Runny nose (rhinitis) - causes and treatment

How to treat a cold successfully?

Rhinitis can be a symptom of a disease or an isolated disease. Characteristic are inflammation of the nasal mucosa with limited nasal breathing, sneezing and watery to slimy secretions. There are acute and chronic forms of infectious and non-infectious causes.

contents

• How to treat a cold successfully?
• Quick help with acute cold
• Cold - a quick overview
• Runny nose - definition
• risk groups
• The various common cold forms
• Disease course of an acute cold
• Concomitant diseases and complications
• From when should you see a doctor?
• Limits of self-treatment
• Diagnosis: What does the doctor do??
• Runny nose - treatment
• Cold in naturopathy
• Prevention of runny nose

Quick help with acute cold

Without further discomfort or complications, a snuffled nose can be annoying, but usually does not require medical attention. Numerous home remedies for cold have also proven to relieve the symptoms. These include, for example, hot steam inhalations with additions of chamomile, sage or thyme as well as nasal rinses with common salt or emser salt. Generally, you should drink a lot during the illness, such as herbal teas with chamomile or elderberry. Fresh air with high humidity and lots of sleep strengthen the body's defenses. More information in the video:

Cold - a quick overview

Cold is one of the most common complaints worldwide. In addition to infections with viruses and bacteria, allergies can be the cause. Due to the large number of triggering pathogens, it is not uncommon for people to suffer from rhinitis several times within one year. Children are even more affected than adults. If an adult suffers from a nasal catarrh more than four times within one year, or if the symptoms persist for more than three months, it can be a chronic event. Here is a brief overview of the symptoms:

• definition: Infectious disease largely caused by viruses, in which the nasal mucosa becomes inflamed. The body responds with an increased production of nasal secretions.
• Synonyms: Rhinitis, nasal catarrh, catarrh, koryza.
• to form: There may be an acute, chronic, allergic or vasomotor form.
• symptoms: Secretion of watery to viscous nasal mucus, runny nose, soreness in the nose and throat, nasal mucous membranes swell, nasal breathing is limited.
• comorbiditiesDuring infection, there is an increased risk of additional bacterial infections of the paranasal sinuses, middle ear, bronchi, trachea or larynx.
• Therapy in acute cold: Decongestant nasal sprays (maximum one week), inhalations, strengthening of the immune system, a lot of fluid intake, in severe bacterial infections additional antibiotics may be required.

An acute cold is annoying, but usually no cause for concern. However, if complications or comorbidities occur, a doctor should be consulted. (Image: ladysuzi / fotolia.com)

Runny nose - definition

In the case of common cold, it is in most cases an infectious disease caused by viral germs with inflammation of the nasal mucosa as the main symptom. Medically, the disease is also referred to as rhinitis or nasal catarrh. As an independent disease or as a symptom of influenza and colds it is one of the most common infections worldwide.

risk groups

People with weak immune systems are more likely to develop acute rhinitis because their body can not defend itself so effectively against the virus. Also, persons in a closed group, such as kindergarten, school, or within an office, are at greater risk of becoming infected once a member of the group is infected, as the viruses spread via droplet and smear infection. In particular, the sneezing of a sick person releases a large virus-containing cloud of droplets (aerosol) that can infect other people.

The various common cold forms

There are four different forms of cold in medicine, all based on different causes. These include the acute, chronic, allergic and vasomotor forms. The individual forms will be explained in more detail below. In contrast to these clearly defined forms of disease, it can also lead to a constant runny nose that can not be classified in the usual schemes.

Acute rhinitis

The acute form is mostly of infectious origin, almost always due to the penetration of viruses. The typical symptoms are usually accompanied by general symptoms of a cold such as cough, sore throat, difficulty swallowing and possibly also fever. The increased secretion of the nasal secretion is thereby an attempt of the body, germs and toxins auszuleiten, and thus more as a healing process than to consider as a disease. There are currently over 200 different viruses known that can trigger rhinitis. This represents a major obstacle to the development of effective drugs and vaccines. The following virus groups are the most common triggers:

• rhinoviruses,
• coronaviruses,
• myxoviruses,
• paramyxoviruses,
• echo virus,
• coxsackie,
• Parainfluenza viruses.

