we know the symptoms. We will consider the treatment of chronic rhinopharyngitis a little later.

Diagnostic methods for determining the disease

Diagnosis in the development of this disease, as a rule, is not required. The diagnosis is made on the basis of the patient's complaints, as well as data from a visual clinical examination by a specialist. Its results may include the detection of certain signs of the disease in the complex, or one of those. These signs are:

1. Swelling and redness of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and throat.
2. Discharge from the nose.
3. Voice changes.
4. The presence of mucous or purulent plaque on the back of the throat.
5. In childhood - swelling of the tongue. This is a common symptom of nasopharyngitis in children.
6. Enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes and their pronounced soreness when palpated.

To make a diagnosis, as a rule, a general blood test is performed, as a result of which the main signs of the presence of inflammatory processes in the body are revealed.

In severe forms of infection, a specific diagnosis is carried out, which involves determining the variety of microbes that provoked this disease, and also determining their sensitivity to antibacterial drugs. These measures are necessary for the appointment so that the specialist can prescribe the most effective antibiotics to the patient. To conduct such studies, smears taken from the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity, throat, as well as sputum, if any, are used.

When determining the causes of chronic long-term nasopharyngitis, additional medical diagnostics may be required. This is done in order to identify the factors that led to a decrease in immune protection.

If these studies have determined the allergic nature of the disease, special tests are carried out to identify the variety of the allergen.

Therapeutic methods for eliminating pathology

Therapeutic measures to eliminate rhinopharyngitis are complex. In classical medical practice for this disease, there is a very wide range of drugs that act directly on the causes of the pathological process. However, rhinopharyngitis is a disease in which folk remedies help quite effectively. It is very common to use a variety of decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs for gargling, as well as ingestion.

Symptoms and treatment of nasopharyngitis in adults are also interrelated.

Thus, traditional medicine uses the following methods:

1. Gargling with a weak solution of baking soda, as well as with non-carbonated mineral water.
2. For the same purposes, infusions of herbs such as sage, chamomile, oak bark, calendula, St. John's wort are used.
3. Instillation into the nasal passages of beetroot juice, as well as extracts of Kalanchoe or Aloe.
4. For oral administration, infusions and decoctions of various parts of medicinal herbs (plantain, coltsfoot, marshmallow, eucalyptus, chamomile, licorice, elecampane and others) are used.

Conservative medical treatment

When a disease such as rhinopharyngitis occurs, specialists prescribe drugs from various pharmacological groups. Basically, they are medications that eliminate the symptoms in acute forms of rhinopharyngitis, which is not accompanied by all sorts of complications. Antibacterial drugs in this case are almost never used.

The basis of therapy for uncomplicated rhinopharyngitis is the following medicines:

1. Painkillers.
2. Anti-inflammatory drugs
3. Antiseptics (with iodine content and others).
4. Antihistamine medicines.
5. Drops for the nose that reduce swelling of the mucous membranes (the so-called decongestants).

Antitussive drugs are used only in cases where the patient has an obsessive cough that worries him greatly. For pediatric patients, this group of drugs, as a rule, is not used due to the development of multiple side effects.

Auxiliary methods of treatment of rhinopharyngitis

These measures are also very effective and are prescribed in order to remove the main unpleasant symptoms of this disease. These usually include all kinds of inhalations using moist hot air with or without the addition of herbal extracts, as well as in the form of rubbing with warming ointments. It is also recommended to take a large amount of warm liquid.

For chronic symptoms of rhinopharyngitis in adults, it may be necessary to use topical corticosteroid drugs, which are available in the form of ointments or sprays.

In some cases, the treatment of this disease may require the use of antibacterial medications, however, the decision on the appropriateness of their use is made exclusively by a specialist. The choice of the drug and its dosage is also carried out by the doctor.

We looked at the symptoms and treatment of nasopharyngitis in adults. Photos of people who have encountered this disease are presented in the article.

Disease prevention

In order to prevent the occurrence of this pathological process, it is necessary to implement individual protective measures against various kinds of respiratory infections. These measures usually include:

1. Wearing a mask in the midst of an illness.
2. Avoid contact with sick people.
3. The use of oxolinic, as well as other antiviral ointments, which are applied to the inner surface of the nose.
4. The use of general strengthening agents and multivitamin complexes.
5. It is necessary to establish the correct diet.
6. Sleep compliance.
7. Fight bad habits.
8. Avoid situations of hypothermia by wearing natural clothes and shoes for the season.
9. Maintaining the cleanliness of the premises.

Symptoms, causes and treatment of nasopharyngitis in children

The disease in infants can manifest itself with the following symptoms:

• nasal congestion;
• swelling of the mucosa;
• mucus from the nose;
• redness of the eyes and watery eyes;
• cough;
• difficult breathing.

Children often suffer from colds. Rhinopharyngitis in babies up to a year occurs as a result of SARS. Infants should be treated with the utmost care.

The following medicines are used:

• "Vibrocil";
• "Cefekon";
• "Erespal";
• "Adrianol";
• "Otrivin";
• "Panadol";
• "Nazivin";
• "Nurofen";
• "Protargol".

To care for a sick baby, you need to:

• Mucus from the nose is regularly removed, the child needs to be washed frequently.
• At night, a slurry of garlic is placed at the child's crib in the head area.
• Onion solution is instilled into the child's nose with a pipette.

