Rhinopharyngitis is a combined inflammatory process that affects the mucous membrane of the pharynx and nose. The disease is often a consequence of a history of acute respiratory viral infection, so its prevalence in the autumn-spring cold season reaches almost 80%. People of all age groups can get sick, however, in children, nasopharyngitis is still more common, which is due to the structural features of their ENT organs. ICD code 10 – J00 Acute nasopharyngitis.

Why does nasopharyngitis occur?

The causative agents of the inflammatory process of the nasopharynx are viral agents (adenoviruses, influenza and parainfluenza viruses), bacteria (streptococci, staphylococci and pneumococci), as well as fungi of the genus Candida. In addition, factors are identified that create a favorable background for the development of the disease. This includes:

• hypothermia;
• dry air;
• smoking, including passive smoking;
• decreased immune properties of the body;
• air pollution;
• chronic stress;
• harmful factors at work associated with inhalation of dust, irritating gases or chemicals;
• chronic foci of infection of the ENT organs in the form of caries, sinusitis or rhinitis;
• unfavorable social and living conditions.

Classification of rhinopharyngitis

Based on the nature of the course, there are two main forms of the disease:

• acute;
• chronic.

According to the factors that cause the disease:

• infectious origin (fungal, viral, bacterial);
• allergic rhinopharyngitis.

Based on the nature of inflammation, the following forms of rhinopharyngitis are distinguished:

• catarrhal;
• purulent.

Chronic nasopharyngitis has the following types:

• atrophic;
• subatrophic;
• atrophic.

Symptoms of nasopharyngitis

The acute form of nasopharyngitis develops against the background of existing ARVI. The incubation period of the disease ranges from 1 to 4 days. The first signs of the disease are weakness, general malaise, headache, fever. Next, a feeling of itching in the nose appears, accompanied by sneezing. The nose is stuffy, liquid mucous discharge is possible.

Signs indicating inflammation of the pharynx: a feeling of dryness, soreness and rawness, coughing without mucous discharge, sore throat. The disease is characterized by the reflection of pain in the area of ​​the ear or lower jaw. When examining the pharynx, you can see redness and swelling in the areas of the back of the pharynx, tonsils and palatine arches. The degree of redness is determined by the severity of the inflammatory process and can vary from mild to bright red inflammation with a purulent coating. Simultaneously with these phenomena, enlargement of regional lymph nodes is possible.

Rhinopharyngitis Psychosomatics

What is pharyngitis and how to treat it

Pharyngitis. Children's doctor.

Elena Malysheva. Pharyngitis

Fervex, instructions. Rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, nasopharyngitis, influenza

Symptoms of pharyngitis have a similar clinical picture to sore throat and diphtheria, which requires differential diagnosis of these ailments. Only a doctor can determine exactly what pathogen caused the inflammation by conducting a bacteriological culture of the plaque present on the mucous membrane of the pharynx.

Do not forget that the symptoms of acute nasopharyngitis may be the first symptoms of measles, rubella or scarlet fever. This is relevant not only in childhood, but also for adults who have not previously suffered from these infections.

Allergic nasopharyngitis and its symptoms

Allergic rhinopharyngitis is caused by factors that cause allergies: plant pollen, animal dander, dust and others. A characteristic feature of this form of the disease is that the symptoms disappear when contact with the allergen is stopped, or vice versa, their exacerbation is provoked by the flowering season (if there is a corresponding allergy). Allergic rhinopharyngitis is not contagious to others, since it is an individual reaction of an individual organism.

Allergic rhinopharyngitis has the same symptoms as the acute form of a similar disease. The inflammatory process begins in the nasal cavity and then descends to the pharynx area. Also, in addition to a sore throat and stuffy nose, patients will be bothered by redness and swelling of the eyelids, itching in the nose and eyes.

A runny nose in the allergic form of rhinopharyngitis is of a vasomotor nature. Patients complain of constant or periodic nasal congestion, which is replaced by episodes of watery nasal discharge or itching, sneezing and a feeling of heaviness in the depths of the nose. It has been noticed that throughout the day these phenomena can suddenly appear and go away on their own, and also disturb more than ten times. At night, the nose is constantly stuffy, which is due to the increased influence of the parasympathetic nervous system.

