Rhinitis – transmission, symptoms, types and treatment (2)

What exactly is rhinitis?

Rhinitis is an inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa. It can be caused by allergies, viruses and bacteria. If it does not involve allergic rhinitis, viruses are the most common culprit. Laboured breathing is not caused by the presence of mucus, but rather by swollen mucous membranes.

Though rhinitis is caused by a virus in most cases, weakening of the protective functions of the mucosa can occur, leading to subsequent bacterial infection. Treatment of rhinitis usually takes approximately one week, though the treatment period can be longer in the case of bacterial rhinitis.

If a bacterial infection develops, a change in the mucus will occur – from clear to thick and yellow or green in colour. This may be followed by increased body temperature. In such a case, it is a good idea to visit a doctor, who will usually prescribe antibiotics upon confirming a diagnosis of bacterial infection.

Transmission of rhinitis and incubation period

Rhinitis is transmitted via the airborne route and through direct contact.

The incubation period of rhinitis ranges from one to three days. Of course, individuals with weakened immunity are more susceptible to infection. One of the most frequent causes of a weakened immune system is chilling of the body; therefore, autumn is the highest-risk season for rhinitis infection.

Main symptoms of rhinitis

Because rhinitis is caused by various viruses, bacteria and allergies, it has various manifestations. That is why it is sometimes accompanied by headache and at other times by a continuous discharge from the nose. The symptoms are influenced by the type and stage of rhinitis. The main symptoms include:

• increased secretion of mucus
• disruption of nasal breathing – blockage of the nasal passage, nasal congestion
• diminished sense of smell
• cough and urge to cough (mucus flowing down the nasopharynx irritates the respiratory tract)
• urge to sneeze
• watery eyes

Types of rhinitis

Vasomotor rhinitis

This is an exception that is not caused by any illness or allergy, but rather by a physiological reaction (e.g. to a rapid change of temperature). It is triggered by, among other things, consumption of spicey foods, change of body temperature or physical activity. Because it is not caused by an infection, it usually passes quickly.

Watery rhinitis

Most cases of inflammation of the nasal mucosa and nasopharynx begin with a watery discharge of clear mucus from the nose, i.e. watery rhinitis. This is the initial stage of infection, which could be the only stage if viruses or bacteria do not spread further. Generally, however, it transitions into mucous or mucous-purulent rhinitis.

Viral rhinitis

Viral rhinitis typically starts with an initial “dry” stage with increased fatigue, headache and a feeling of dryness and itchiness in the nose. Over the course of several hours, a watery secretion appears together with nasal congestion, watery eyes and loss of smell. This stage is followed by a stage lasting several days and characterised by secretion of mucus, during which local and general problems gradually subside.

Purulent rhinitis

Purulent rhinitis is a complication of common rhinitis. The colour and texture of the mucus changes, and it is thus difficult to expel it by blowing one’s nose. If the symptoms persist longer than one week and become worse, it is appropriate to seek medical attention. Purulent rhinitis can be caused by various complications of the infection, many of which require treatment with antibiotics.

Postnasal drip

The main symptoms are nasal congestion and pressure in the sinus cavities, as the mucus cannot be expelled by blowing one’s nose. However, this type of rhinitis also causes breathing difficulties, headache and possibly ear blockage. Postnasal drip frequently results from untreated rhinitis, long-lasting allergic rhinitis or another untreated illness, which subsequently escalates into inflammation. This involves a thick rhinitis located in the rear part of the nasopharynx.

In the case of postnasal drip, it is important to thin the mucus in order to more easily expel it by blowing one’s nose. If the rhinitis persists and it is difficult to remove the mucus, we recommend visiting a doctor. If bacterial infection of the mucosa is confirmed, the doctor will prescribe a topical antibiotic or antibiotic in tablet form.

TIP: An effective method of treating postnasal drip is to flush the nasal sinuses with an isotonic solution. There are modern and verified methods of flushing the nasal sinuses using a neti pot from, for example, the Rhino Horn brand.

Chronic rhinitis

Chronic rhinitis is an inflammatory illness of the nasal mucosa that recurs repeatedly and lasts for more than three months in total. A common cause of chronic rhinitis is allergies such as hay fever (pollinosis), or seasonal allergic rhinitis. However, it can also be caused by hormonal changes in the body, polyps on the mucosa or excessive use of nasal drops.

How to treat rhinitis in adults

Because rhinitis is an inflammation, medications containing paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid or ibuprofen can be administered in the overall course of treatment. Such medications are appropriate especially if this involves the common cold. At the same time, treatment with mucolytics (e.g. Ambroxol) is also appropriate. Within the overall course of treatment, supportive treatment is always important – a regimen of rest, increased fluid intake, a diet rich in vitamins, humidification of the air in the room and steam inhalation.

“When treating common rhinitis, the most important thing is topical treatment, which has the purpose of eliminating or mitigating the symptoms (nasal congestion, nasal discharge). Topical decongestants are medications for nasal congestion associated with common rhinitis. These are applied directly to the swollen nasal mucosa, thus reducing swelling (decongestion),” explains MUDr. Tomáš Konvička, general practitioner for adults and chief physician for occupational medical services at EUC PLS.

How to treat rhinitis in infants and children

Rhinitis is a very unpleasant health complication in newborns, infants, toddlers and older children. Sleeping with the head elevated and sufficient intake of fluids (mainly pure water) are recommended, as are, for example, diffusing of essential oils to ease breathing, a light diet with sufficient vitamins and herbal tea.

TIP:  Fennel tea, chamomile and mallow can be used in the case of the youngest children. Serve common tea blends for cold to children older than one year.

A congested nose can be cleaned and moisturised with an isotonic seawater solution, which also thins mucus. For children over the age of six months, hypertonic solutions can be used in acute cases to alleviate swelling of the mucosa and to relieve nasal congestion. Thinned mucus can be removed using a nasal aspirator. However, it is appropriate to use such a device only when nasal congestion prevents an infant from suckling mother’s milk or drinking from a bottle, or before being put down to sleep.

In the event of high temperature or fever, it is appropriate to administer medications for reducing fever with paracetamol or ibuprofen and to increase the child’s intake of vitamin C – e.g. in the form of sea buckthorn syrup or rosehip. It is recommended that medicinal products be used for the shortest possible period. The interval between individual doses should be at least eight hours. If the child’s condition does not improve within three days, it is necessary to visit a paediatrician.

Do not underestimate a “runny nose”

Ordinary rhinitis is a common and usually mild inflammation of the nasal mucosa. However, neglecting acute rhinitis, cold or persistent allergies can lead to postnasal drip. If you ignore postnasal drip for a long time, it can cause additional complications and longer-lasting problems (inflammation of the bronchial tubes, middle ear and conjunctiva, and even pneumonia). Therefore, do not underestimate a “runny nose” in yourself or in your children and do not hesitate to seek medical assistance in the event of protracted or escalating complications.