We continue to study the symptoms and treatment of rhinopharyngitis in children.

Children older than a year suffer from this disease more often due to numerous contacts with other children. The risk of viral infection is increased.

The following therapeutic measures are carried out:

1. Steam inhalation (it is better to use a nebulizer).
2. Solutions of drugs are used for rinsing.
3. Feet soar in the tub.
4. Decoctions of medicinal herbs are taken orally with honey.

It is important to remember that antibiotics are ineffective in viral infections.

Symptoms and treatment of rhinopharyngitis, as well as preventive measures, we examined in detail.

P inopharyngitis (synonymous with nasopharyngitis) is a disease in which there is a simultaneous inflammation of the nasal and pharyngeal mucosa.

The disease is characterized by symptoms of damage to both of these areas and can occur in acute and chronic forms. Therapy is aimed at the destruction of the causative agent of the pathology and the elimination of symptoms that impair the quality of life.

Rhinopharyngitis is an acute or chronic inflammatory process that simultaneously affects the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx.

These two areas are interconnected, and the disease, as a rule, begins with one zone, gradually descending or rising higher.

This means that the development of nasopharyngitis can begin with:

• Rhinitis (runny nose) inflammation of the nasal mucosa. The patient is concerned about copious snot, loss of smell, difficulty breathing, headache. The acute process stops after 5-6 days or gives complications (goes lower - rhinopharyngitis, sinusitis, etc.).
• Pharyngitis - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the posterior pharyngeal wall. The patient complains of dry mouth, cough, pain in the nasopharynx, subfebrile temperature.

The combination of manifestations of this disease will be rhinopharyngitis. It is more severe because several areas are inflamed.

The cause of the disease is:

• bacteria (streptococci, Haemophilus influenzae, pneumococci, staphylococci, etc.);
• viral microflora (adeno, rhinoviruses, influenza strains, etc.);
• allergens (food and air);
• toxic effects of harmful gases and impurities;
• fungi and protozoa (less commonly).

In addition to pathological microbes, in order for the inflammatory process to begin, a combination of contributing factors is needed: hypothermia, reduced immune defense, trauma to the nose or pharynx, beriberi, etc.

The ICD-10 code for acute nasopharyngitis is J00, and for the chronic stage it is J31.1.

Forms of acute rhinopharyngitis and their symptoms

Acute inflammation of the nasopharynx begins 1-2 days after a common cold. There are two forms, each of which is characterized by certain features.

Catarrhal rhinopharyngitis

On visual inspection: the mucosa turns red, swells, translucent mucus accumulates in the nasal passages.

Patients present such complaints: dryness, scratching, sore throat, pain when swallowing, runny nose, unproductive cough, mucus on the back of the throat, nasal congestion.

Body temperature remains normal or rises to subfebrile values.

Purulent acute nasopharyngitis

Caused by bacterial microflora. On examination, the doctor draws attention to pus in the nasal passages, redness and swelling of the nasopharyngeal mucosa, single lymphatic follicles increase on the back wall.

Body temperature rises to febrile values, nearby lymph nodes (sublingual, cervical) increase and become painful. the patient is concerned about purulent (yellow and green) discharge from the nose, weakness, loss of appetite, headaches, discomfort in the throat, aching joints and muscles.

This form can cause complications such as tonsillitis, sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, etc.

Interesting:

Both forms can cause swelling of the mouth of the auditory tubes and, as a result, hearing impairment, congestion in the ears. With untimely treatment, the disease gives a complication to the ears (development of otitis media).

allergic form

Allergic rhinopharyngitis has distinctive features. This is not a disease, but a condition that is provoked by exposure to air or food allergens.

An allergic reaction develops only in people who are sensitive to a particular substance.

A special feature of such a disease is the appearance of symptoms only after contact with a potential allergen (wool, dust, cereals, fluff, etc.) and self-recovery after eliminating its impact.

Typical symptoms of rhinopharyngitis:

• always clear discharge from the nostrils;
• skin itching, sneezing, lacrimation;
• perspiration and dryness in the throat;
• swelling of the mucous membrane, nasal congestion;
• a feeling of lack of air with severe edema;
• relief of the condition after taking antihistamines.

Chronic nasopharyngitis and its manifestations

Chronic nasopharyngeal disease occurs under the influence of a number of concomitant factors: low immunity, constant foci of infection in the body (for example, carious teeth), untreated acute infectious diseases, and other less significant ones.

Pathology is accompanied by a series of exacerbations and remissions and lasts for years. There are several forms of chronic rhinopharyngitis:

• Catarrhal. Accompanied by complaints of periodic runny nose, dryness, scratching in the throat, swelling and stuffiness in the nose. On examination, the doctor pays attention to a moderately reddened mucosa, an increase in single follicles on the back of the pharynx, and mucus flow down the throat.
• Atrophic. It develops in response to the action of aggressive environmental factors (smoking, inhalation of gases, alcohol abuse). In some cases, atrophic nasopharyngitis in the elderly is regarded as age-related changes. The patient complains of dryness in the nose and throat, the formation of purulent crusts, problems with swallowing, a feeling of a lump in the throat. During a visual examination, the specialist will see a pale, thinned mucosa, under which the vessels are translucent. The turbinates are cyanotic (cyanotic), with purulent dry crusts in the passages.
• Hypertrophic. This form is characterized by a pronounced proliferation of the mucosa. The patient complains of the absence of nasal breathing, nasality, swelling, feeling of mucus running down the throat. On examination: the turbinates are enlarged, slightly reduced under the action of vasoconstrictors, there is thick mucus in the nasal passages. The mucosa in the throat is thickened, the follicles on the back of the pharynx or swollen side ridges are enlarged.