A severe allergic reaction of the body may not be limited only to nasopharyngitis, but may also be accompanied by inflammation of the paranasal sinuses or underlying respiratory tract.

What is chronic nasopharyngitis and how does it manifest?

The chronic form of rhinopharyngitis is often a consequence of a poorly treated acute form of the disease or the long-term presence of infectious foci in the teeth and sinuses of the nose. In addition, the following factors are considered to provoke diseases: long-term use of vasoconstrictor nasal drops, diseases of the endocrine, digestive and cardiovascular systems, lack of vitamin A, polluted air, abuse of spicy or sour foods, cigarette smoking. Chronic nasopharyngitis is characterized by phases of exacerbation and remission.

In the acute stage, patients are bothered by complaints of constant discomfort in the throat: soreness, soreness that increases with swallowing movements, a feeling of a foreign body. There is also bad breath, a feeling of dryness accompanied by thirst. There may be hard cows caused by mucus drying out. As a rule, attempts to remove them are accompanied by gagging or nausea.

Inflammatory phenomena in the nose are characterized by mucous discharge in the morning. In advanced cases, a decrease or loss of smell may occur.

Symptoms and causes of chronic hypertrophic and catarrhal rhinopharyngitis

The symptoms of catarrhal nasopharyngitis are accompanied by patient complaints such as pain and rawness in the throat, difficulty in nasal breathing, alternating nasal congestion on the right or left side, clear or mucopurulent discharge. There is an increase in nasal congestion in the lying position and its absence during physical activity. Due to the flow of mucus into the nasopharynx, a cough occurs, which intensifies in the morning.

Upon examination, a hyperemic mucous membrane of the nasopharynx of a loose and edematous nature will be observed. Such changes are especially inherent in lymphoid tissue, the proliferation of which will occur in the hypertrophic form of nasopharyngitis. The lymph nodes in the back of the throat will be enlarged, but this symptom is not always present.

Atrophic and subatrophic rhinopharyngitis

Subatrophic rhinopharyngitis most often occurs due to the following reasons:

• concomitant pathologies of the digestive tract, among which atrophic gastritis is not the least important;
• diseases of the pancreas and gall bladder (pancreatitis, cholecystitis);
• decreased intestinal tone;
• gastroesophageal reflux disease, in which the acidic contents of the stomach are thrown into the esophagus.

Patients will be bothered by a sore throat, discomfort and difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, and difficult discharge from the throat. Upon examination, the mucous membrane of the pharynx has a pale appearance, it is thinned, dry and abundantly permeated with vessels.

What complications can occur after nasopharyngitis?

If the disease was provoked by viral agents, then secondary bacterial flora may be added, which can spread to the sinuses, bronchi or lungs. Accordingly, this will lead to diseases such as sinusitis, sinusitis, otitis media, bronchitis or pneumonia. A favorable background for the spread of infection is a significant decrease in immunity in adults and children, pregnancy, and inadequate antibiotic therapy.

An additional risk factor for nasopharyngitis are some underlying diseases (bronchial asthma and bronchiectasis), which are often aggravated by viral respiratory tract infections.

Complications of nasopharyngitis are dangerous for young children, in whom the inflammatory process quickly spreads to the larynx and can cause false croup.

If untimely and improper treatment is used, the acute process can become chronic, which subsequently leads to diseases of the middle ear, paranasal sinuses and lower respiratory tract.

Diagnosis of nasopharyngitis

The diagnosis of nasopharyngitis is clarified taking into account the patient’s complaints, medical history (duration of symptoms, previous and concomitant diseases) and examination. Examination of the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx is called rhinopharyngoscopy; with its help, the doctor will determine the condition and nature of changes in the mucous membranes, and whether there is exudate on them.

For chronic rhinopharyngitis, the examination plan also includes radiography or computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses and nasopharynx, as well as consultation with a therapist, pulmonologist and gastroenterologist.

The long course of the disease requires differential diagnosis with allergic or diphtheria rhinopharyngitis, which is carried out through enzyme immunoassay and general blood tests, as well as bacteriological examination of mucus.