Chronic runny nose is usually due to an allergy. (Image: drubig-photo / fotolia.com)

Chronic sniffles

A chronic infectious nasal catarrh occurs as a separate condition or joins a frequently recurring acute cold. Often there is a predisposition to allergies or a susceptibility to infections in the upper respiratory tract, called lymphatic diseases. Persistent cold is often associated with slimy-purulent secretion, headache and limited smelling ability. If left untreated, it can lead to sinusitis (sinusitis) or otitis media (otitis), which can lead to hearing loss in severe cases.

Allergic cold

If rhinitis is persistent, seasonal, after certain activities or after staying in certain places, allergy may be the cause of the condition. It is not pathogenic pathogens that trigger the symptoms, but harmless substances that are classified and combated by the immune system as pathogens.

In allergic rhinitis (allergic rhinitis), also called hay fever (pollinosis), usually show concomitant symptoms such as strong watery secretions from the nose, sneezing, tears, itchy rash or burning and itchy eyes. In addition, skin wheals and / or coughing with respiratory distress (asthma allergica) sometimes occur. In about 80 percent of grass pollen are the trigger, rarely trees and shrubs, which cause only two to three weeks in the spring "spring cold". Allergic reactions to animal hair or dust mites, on the other hand, can lead to a runny nose all year round.

Vasomotor cold

This form is similar in its expression of allergic rhinitis, but there are no allergens to detect. It is a vegetative disorder of the nasal mucous vessels suspected that hypersensitive to mental stress, stress, alcohol consumption or after a sudden change in the outside temperature (for example, enter the house in winter or go into the cold).

In most cases, the symptoms resolve after one week. If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks, the cause should be considered more closely. (Image: drubig-photo / fotolia.com)

Disease course of an acute cold

After a person becomes infected with the common cold virus, it takes two to seven days to incubate until the first symptoms appear. Often an emerging feeling of sickness is perceived as a first sign. These may include, for example, tiredness, headaches or general fatigue. A burning sensation in the nose or pharyngeal pain as well as a feeling of soreness in these regions are frequent first signals. Subsequently, the production of watery nasal mucus is stimulated, resulting in a runny nose. But it can also cause a blockage of the nose when the nasal mucous membranes swell. Not infrequently, in the later course, an inflammation of the nasal entrance area to the symptoms joins. After about a week, the complaints usually go away.

Concomitant diseases and complications

When the nose is blocked by excessive nasal mucus production, bacteria in the nose settle increasingly, which also increases the risk of additional bacterial infection of adjacent body areas. The most common cause is sinusitis or otitis media. In addition, the risk of bronchial, tracheal or laryngitis increases.

From when should you see a doctor?

In case of an acute cold with no signs of complications usually no medical assistance is required. If, however, other symptoms such as fever and severe head and body aches, a doctor should be consulted. It is also advisable to see a doctor if:

• a generally strong feeling of illness sets in,
• There are pressure pains over the frontal or maxillary sinus,
• Discomfort in the area of ​​the teeth and the periodontium show,
• the pain increases when bending over,
• the breathing difficulties prevail,
• a constant cough accompanies the symptoms,
• you suffer from colds more than four times a year,
• the complaints last longer than two weeks,
• the nasal secretion is green or bloody,
• the nose starts to run as a result of a head injury,
• if you can no longer sleep because of the complaints, snore vigorously or it comes to breathing interruptions (sleep apnea).

In some cases, a doctor should be consulted, for example, if the head cold shows up again, persists too long or complications occur. (Image: Dan Race / fotolia.com)

Limits of self-treatment

The Federal Chamber of Pharmacists recommends that the limits of self-treatment be adhered to. According to the experts, these are exceeded when:

• Excessive use of nasal spray is present,
• it is a chronic rhinitis,
• there is a suspicion of an unresolved allergic cause,
• Patients suffering from fever over 39 degrees Celsius,
• the nasal secretions are bloody or purulent,
• the sinuses and / or frontal sinuses are involved,
• Ingredients in the drugs are thought to be the cause,
• Facial swelling or pain occur.

Diagnosis: What does the doctor do??