Features of the course of the disease in children

In children, acute nasopharyngitis is much more severe. At this age, full nasal breathing is of great importance, and the child's immature immune system reacts very violently to any inflammatory process in the body.

The disease proceeds with a pronounced inflammatory reaction, the temperature rises (up to 39 degrees), the child becomes lethargic, moody, sleeps poorly, loses weight. Against the background of hyperthermia and intoxication syndrome, vomiting, diarrhea, or convulsions may appear.

Acute nasopharyngitis, in the absence of adequate treatment, can go down and turn into bronchitis or pneumonia.

The chronic form of the disease in children is less common than in adults. The cause of chronicity can be adenoids, carious teeth and other sources of infection in the body.

Necessary examinations

To confirm the diagnosis, you need to consult an otolaryngologist. The specialist interviews the patient for characteristic complaints.

Then he examines the oral cavity and nose with instruments or using endoscopic equipment.

After the examination, additional studies may be prescribed:

• x-ray of the paranasal sinuses, to exclude sinusitis;
• a general blood test to confirm the inflammatory process and its severity;
• allergy tests for suspected allergic nature of the disease;
• sowing on flora and sensitivity. To clarify the pathogen and its response to antibiotics.

After establishing the diagnosis and its cause, the doctor prescribes the necessary treatment. At the same time, factors that contribute to the maintenance of the inflammatory process are eliminated.

Differentiation from other pathologies

With what diseases it is necessary to carry out differential diagnosis of rhinopharyngitis:

• Flu. A viral infection that starts with a fever, runny nose, and sore throat. Later, symptoms of general intoxication, weakness, cough join. Often gives serious complications to the heart, kidneys and other organs.
• Diphtheria. Infectious pathology, in the development of which the bacterium diphtheria bacillus is guilty. Thanks to routine vaccinations (DTP), the disease is rare. When infected, it affects the mucous membrane of the nose and pharynx with the formation of dirty gray films. In childhood, it can cause the development of false croup and suffocation.
• Angina. Infectious and inflammatory disease of the lymphoid apparatus of the pharynx. It is manifested by sharp pains in the throat, a rise in temperature and the appearance of raids on the tonsils. Unlike nasopharyngitis, the nasal mucosa does not suffer, but in children, adjacent adenoids may become inflamed.

Treatment Methods

Therapy of the disease depends on its cause, associated complications and other factors. Consider how different forms of rhinopharyngitis are treated in more detail.

acute form

In the absence of severe inflammation, the disease can be treated only with local remedies. For this use:

• Nasal drops. Choose for 3-5 days with severe edema or combined, which include an antibiotic and a hormone (Polydex with phenylephrine).
• Washing and irrigation with saline solutions (Aqualor, Quicks, Salin). Such procedures help to cleanse the nasal mucosa and moisturize it.
• Gargling with disinfectant solutions (Miramistin, Furasol, Rotokan, Septomirin).
• Sprays Kameton, Ingalipt and Falimint, Faringosept. They help relieve the symptoms of inflammation in the throat and disinfect the mucous membrane.

Good effect gives physiotherapy treatment. In acute processes, inhalations, tube-quartz, electrophoresis, magneto-laser and others are prescribed.

If local treatment after 3-4 days is ineffective, then the patient is prescribed systemic therapy:

• Antibiotics. For the treatment of upper respiratory infections, penicillins (), macrolides (Josamycin) or cephalosprins (Cefixime) are used. In cases of severe advanced infections, reserve drugs are used - carbapenems.
• Antihistamines (, Desloratadine). They are used to quickly reduce swelling and if an allergic nature of the disease is suspected.
• Anti-inflammatory non-steroids (Ibuklin, Paracetamol). They help to get rid of pain, reduce fever and eliminate other symptoms of inflammation. Read more about this group of drugs in.

Chronic form

Treatment of rhinopharyngitis, which has passed into the chronic stage, is carried out depending on its form.

During the period of exacerbation, treatment is prescribed according to the scheme of acute nasopharyngitis.

An exception is antibiotics, which are selected according to the results of a smear, taking into account the sensitivity of the pathogenic microflora in the nasopharyngeal cavity.

In addition, they carry out activities aimed at eliminating risk factors for exacerbations:

• Restore nasal breathing (align the nasal septum, cut enlarged lower conchas, etc.)
• Sanitize foci and sources of possible infection.
• Strengthen immunity: daily routine, nutrition, hardening, immunomodulators.
• Normalization of the microclimate in the room (optimal humidity, temperature).
• When working in hazardous industries, the use of individual protective measures (respirators, masks).

Allergic nasopharyngitis can be cured with topical steroids (Maurice,) and systemic antihistamines (Zodak, Zirtek). An important role is played by the identification and elimination of contact with the causative allergen.

Alternative medicine

In the treatment of uncomplicated and chronic forms of rhinopharyngitis, folk remedies can have a good effect.