Treatment of nasopharyngitis

To treat nasopharyngitis, treatment is used, which includes measures aimed at eliminating the cause of the disease and problems in the nasal cavity and pharynx separately. You can treat nasopharyngitis at home, following the recommendations given by your doctor. In the acute period, bed rest and dietary nutrition are prescribed. You should consume warm liquid broths and thin porridges, avoid hot, cold and spicy foods, and drink plenty of liquid. The more carefully you follow medical prescriptions, the faster the symptoms of the disease will be relieved.

Treatment of rhinitis phenomena is carried out taking into account the stage. So, with initial signs that are accompanied by dryness and irritation of the mucous membrane, it is recommended to treat the nasal passages with oil or saline solutions. Additionally, you can carry out thermal procedures, hot baths and rubbing.

In the phase of serous discharge, you should continue to rinse your nose with sea salt solutions, and also use astringent drops such as Protargol or Collargol. During the period of serous-purulent discharge, use saline solutions and vasoconstrictor drugs (Nazivin, Nazol, Galazolin).

Pay attention! You can use vasoconstrictor drops for no more than five days, otherwise you will have the exact opposite effect and you will get a drug-induced runny nose.

Inflammation of the pharynx is treated with local antiseptic drugs in the form of solutions, sprays and lozenges:

• Sea salt solutions, eucalyptus or chamomile decoctions are suitable for gargling. Do the procedure at least 3-4 times a day after meals.
• Irrigation of the mucous membrane is carried out with aerosols containing an antiseptic or antibiotic (Ingalipt, Hexoral, Yoks);
• lozenges: “Strepsils”, “Faryngosept”.

In the case of pathogens of bacterial origin, systemic antibacterial drugs are prescribed. The fight against chronic nasopharyngitis primarily includes the elimination of the provoking factor and is aimed at increasing the body's defenses.

Prevention of nasopharyngitis

Primary prevention of the disease is designed to prevent the onset of pathology. This includes treatment of chronic infectious foci, timely consultation with a doctor in case of colds, hardening of the body, a healthy lifestyle, combating bad habits, and improving working conditions.

Secondary prevention is needed to prevent relapses of the disease. Avoid hypothermia, dry air, harden your body, eat rationally. If symptoms of nasopharyngitis appear, or there are signs of exacerbation, perform inhalations, thermal procedures and rinse your nose and throat with saline solutions.

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Acute nasopharyngitis is an inflammatory lesion of the mucous membranes of the pharyngeal and nasal cavities, which is often diagnosed in preschool children. It is a complication of a prolonged runny nose. If left untreated, the disease becomes chronic and will worsen under the influence of the slightest adverse factors.

Rhinopharyngitis is a combination of two pathologies - rhinitis and pharyngitis. The first disease is characterized by a feeling of rawness and tickling, pain in the head and body aches, and a slight increase in body temperature. Next, mucus is released from the nasal passages. If there are no complications, then the symptoms go away on their own after a week.

Pharyngitis is an inflammatory lesion of the pharyngeal mucosa. If the nasal discharge is too strong, a person feels pain when swallowing, and the symptoms last a long time, then we can talk about rhinopharyngitis. He needs therapy.

Before treating nasopharyngitis, it is necessary to consider its varieties. The pathology can be classified as follows:

1. By etiological factor: infectious (bacterial or fungal agents, viruses), allergic.
2. In accordance with the nature of the course: acute and chronic.
3. According to the nature of the inflammatory process: purulent (characterized by corresponding discharge), catarrhal.

The chronic form of the disease can be atrophic or subatrophic. Treatment should begin as soon as acute nasopharyngitis begins to appear. Otherwise, the patient will develop complications that are more difficult to get rid of. All those people who are prone to diseases of the nose and throat need to know about rhinopharyngitis.

Reasons

The main factors that contribute to the development of the pathological process are: bacterial or viral infection, hypothermia. Catarrhal or acute laryngopharyngitis appears for the following reasons:

• overheating or hypothermia of the body;
• reduction of protective forces;
• untreated ARVI (rhinopharyngitis can develop even if a small focus of infection remains in the body with reduced immunity);
• bad habits.

Atrophic rhinopharyngitis appears as a result of long-term use of vasoconstrictor drops, the use of radiation therapy to treat angiomatous-type formations in the nasal cavity. The development of the disease is provoked by trauma to the mucous membranes, constant exposure to dust and chemicals. Allergies and dysfunction of the endocrine system also increase the risk of nasopharyngitis in adults.