If it comes to a doctor's visit, it is usually checked whether it is a viral or bacterial infection. The throat, neck and nose area are examined for this purpose. In some cases, a smear of the nasal mucus is taken, which is then checked in the laboratory for pathogens. In addition, in a doctor-patient interview (anamnesis) is limited, whether it is an acute, chronic or allergic course. If an allergic reaction is suspected as the cause, an allergy examination usually takes place, the so-called prick test. Chronic courses can be clarified by an endoscopy of the nose.

Runny nose - treatment

In acute viral infections less the cause is fought, but rather the symptoms are alleviated. For this purpose, a nasal spray is often used, which causes the nasal mucous membranes to swell, thus facilitating nasal breathing. However, such sprays should not be used for more than a week as this will cause the nasal mucosa to become overly swollen in the long run, thereby increasing the risk of decongestant remedies. Excessive use may cause damage to the nasal mucosa such as dehydration or crusting. In addition, a lot should be drunk to keep the nasal secretions as fluid as possible. If rhinitis is due to a bacterial infection, an antibiotic may be required in severe cases.

In children, it is normal for them to experience colds more frequently in the year than adults. Here parents should pay particular attention to possible complications. (Image: ladysuzi / fotolia.com)

Treatment in children

Since the immune system in children is not fully developed, adolescents are much more likely to have a cold than adults. Care must be taken in infants and toddlers that there is an increased risk of the throat or lungs becoming inflamed during the illness. If there is a persistent cold in children between two and six years of age in the cooler months, enlarged tonsils (polyps) may be responsible for the recurrent disease. If the nasal discharge is only present on one side and mixed with pus, then a foreign body in the nose as a cause into consideration.

Cold in naturopathy

In natural medicine, one to two colds a year in a healthy person are considered house cleaning of the body, the secretion of mucus as a means of detoxification. Correspondingly, treatment methods that are not suppressive but that support the secretion flow are ideally used. Furthermore, there are a variety of home remedies that can relieve the symptoms. For example, the inhalation of camomile vapor and red light treatments have proven useful.

Prevention of runny nose

Your own immune system offers the best protection against the common cold. The low temperatures in autumn and winter can weaken the immune system. Therefore you should always dress according to the weather. But you should not wear too warm because it makes the body even more sensitive to the cold. This also applies to the shower. The water should not be too hot and occasional cold water units should be interspersed. In addition, walks in the fresh air in any weather and regular sauna visits strengthen the immune system.

The immune system provides the most effective protection against colds. With these measures you can increase the body's defense. (Image: heilpraxis.de/leremy/fotolia.com)

Recovery is the best medicine

Too little sleep increases the susceptibility to colds. Who regularly sleeps for seven to eight hours, gives his body enough rest to better defend himself against the viruses and bacteria. Likewise, the psyche needs enough relaxation. Negative stress resulting, for example, from overwork, interpersonal conflicts or constant time pressure can weaken the immune system and promote colds (but also other illnesses). Positive stress, for example, from hobbies, music, sports, or learning new skills, can be conducive to the immune system (for more information, see: Stress Relief Made Easy).

Healthy nutrition and sports strengthen the immune system

A strong immune system also requires a healthy and balanced diet that should include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish to provide the body with sufficient nutrients. The whole thing should be rounded off with regular exercise, preferably with endurance sports such as walking, jogging, cycling or swimming.

Hygiene protects against pathogens

Also hygienic measures protect the organism from germs. Often the pathogens are first on the hands. Door handles, handles in bus and train, stair rails and computer mice are just a few of the typical places where you quickly catch germs. Therefore, it is important to wash your hands regularly and thoroughly (see: Proper Washing of Hands). In addition, nasal rinsing with saline solution can reduce the risk of disease, as the germs are flushed out of the nose. Such flushes are particularly useful, for example, after being in larger crowds. (jvs; vb; updated December 11, 2018)

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• Internet presence of the German Professional Association of Otolaryngologists - visited on 03 December 2018
• Guideline S2k "Rhinosinusitis" of the German Society for Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery e.V.- As of: 07. April 2017
• Working Aid "Information and advice in the context of self-medication on the example of cold" of the Federal Association of German Pharmacist Associations e. V. (ABDA) - Status: 23 November 2016