Let's remember the most effective and popular recipes:

• Gargling with solutions of medicinal herbs with antiseptic properties (calendula, chamomile, oak bark, celandine).
• Inhalation with a nebulizer with saline (0.9% sodium chloride) for moisturizing, and hot (steam) with tea tree and eucalyptus essential oils to cleanse the mucous membranes.
• Homemade oil drops. They are used for dry nose and atrophic rhinopharyngitis. Recipe: mix sea buckthorn oil and a solution of vitamin E in a ratio of 10 to 1. Bury in the nose with a whole pipette 2-3 times a day for two weeks.

Warming up the nose, hot foot baths and mustard plasters have a good therapeutic effect only in the initial stages of the disease, in the first two days.

Nasopharyngitis is a lesion of two adjacent areas of the nasal cavity and pharynx. Pathology occurs in different forms and responds well to treatment. With a decrease in immunity and other contributing factors, it can become chronic.

In contact with

A disease characterized by an inflammatory process affecting the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and pharynx, is called rhinopharyngitis. Interestingly, the patient often hears diagnoses from the doctor or. However, due to the proximity of these anatomical sections, inflammation of one of them usually does not proceed in isolation, and adjacent areas are involved in it. That is why it is more correct and logical to diagnose "rhinopharyngitis" (synonymous with "nasopharyngitis"). The pharynx anatomically still refers to the organs of the digestive tract, and in fact, is the intersection of the latter and the respiratory tract. With the defeat of the nasal cavity, inflammation in almost all cases extends to the underlying sections, that is, the pharynx, larynx, trachea. This happens either mechanically, in other words, by the flowing of a liquid discharge, or by contact: a direct transition of pathogens from a diseased mucosa to a healthy one.

Like many other inflammatory pathologies of the upper respiratory tract, this disease can occur in acute and chronic forms. The first occurs suddenly, usually a short time after exposure to the causative factor, is characterized by severe symptoms, and the second is long-term, mildly manifested clinically, in many cases being a consequence of the first.

Acute rhinopharyngitis is classified into catarrhal and purulent, chronic inflammation of the nose and pharynx can also be catarrhal, as well as hypertrophic and atrophic. The division into the above forms occurs mainly according to the type of inflammation, by and large, only academic, and not practical, matters.

Causes of the disease

The origin of the inflammatory process on the mucous membrane of the pharynx and nasal cavity can occur according to the following scenarios:

1. Inflammation on the membranes lining the organs from the inside occurs as a result of damage and accession of infection. Normally, many infectious agents live on the inner surface of the respiratory tract, but a healthy mucosa successfully resists the attacks of microorganisms and the disease does not occur. The latter develops when the tissues of the mucous membranes are damaged by various harmful factors:

• High and low temperatures;
• Dust and other foreign particles;
• chemicals;
• Cigarette smoke from active or passive smoking.

2. The disease can be caused by highly pathogenic microbes: viruses, bacteria, fungi, mycoplasmas, which do not live on normal mucous membranes, but enter the patient's body by airborne droplets. Such infections a person becomes infected from a person suffering from them through close contact.

3. In addition, there is an allergic form of rhinopharyngitis, it is a consequence of a malfunction of the patient's immune system.
Pathology occurs as a result of exposure to allergens (when inhaled) and a perverted immune response to them. The starting factor of the disease in this case is allergic rhinitis, which is complicated by pharyngitis and inflammation of other parts of the respiratory tract.

The most common among viral nasopharyngitis is rhinovirus, bacterial - staphylococcal, streptococcal, meningococcal, pneumococcal. In most cases, the disease process begins with a viral infection, and later bacterial and / or fungal flora joins.

Any factors that reduce the body's natural defenses contribute to the development of the disease. These include:

• Diseases of the digestive tract;
• Pathology of the heart and blood vessels;
• Violations of the endocrine system;
• hypothermia;
• stressful situations;
• Starvation, hypovitaminosis, monotonous and poor-quality nutrition;
• Alcoholism, active and passive smoking, addiction to narcotic substances.

Clinical signs

The main symptoms of rhinopharyngitis:

1. Expiration from the nose of a different nature;
2. Unpleasant sensations in the nasal cavity and throat: burning, scratching, dryness;
3. Feeling of nasal congestion;
4. A pain syndrome of varying severity is also possible, with a purulent process it is present when swallowing and even at rest;
5. Headache;
6. sneezing;
7. Lethargy, weakness;
8. A slight increase in body temperature (purulent nasopharyngitis may be accompanied by significant fever).

This disease in children proceeds in the same way as in adults. But in newborns and babies up to two years old, the pathology can develop very rapidly with a sharp increase in body temperature, quickly spread to other parts of the upper respiratory tract. In the absence of therapy, it threatens with serious complications, up to severe inflammation of the middle ear, bronchi and lungs.

Additional diagnostics

With this disease, it is usually not required. The diagnosis is made on the basis of the patient's complaints, clinical examination data. The results of this may include the detection of all of the following signs or one or two of them:

• Swelling and redness of the nasal mucosa;
• nasal discharge;
• Changes in the timbre of the voice (twang);
• Mucous or purulent deposits on the back of the throat;
• Edema of the tongue in babies under two years old;
• Enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes and their pain on palpation.

Perform a general blood test, which reveals signs of an inflammatory process in the body.