Chronic damage is provoked by the following reasons:

• diseases of the stomach and intestines;
• constant exposure to dry air;
• long-term use of medications that suppress the immune system;
• formation of polyps, constant enlargement of adenoids;
• Oral candidiasis.

Chronic nasopharyngitis causes a deviated nasal septum. Exacerbation occurs even after drinking cold water. Stress, nervous tension, and emotional outburst can also aggravate the patient's condition. To treat the pathology, you need to know not only everything about rhinopharyngitis, but also about other diseases of the ENT organs with similar symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of nasopharyngitis

If we talk about rhinopharyngitis, then depending on the type of pathology, the signs vary slightly. Common symptoms are:

• heavy breathing;
• tingling, burning sensation, tissue dryness;
• accumulation of mucus on the mucous membrane of the nasal passages and throat;
• pain in the ears, deterioration of hearing function;
• change in the shade of the nasopharynx (redness), swelling;
• discomfort during nasal breathing, the appearance of a nasal voice;
• change in the size of the lymph nodes in the neck and back of the head.

Different types of nasopharyngitis differ slightly in manifestations:

Type of pathology	Manifestations
Allergic nasopharyngitis	· inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa, change in its shade; · stuffy nasal passages, constant runny nose; · mucus flowing down the posterior pharyngeal wall; cough, sore throat
Acute nasopharyngitis	· congestion in the ears; · significant mucous discharge from the nasal cavity, sometimes mixed with pus; · increased tearfulness; · constant itching in the nose, due to which a person constantly sneezes; · general weakness; · sore and sore throat; lethargy; · slight change in temperature indicators; · breathing problems, nasal voice
Catarrhal	· pain in the throat; · enlarged lymph nodes on the back wall of the pharynx; · redness of the tonsils, progression of the inflammatory process on them; · sore throat In the morning, the patient develops an intense cough, which is characterized by sputum discharge
Atrophic	· feeling of discomfort, coma in the throat; · intense cough; Increased irritability, sleep problems; · change in the shade of the mucous membrane (it becomes pale); · decreased pharyngeal reflexes; · presence of putrid odor from the oral cavity; · constant feeling of thirst; pain when swallowing food; bleeding of small vessels

Symptoms of rhinopharyngitis in chronic form are not clear. But their intensity increases with exacerbation of the pathological process.

Diagnostics

All of the above symptoms indicate rhinopharyngitis. However, only a doctor can make a final diagnosis. He pays attention to the patient's complaints and conducts an external examination. In order to determine the characteristics and stage of the disease, the specialist will prescribe additional diagnostic techniques:

1. Blood test for ESR, as well as the number of leukocytes.
2. Smear analysis to determine the causative agent of the pathology.
3. Endoscopic examination of the nasal cavities.
4. Radiography.
5. CT or MRI of the nasopharynx. These methods provide the most accurate and reliable information.

If the disease progresses in a chronic form, you will need to consult not only an ENT specialist, but also a gastroenterologist or endocrinologist (fluctuations in hormonal levels aggravate the situation). In case of allergic rhinopharyngitis, patients will have to do additional tests to determine the irritant. The protracted course of the disease requires additional ELISA analysis and polymerase chain reaction, bacterioscopic and microscopic examination.

The diagnosis of nasopharyngitis is not easy. Treatment of inflammation must be carried out comprehensively. Any medications are prescribed by a doctor. It is not recommended to use medications or folk infusions on your own. First you need to find out the causes and symptoms.

How to treat nasopharyngitis

Treatment of nasopharyngitis in adults should begin after the first symptoms are recorded. Advanced pathology is difficult to treat and becomes chronic with constant exacerbations when exposed to the slightest negative factor.

Drug therapy

Treatment of any form of chronic or acute nasopharyngitis should be comprehensive. First of all, it includes taking medications. The patient is prescribed:

1. Antiviral drugs: Anaferon, Ingavirin. The course of therapy is 5 days.
2. Antipyretics: Nurofen, Paracetamol. They are used only if the temperature is above 38.5 degrees.
3. Antiseptics: Hexoral. Adult patients must irrigate their pharynx with these drugs in aerosol form. You can also use lozenges: Strepsils.
4. Antihistamines: Loratadine, Suprastin, Zyrtec. Treatment with these drugs is justified if a person has an allergic form of rhinopharyngitis. For severe attacks, the use of hormonal drugs is recommended. They relieve swelling and produce an anti-inflammatory effect. The course of therapy in this case lasts up to 1 month.
5. Astringent nasal drops: “Protargol”. They are necessary in case of serous discharge.
6. Anti-cough medicines: “Sinekod”, “Mukaltin”.
7. Antibiotics: Azithromycin, Amoxicillin.
8. Immunostimulants and multivitamins.

Any medications must be prescribed by a doctor. If the cause of the development of nasopharyngitis is a deviated nasal septum, injury or a congenital defect in the structure of the facial bones, then surgical treatment cannot be avoided.

Physiotherapeutic procedures

It is used only after the acute symptoms of nasopharyngitis have been completely eliminated. The following procedures will be useful:

• inhalation;
• shock wave therapy;
• warming procedures (ozokerite);
• irradiation using quartz tube;

The doctor decides what procedures will be performed. To do this, he needs to determine in what form nasopharyngitis develops. Additionally, a person needs to eat well and drink enough fluids (to thin the mucus). It is better to temporarily give up too hot or cold dishes and heavy foods.

It is advisable to install air humidifiers in dry rooms. In addition to gargling, a person will have to remain in bed for 3-5 days.

Traditional treatment

Folk remedies can treat not only nasopharyngitis, but also posterior rhinitis. But they should be used after consulting a doctor. The following recipes will be useful:

1. Kalanchoe. The juice of the plant is instilled 5 drops into each nostril.
2. Plantain infusion. Requires 1 tbsp. plants and a glass of boiling water. After 2 hours the product can be used. Drink the decoction three times a day before meals.
3. Calendula flower juice. You need 1 tbsp. dilute the liquid with 0.5 liters of heated boiled water. A solution is used to gargle.

You can also use beet juice for nasal drops.

Prevention

Timely treatment of nasopharyngitis gives a positive prognosis. However, it is better to prevent the disease. To do this, it is worth observing the following preventive measures:

• promptly and correctly treat any infectious processes in the body, regardless of their etiology;
• for frequent diseases of the throat and nose, undergo preventive examinations with an ENT specialist twice a year;
• in winter, dress so that the body does not overheat or become hypothermic;
• strengthen the immune system with the help of multivitamins, hardening and balanced nutrition;
• during epidemics of respiratory diseases, use protective medications (oxolinic ointment), avoid large crowds of people, contact with infected people;
• wash your hands more often;
• use nasal rinsing with sea salt solution for prevention.

If the disease does appear, then it is important to approach treatment correctly. During therapy, you should not stay in a dry and hot room for a long time. In the bedroom it is better to put a humidifier or put wet towels on the radiators (if the heating is on). You need to drink a lot to prevent the mucous membranes from drying out and dehydration. If rhinopharyngitis is acute, then treatment cannot be carried out using mustard plasters or heat compresses. This will only worsen the patient's condition.

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Content

Often people ignore symptoms such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, and mild malaise, in the hope that everything will go away on its own. In those who do not provide themselves with timely help, the disease often progresses, capturing more and more new territories. Rhinopharyngitis is a very unpleasant disease, the symptoms of which everyone is familiar with. It will not be possible to protect yourself and your loved ones completely from infections, but it is quite possible to reduce the risk of getting sick or at least prevent the disease from becoming severe.

General information about nasopharyngitis

Inflammatory diseases of the nasopharynx are very common, especially during the so-called “cold season.” This is due to an increase in the number of acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections, and hypothermia. Rhinopharyngitis is a disease that combines the symptoms of rhinitis and pharyngitis, accompanied by inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose and pharynx. It is a manifestation of bacterial and viral infection of the human body, its reaction to environmental irritants. The disease requires symptomatic and immediate treatment to prevent complications.

Symptoms of rhinopharyngitis in adults

Every person is well acquainted with the first manifestations of the disease - general malaise, loss of appetite, severe runny nose, sore throat. Depending on the stage and severity of the disease, symptoms may be as follows:

• dry nose;
• sneezing;
• cough;
• malaise;
• nasal voice;
• burning in the throat;
• ear pain;
• lacrimation;
• pain when swallowing;
• nasal congestion;
• sore throat, swollen lymph nodes;
• pain in the back of the head;
• redness of the throat.