In a severe form of infection, a specific diagnosis is carried out with the determination of the type of microbes that caused the disease and their sensitivity to antibacterial drugs. This is necessary for the appointment of effective antibiotics. For this, swabs from the nasal mucosa and sputum are taken for examination.

Chronic persistent nasopharyngitis may require additional diagnostics to determine the cause of the decrease in immunity.

If the allergic nature of the disease is established, tests are carried out to identify the allergen.

Therapy

Treatment of rhinopharyngitis, like any disease, is complex. Classical medicine for this disease has a wide arsenal of remedies. However, rhinopharyngitis is the disease in which folk remedies are quite effective. The use of decoctions and infusions of medicinal plants for rinsing the throat and ingestion is common. In folk medicine, methods are used to treat this ailment:

The doctor-therapist in this disease prescribes drugs from various groups. Basically, these are symptomatic remedies, acute nasopharyngitis, not accompanied by complications, should not be treated with antibacterial drugs.

Are used:

In some patients, the treatment of nasopharyngitis may require the inclusion of antibiotics in the plan, but the decision on the advisability of prescribing them is up to the doctor. The choice of the drug and its dosage should be carried out by him.

Prevention

In order to prevent the disease, it is necessary to carry out:

Rhinopharyngitis is an inflammation that forms in the area of ​​the nasal mucosa and pharynx. This disease has similarities immediately with two similar diseases that focus in this area, namely pharyngitis and rhinitis. In other words, rhinopharyngitis is a complication resulting from acute rhinitis, in which the pharyngeal mucosa becomes inflamed, which also makes complaints about the occurrence of pain that occurs when swallowing relevant. In turn, the pharynx becomes reddened, and its mucosa acquires a thickening of the membranes, covered in some cases with mucus or purulent plaque.

General description of the disease

Given the close relationship with pharyngitis and rhinitis, the treatment of rhinopharyngitis provides for the need to treat these diseases as well. In the event that this or that disease is not completely cured, there is a danger that nasopharyngitis will pass into the stage of a chronic course, which, in turn, is extremely difficult to treat effectively. Thus, before moving on to nasopharyngitis, these related diseases should be considered, which are also important to eliminate.

• . This disease is an ordinary runny nose or inflammation of the nasal mucosa. The development of rhinitis takes place in several stages, each of which is characterized by its own symptoms. So, at the first stage, the characteristic symptoms are aches, sneezing, a slight increase in temperature, headache, sore throat and a slight cough. The second stage is characterized by liquid secretions of an almost constant nature, the nose is blocked, the clarity of perception is lost, and the temperature rises. And, finally, the third stage is characterized by the density of discharge from the nose, its general congestion. In the absence of complications, the disease resolves within 7-10 days.
• . In this case, we are talking about inflammation that forms in the pharyngeal mucosa. As a rule, it occurs after the patient has suffered diseases like SARS, acute respiratory infections, etc. In some cases, it can also be caused by the action of bacteria (similar to tonsillitis). Main symptoms: cough and sore throat, constant pain.

As for directly rhinopharyngitis, it is a combination of these diseases. That is, an untreated runny nose with sore throat and sore throat, fever, possible stuffy ears and nasal discharge against the background of the above symptoms - all this is rhinopharyngitis.

Rhinopharyngitis: symptoms

As we have already determined, the symptoms of this disease are expressed in a complex of symptoms of pharyngitis and rhinitis. In particular, these include the following manifestations:

• The appearance of unpleasant sensations in the nasopharynx (tingling, burning, dryness);
• Often, an accumulated mucous discharge is formed, which in some cases acquires a bloody appearance when it is difficult to discharge from the nasopharynx;
• There are frequent difficulties in nasal breathing, the appearance of nasality (especially in children);
• When inflammation spreads to the mucous membrane of the auditory tubes, there is pain in the ears, clicking in them, a general decrease in hearing;
• Mostly temperature in adults is absent;
• Examination reveals hyperemia and swelling that has arisen in the nasopharyngeal mucosa, including a viscous type of discharge in the region of the posterior pharyngeal wall;
• The occipital and cervical lymph nodes are often enlarged.

Allergic rhinopharyngitis: symptoms

This form of rhinopharyngitis has common symptoms with its usual form, while the nature of the inflammation formed in this case, as can be understood, is allergic. That is, the disease is caused by the action of the corresponding allergen, which provides for its subsequent elimination, the need to stop contact with it. It also inflames the nasal mucosa, nasopharynx and pharynx. Basically, the inflammatory process originates from the nose, after which it descends into the throat. When the disease begins immediately from the pharynx, it can reach the nose in the same way, thereby causing rhinitis.

Among the main symptoms of allergic rhinopharyngitis, we highlight the following:

• Nasal congestion, runny nose;
• Inflammation of the pharynx and its redness;
• Drainage along the back wall of the pharynx of mucus;
• A characteristic sensation of discomfort formed in the throat;
• Cough.

Often, the allergic form of rhinopharyngitis acts in combination with inflammatory nasal diseases, as well as diseases of the paranasal sinuses, larynx, pharynx, and underlying respiratory tract.

Acute nasopharyngitis: symptoms

The development of this form of rhinopharyngitis is characterized by general swelling, as well as penetration into the mucosa of cellular elements. In addition, it is necessary to highlight the significant expansion that occurs in the blood vessels, the blood rushes to the nasopharyngeal cavity to a large extent. At the same time, blood supply passes to the mucous membrane of the auditory canals. The most pronounced nature of the inflammatory process is noted in areas that accumulate lymphoid tissue.