Initial symptoms may change over time. A dry cough turns into a wet one, and if a bacterial infection is added, the body temperature may increase. At an appointment at the clinic, the doctor can diagnose redness of the throat, enlarged adenoids, accumulation of mucus and pus in the nasopharynx. A sick person can carry the infection and infect other people. Those in contact with an infected patient may feel signs of illness within 24 hours after contact.

Signs of rhinopharyngitis in children

In childhood, the disease can be more acute, subsequently have complications, and a long period of recovery and rehabilitation. The child becomes lethargic, tearful, and his appetite decreases due to deterioration in health and difficulty breathing. Manifestations of the disease may be as follows:

• significant increase in body temperature (38-39°C);
• nasal congestion;
• runny nose with the appearance of light transparent discharge;
• poor sleep;
• fever;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• burning, tingling in the nasopharynx;
• painful cough.

Since the disease can often have similar symptoms to infectious diseases (diphtheria, scarlet fever, influenza, whooping cough), it is important not to hesitate to consult a doctor to clarify and make a diagnosis, timely prescribing the correct treatment to avoid the disease progressing to more severe forms (bronchitis, pneumonia) . Recovery in the normal course of the disease occurs within 1-2 weeks, but residual symptoms of the disease (cough, weakness) may still appear, which often happens in children.

Forms of nasopharyngitis

Several types of the disease can be divided according to the type of pathogen causing the disease and the stage of the disease:

• Acute form - accompanied by a slight increase in temperature, soreness, looseness of the mucous membrane in the throat, catarrhal phenomena in the nasopharynx, and weakness. In the winter-spring period, during an infectious surge, the incidence of the disease increases significantly, especially in preschool children and primary schoolchildren.
• The allergic form of the disease is based on a reaction to allergens in the environment. These can be animals, plants, medications, chemicals, food, dust, etc. In this case, a runny nose, a non-productive irritating cough, and an inflammatory process in the nasopharynx are detected.
• In the chronic course of the disease, there is pronounced swelling of the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx, an increase in the size of the lymph nodes, accumulation of thick mucus in the nasopharynx, and loss of smell.
• Atrophic type of the disease - can last a long time, affecting a person’s voice, manifested by hoarseness, sore throat, pallor and thinning of the mucous membrane.
• The hypertrophic form - in addition to severe pain in the throat, is characterized by difficulty breathing, a strong dry cough, and copious sputum production, especially in the morning.
• Catarrhal nasopharyngitis - characterized by the sensation of a foreign object in the throat, hyperemia of the tonsils, and copious purulent discharge from the nasopharynx.

Allergic nasopharyngitis

The wonderful period of spring flowering of plants complicates the life of people prone to manifestations of allergic rhinitis. Cold-like nasal congestion, pain and redness in the throat, watery eyes, cough caused by mucus running down the nasopharynx, and itching are caused by allergens - plant pollen. An allergic reaction of the body can be caused by animal hair, house dust, food products, and cosmetics. When the flowering season ends, contact with allergens becomes impossible, and unpleasant symptoms disappear without consequences.

Allergic nasopharyngitis does not pose a danger to others, because associated with a person’s individual reaction. Symptoms that accompany the disease throughout the day may weaken and intensify. To alleviate the condition, patients should consult an allergist. Using laboratory tests, the doctor will determine dangerous allergens for a specific organism, which will eliminate contact with them in everyday life. If necessary, immunomodulatory and antihistamine drugs are prescribed.

Spicy

Acute nasopharyngitis manifests itself as severe sore throat, sore throat, dry nasopharynx, and changes in the timbre of the voice. The appearance of swelling is caused by a significant expansion of blood vessels and lymphoid tissue, because blood rushes to the nasopharyngeal area. Body temperature mostly remains within normal limits, sometimes rising to the subfebrile zone. Relief comes from warm drinks and medications that reduce symptoms.

A viral infection, entering the body, is activated immediately, while bacteria can begin to multiply when favorable conditions arise. The acute form of the disease often occurs after hypothermia, contact with a sick person and due to a decrease in the immune status of the body. Consulting a doctor will help establish the correct diagnosis, rule out other more serious diseases, and begin proper treatment. The patient should take care of the safety of others and use a protective mask.

Chronic

Like any disease, the acute form of the disease, if treated untimely and unproductively, can develop into a chronic stage; treatment in this case will be longer, with alternating phases of exacerbation and remission. The cause of the chronic form may be:

• problems with the endocrine, cardiovascular and digestive systems;
• the addition of bacterial and fungal infections;
• uncontrolled use of vasoconstrictor drops;
• lack of retinol in the body.

Chronic nasopharyngitis can manifest itself in three types:

1. Atrophic - at this stage of the disease, a painful constant cough that intensifies at night is often disturbing; dry crusts may appear on the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity. The mucous membrane is often pale in color and looks depleted.
2. Catarrhal – soreness and hoarseness in the throat and nasal congestion occur. It occurs in many smokers and people living or working in places with polluted air.
3. Hypertrophic - the nasopharynx area looks swollen and loose, enlargement of the palatine tonsils, changes in lymphoid tissue, and loss of smell may be observed.

Diagnosis of nasopharyngitis

To make a diagnosis at an appointment, the doctor examines the mouth, throat, and nose (rhinopharyngoscopy), and inquires about the patient’s complaints and the duration of symptoms. Chronic forms of the disease require the inclusion of additional types of examination:

• radiography;
• computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses;
• blood test;
• bacteriological research;
• test samples to determine allergens;
• consultations with specialists (pulmonologist, gastroenterologist, therapist, allergist).

Treatment of nasopharyngitis

Different forms of the disease require different methods and treatment regimens. In acute form, the following drugs are used:

• antipyretics;
• antiviral;
• antibiotics for bacterial infections;
• saline solution or sea salt solution to rinse the nasal passages;
• vasoconstrictors;
• solutions with an antiseptic effect for rinsing;
• antitussive (mucolytic).

Allergic rhinopharyngitis is treated with:

• antihistamines;
• eliminating the allergen that caused inflammation;
• hormonal sprays.

The chronic form of the disease first requires determining the cause of the disease. If surgical intervention is not required (for a deviated nasal septum, polyps, adenoids), the following is prescribed:

• antibiotics;
• physiotherapy;
• immunostimulants;
• vitamin complexes;
• rinsing, inhalation.

General recommendations include following a diet (excluding hot, cold, spicy and salty foods from the diet), drinking plenty of fluids (drinking about 2 liters of liquid daily), frequently ventilating the room, humidifying the air, and bed rest for up to 5 days. It is recommended to take vitamin supplements. Eating broths, cereals, fruits, and vegetables is beneficial.

Symptomatic remedies

Unpleasant symptoms that worsen the quality of life and accompany nasopharyngitis are effectively eliminated with the help of symptomatic medications, divided into the following groups:

1. Vasoconstrictors - used to relieve swelling of the nasal cavity, making breathing easier. This group of drugs includes nasal drops - Galazolin, Nazol, Tizin, Rinonorm, Dlyanos, oil drops Pinosol, Nazivin, Polydexa.
2. Antitussives - prescribed for severe hacking cough syndrome, leading to vomiting, shortness of breath, debilitating at night. The drugs Sinekod, Gerbion, Codelac, Bronholitin, Erespal relieve cough. When viscous secretion forms and stagnates in the bronchi, mucolytic drugs are prescribed for expectoration - Mucaltin, Ambrobene, ACC, Lazolvan.
3. Antipyretics – cope with elevated body temperature and help improve overall well-being. Paracetamol, Ibuklin, Coldact, Theraflu, Efferalgan, Coldrex, Ibuprofen, Nurofen, Aspirin, etc. are intended for this.
4. Antiseptics – inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria, applied topically. These are solutions for gargling with the addition of Furacillin, herbal decoctions (sage, chamomile) followed by instillation of oil drops. Treating the throat with isotonic and alcohol solutions helps a lot. You can lubricate the throat with Lugol's solution, Chlorhexidine, and also use easy-to-use lozenges - Strepsils, Faringosept. Local antiseptic drugs in the form of aerosols are effective - Ingalipt, Hexoral, Yox.
5. Antihistamines - significantly alleviate the patient’s condition resulting from immune reactions such as allergies, help relieve swelling of the larynx and nasopharynx. Such drugs are Zyrtec, Fenistil, Suprastin, Erius, Diazolin, Claritin.