The disease in this form is characterized by an acute onset, which is caused by the action of the factors indicated above. The following symptoms are characteristic:

• The formation of a detachable mucous membrane (possibly purulent);
• Often patients complain of sneezing and itching in the nose;
• The timbre of the voice undergoes changes;
• Frequent tearing;
• Constant feeling of soreness and soreness in the throat, which is especially manifested during swallowing;
• The temperature rise is kept within the framework of subfebrile condition (that is, about 37-37.9 degrees);
• There may be mild discomfort.

Chronic nasopharyngitis: symptoms

This form of the course of the disease is characterized by its own duration, while, as we have already noted, it occurs due to undertreatment (in particular, the acute form of rhinopharyngitis or ordinary rhinitis). For the chronic form, the presence of infection in carious teeth and in the sinuses is characteristic, and it is here all the time. There are such forms of chronic rhinopharyngitis as atrophic rhinopharyngitis, catarrhal pharyngitis and hypertrophic rhinopharyngitis.

Atrophic chronic form characterized by the patient's complaints about the presence in the throat of discomfort and soreness, hoarseness of voice is possible. Examination determines the pallor of the mucosa, its thinness and excessive luster.

catarrhal And hypertrophic form are characterized by the presence of complaints of sore throat and soreness, as well as a sensation of the presence of a foreign body in this area. Also noted is the presence of copious mucous or purulent secretions that come from the nose and throat, while the patient systematically coughs up. A change in body position in the morning provokes a particularly strong expectoration, moreover, it is even possible that a gag reflex appears. Additionally, there is an increase in the tonsils, their slight hyperemia.

The mucosa is characterized by friability and swelling in the tonsils. Lymph nodes increase in the region of the posterior pharyngeal wall (which is defined as granular nasopharyngitis), with an increase in lymphoid tissue along the side walls, we are talking about lateral nasopharyngitis.

Rhinopharyngitis in children: symptoms

Rhinopharyngitis in children is much more severe than in adults, it is especially dangerous for young children. The temperature rises quite sharply and quickly, reaching 38-39 ° C, it is often accompanied by vomiting or regurgitation. Given that the baby is losing the ability to breathe through the nose, because the nasal passages are still very narrow in themselves and any even the slightest swelling deprives them of patency, it is difficult for him to suck his mother's milk. Because of this, he begins to refuse food, sleeps poorly and becomes generally extremely restless.

Often, among the symptoms, there is a frequency of stools in the form of intestinal disorders, which, in turn, lowers the resistance inherent in the body, and then leads, as a result, to the occurrence of complications. Quite often in children, unlike adults, nasopharyngitis becomes a harbinger of bronchitis and pneumonia. In this case, one of the most dangerous possible complications is subglottic pharyngitis.

Given the possibility of any type of complications, you should not hesitate to call a doctor. This is more than important, because this disease can also act as a symptom of the flu or another type of acute viral infection. Among the possible diagnoses such as diphtheria, scarlet fever or measles are not excluded. Any of these diseases provides for its own treatment tactics, and therefore an important factor is the promptness in the diagnosis.

In a generalized form, the symptoms of rhinopharyngitis in children are as follows:

• Nasal congestion;
• Difficulty in breathing;
• Discharge from the nose (at first clear and light, then mucus-viscous or purulent);
• Fever (of varying degrees, manifested depending on the characteristics of the individual character);
• Cough;
• sleep disorders;
• Vomit;
• Diarrhea;
• Flatulence.

Rhinopharyngitis: treatment

The treatment of this disease is not carried out by analogy with the common cold. Initially, it is necessary to identify and eliminate the cause that provoked the cough. It is necessary to start treatment with washing and inhalations, it is also important to free the nasal cavity from the mucus, for which washings and antibacterial sprays are also used. As for the cough, it appears due to the flow of mucus along the back wall, thereby irritating it.

For the nasopharynx, in addition to antibacterial, anti-inflammatory sprays are also used. Antibiotics for rhinopharyngitis are rarely prescribed, however, it should be borne in mind that the disease is characterized by its own peculiarity for remission and reappearance and exacerbation, and therefore the need for treatment cannot be ruled out.

To diagnose this disease, you should contact your general practitioner (pediatrician), not excluding the subsequent need for consultation with an otolaryngologist.

Is everything correct in the article from a medical point of view?

Answer only if you have proven medical knowledge

Nasopharyngitis is understood as an inflammatory process that captures the nasal and pharyngeal mucosa in a child. The nasal cavity during breathing plays an important protective role. The constantly moving villi of the mucosa contribute to the retention of dust in the air. The mucus secreted by the mucosal glands humidifies the air and disinfects it with the help of a special substance called lysozyme. Thus, in the nasal cavity, the air inhaled by the child is purified, moistened and warmed. Therefore, free nasal breathing for a child is of great importance.

If breathing is difficult, then this worsens the quality of life of the patient. Consider in this article the treatment of rhinopharyngitis in children.

Causes of rhinopharyngitis

Most acute nasopharyngitis in children is caused by viruses.

Rhinopharyngitis is a response of the mucosa to any irritant: mechanical, thermal, chemical, bacterial. Most often, viral and allergic rhinopharyngitis develops. Unilateral runny nose may occur with a foreign body in the nose in young children. In very rare cases, an isolated inflammation of the pharynx (pharyngitis) or nose (rhinitis) develops, usually the process captures the entire nasopharynx.

The causative agents of the process in the nasopharynx are most often adenoviruses, viruses, or rhinovirus. In addition to viruses, bacteria (diphtheria bacillus, streptococci, staphylococci, gonococci) can be causative agents of inflammation.

The inflammatory process can spread both ascending (from the pharynx into the nasal cavity) and descending (first rhinitis occurs, and then pharyngitis joins). In addition, inflammation can spread to other parts of the respiratory tract - the trachea, bronchi and lungs. Given the connection of the nasopharynx through the Eustachian tube with the middle ear, nasopharyngitis often leads to otitis media.

The disease is transmitted by airborne droplets. Susceptibility is high. The disease is especially dangerous for premature babies and hypotrophics. Rhinopharyngitis can develop at any time of the year. The disease can be triggered by hypothermia. The course of the disease is acute, subacute and chronic.

Allergic rhinitis can be caused by plant, household, fungal, food allergens and allergens of animal origin. House dust, animal hair, bird feathers, pollen from flowering plants, particles of detergents, dyes, fish food, fungal spores (constantly found in house dust) - this is not a complete list of allergens that can cause an allergic reaction. Atmospheric air pollution, an unventilated room, crowding of people in an apartment under poor living conditions, beriberi - these are the factors contributing to the development of allergic conditions.

Symptoms

Acute nasopharyngitis

A constant symptom of the disease is nasal congestion, sneezing. Due to the accumulation of secretions in the nasal cavity, a small child has difficulty feeding: every 2-3 sips, he is forced to drop his chest to inhale through his mouth. As a result, the child is malnourished and may lose weight. Difficulties in breathing cause anxiety in the baby, he cries, sleep is disturbed. To facilitate the passage of air, the children throw their head back a little.

Initially, the discharge from the nose is clear, liquid, then they become mucous, thicker. There may also be purulent discharge from the nose. Due to the irritating effect of secretions on the skin and rubbing with a handkerchief or tissue, redness appears around the nasal passages. In rare cases, an admixture of blood appears in the discharge from the nose in the form of streaks.

In the posterior sections of the nasal cavity, mucus can stagnate due to obstructed outflow: dried mucus further narrows the already narrow nasal passages of a small child.

Older children complain of sore throat and pain when swallowing, headache and body aches. Often there is congestion in the ears and hearing loss, which indicates inflammation of the Eustachian tube. The voice becomes nasal. In the future, pain in the ear may also appear. The submandibular and cervical lymph nodes are enlarged.

Body temperature can rise to high numbers, but a slight increase is also possible. In young children, against the background of an increase in temperature, they may appear.

For inflammation of the pharynx, in addition to sore throat, a cough is characteristic. When examining the pharynx, you can see redness of the mucous membrane and flowing mucus along the back of the throat, which can cause vomiting in a child. In some cases, in addition to vomiting, loose stools appear, and bloating is possible.

In the absence of complications, the disease lasts about 7 days and ends with recovery. With some (adenoviral, for example), an undulating course of the disease can be observed.

Complications, in addition to otitis media (the most common complication in children), can be. But especially dangerous for young children is the development of inflammation of the vocal cords (croup). In this case, emergency treatment is necessary. In severe cases, a pharyngeal abscess may also form.

Allergic rhinopharyngitis

Most often manifested in the summer, during the flowering of grasses and trees. It can also develop in contact with other allergens. By clinical signs, it is not always easy to distinguish from other types of disease (viral, bacterial).

Symptoms of allergic rhinopharyngitis are:

• sudden nasal congestion due to severe swelling of the mucosa;
• copious discharge of mucus from the nose;
• burning and itching in the nasal passages and eyes;
• redness of the eyelids and tearing;
• sore throat;
• increased manifestations in the position of the child lying on his back;
• often there is difficulty in breathing;
• cough.

The manifestations of the disease decrease when contact with the allergen is stopped, which can serve as a distinguishing feature from other types of the disease.

In the case of a runny nose in a child (especially during the flowering season), which does not disappear despite treatment, an allergist should be consulted.

Although allergic rhinitis does not pose a threat to the life of the child, parents should treat it, as it can be a harbinger of the development of an asthmatic condition, and in schoolchildren this significantly reduces the ability to work.

Chronic nasopharyngitis

The disease is characterized by a long course and is the outcome of an acute form as a result of insufficient treatment. The presence of chronic foci of infection (,) can also contribute to the chronization of the process. There are catarrhal, atrophic and hypertrophic forms of the chronic process.

Unpleasant sensations in the throat persist despite treatment; hoarseness of voice, sore throat may appear. Discharge from the nose is mucous or purulent. Frequent dry cough worries, although in the morning the discharge from the pharynx is coughed up, which can provoke a gag reflex. Tonsils loose, enlarged. Lymph nodes (on the back and side walls of the pharynx) increase.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis is made on the basis of complaints, anamnesis of the disease, rhino-, pharyngoscopy data and some additional research methods.

In addition to clinical manifestations, contact with patients with a viral disease is taken into account.

Laboratory diagnostic methods are used:

• virological (to determine the type of virus);
• bacteriological (diagnosis of nasal diphtheria, gonorrheal rhinitis in newborns);
• serological (diagnosis of SARS, syphilitic congenital lesions of the nasopharynx in newborns).

Treatment of rhinopharyngitis

You can not engage in self-treatment of a child, a mandatory consultation of a pediatrician is necessary. Most often, the treatment of rhinopharyngitis is carried out on an outpatient basis. But, if the doctor recommends hospitalization of the newborn, the mother should not refuse treatment in the hospital.

For viral rhinopharyngitis, the following are used:

• Interferon;
• Anaferon (from 1 month of life);
• Oxolinic ointment;
• Viferon-gel;
• Amiksin (after 7 years).

Antiviral drugs should be used as early as possible: in the first three days of the disease. Interferon is used for a child of any age in the form of nasal drops or inhalation. Anaferon for children under 2 years of age is dissolved in a small amount of water, and older children dissolve the tablet in their mouths. Oxolinic ointment and Viferon lubricate the mucous membranes in the nasal passages, they can be used even for premature babies. Viferon can also lubricate the tonsils with a swab. Amiksin is used in the form of tablets.

To restore breathing through the nose, children are prescribed collargol 1% solution (Protargol), 4 drops in the nasal passages twice a day. Rivanol solution and 1% Ephedrine solution can also be used. Children may be prescribed other vasoconstrictors (Galazolin from 3 years old, Farmazolin from 6 years old), but neither the dose of the drug nor the duration of use should be exceeded in order to avoid complications. Vasoconstrictor drops for children should be used only as directed by a doctor.

Nose drops with menthol are contraindicated for children under 3 years of age, since their use may cause spasm of the vocal cords and convulsions.

Nasal lavage with saline and suction of mucus from the nasal passages are also used. The skin in the area of ​​​​the nasal passages is lubricated with petroleum jelly. It is necessary to provide humidification of the air in the room, regular ventilation of the room.

At a high temperature, the child is given antipyretic drugs (Nurofen, Paracetamol, suppositories with Analgin and Diphenhydramine and other drugs).

Gargling with furatsilin, sea salt, decoctions of chamomile, sage, calendula are used. Rotokan and Chlorophyllipt preparations, hydrogen peroxide are also good for rinsing. If the child does not know how to gargle, inhalation is used (in the absence of an increase in temperature) with soda solution, mineral water. Older children can dissolve Strepsils lollipops (from 5 years old), Decatilene tablets (from 10 years old), Islamint (from 12 years old) and others. They will help relieve sore throat and perspiration.

Care should be taken with the use of irrigating sprays: they can cause spastic contraction of the glottis. Until the age of 2, they are not recommended for use.

Antibiotics are used only in case of accession of the secondary bacterial flora and only as directed by a doctor.

Of the physiotherapeutic procedures, in addition to inhalations, it is possible to prescribe UHF to the nose area, UVI of the pharynx. With a dry hacking cough, warming up the legs (foot baths with mustard powder), mustard plasters can be used as a distracting procedure.

Treatment of allergic rhinopharyngitis

Treatment is carried out strictly according to the doctor's prescription. A prerequisite for treatment is the elimination or at least limiting contact with the allergen. Allergodil (from 12 years old), Sanallergin (from 2 years old), Vibrocil (at any age) are used in the form of nose drops. General antiallergic drugs are also used: Tavegil, Claritin, Gismanal, Clarinase. In severe cases, nasal drops with (Flixonase, Dexarinospray and others) can be used.

An allergist may prescribe a course of specific therapy (outside the period of exacerbation): the introduction of an allergen in very small doses to produce substances in the child's body that can prevent the development of an allergic reaction. For some children, allergists prescribe anti-allergic immunoglobulin and Histoglobulin according to an individual scheme under the constant supervision of a physician.

Individually selected homeopathic remedies can also give a good effect.

During an exacerbation, various sorbents should be used to more quickly remove the allergen from the child's body: Enterosgel, Flavosorb, Carbolong, etc. Eliminating dysbacteriosis, which often accompanies allergic diseases, will help to quickly cope with an exacerbation of allergic rhinopharyngitis.

In the treatment of rhinopharyngitis, the remedies recommended by traditional medicine are also used:

• Freshly squeezed beetroot juice and Kalanchoe juice in the form of drops in the nose will help to quickly remove the inflammatory process. You can also insert tampons well moistened with beet juice into the nasal passages. Beetroot juice and diluted (1:1) Kalanchoe juice is good to gargle.
• With diluted calendula juice (1 tbsp per 500 ml of warm water), you can rinse your nose, drawing the solution first into one and then into the other nasal passage (the procedure is carried out over the sink so that the solution pours out freely).
• Onion juice mixed with lemon and honey also gives a good result in the first days of the disease, but this treatment is not suitable for children with allergic reactions, since honey is an allergenic product.
• A good effect is given by inhalations with potato broth.
• Infusions of herbs coltsfoot, plantain, marshmallow, licorice root and elecampane will help to cope with a cough with pharyngitis.

Prevention

Hardening a child, frequent and long walks in the fresh air increase the child's immunity, reducing the frequency of nasopharyngitis.

General hardening of the child's body, walks in the fresh air in any weather, clothing that does not allow either hypothermia or overheating of the child will increase