Antiviral and antibacterial drugs

On the shelves of pharmacies you can find a large number of medicines that have antiviral activity; it is advisable to start using them at the very first signs of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza. Antiviral drugs are used both for the treatment of the disease and for prevention. Drugs that fight infectious agents include:

• Ingavirin;
• Interferon;
• Anaferon;
• Viferon;
• Kagocel;
• Arbidol;
• Cycloferon;
• Rimantadine;
• Ergoferon;
• Amiksin.

In the fight against complicated infections, taking antibacterial agents is effective. Antibiotics for nasopharyngitis, which include the penicillin series of drugs and a group called cephalosporins, suppress the activity of pathogenic microorganisms. Such products can only be used as prescribed by a doctor; pharmacy chains sell them upon presentation of a prescription. Antibacterial drugs include:

• Oxacillin;
• Ampicillin;
• Dicloxacillin;
• Amoxicillin;
• Cephalexin;
• Cefaclor;
• Cefixime;
• Ceftibuten;
• Cefipime.

Physiotherapy

The chronic form is successfully treated with physiotherapeutic procedures. Such techniques are completely safe and can be combined with other types of treatment. For illness use:

• Electrophoresis - with its help, the medicinal substance is quickly and directly delivered to the painful area, bypassing the digestive tract. This treatment is indicated for almost any form of disease.
• Laser therapy - through low-intensity radiation, promotes restoration processes in the body, reduces pain, and produces a resolving effect.
• UHF therapy – affects tissues with a high-frequency electric field, effectively relieves inflammation, and has an analgesic effect. Often used for diseases of the ENT organs.
• Ultraviolet treatment (quartz tube) – has a bactericidal effect, cures inflammatory processes, and has a general strengthening effect on the body.

Prevention of nasopharyngitis

An effective way of prevention is to strengthen the immune system. This is facilitated by taking immunomodulator drugs, physical exercise, walks in the fresh air, hardening, a healthy lifestyle, giving up bad habits, and proper nutrition. Other recommendations:

• During periods of increased morbidity, avoid hypothermia and direct contact with those who are already sick.
• If contact occurs, rinse the nasopharynx, gargle and inhale with herbal decoctions.
• Don’t forget to take courses of vitamins, get enough sleep and ventilate the room more often.

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Attention! The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials in the article do not encourage self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and give treatment recommendations based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

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Rhinopharyngitis - symptoms and treatment

Rhinopharyngitis is an inflammation of the nasopharyngeal mucosa. The disease received this name for a reason, because it combines two diseases: pharyngitis and rhinitis.

So, before treating such a pathology in adults, you need to understand related diseases that also require treatment.

Rhinitis is a simple runny nose or inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Its progression is divided into several stages, each of which has its own characteristic symptoms.

At the initial stage there are such manifestations as:

1. sore throat;
2. headache;
3. mild cough;
4. insignificant increase in temperature.

At the second stage, liquid mucus begins to secrete from the nose, it is stuffy. The patient also develops a fever and loses clarity of consciousness.

In the third stage, the nose is stuffy and thick snot flows from it. If there are no complications, the disease goes away in 7-10 days.

Pharyngitis is a disease in which the pharyngeal mucosa becomes inflamed. Often this process develops after suffering from an acute respiratory infection or.

Sometimes it appears due to exposure to bacteria that provoke a sore throat. Symptoms of the disease include a sore throat and constant sore throat and cough.

If nasal discharge is profuse and the patient experiences pain when swallowing, then most likely he will be diagnosed with rhinopharyngitis. This disease is a complication of the acute form of rhinitis, in which the pharyngeal mucosa becomes inflamed.

For these reasons, the patient complains of pain that occurs during swallowing. In this case, symptoms such as thickening of the mucous membrane, redness of the pharynx, and sometimes pustules or mucous plaque form on it.

It is worth noting that there are diseases whose manifestations are similar to nasopharyngitis. These include laryngopharyngitis, which is a complicated variant of rhinopharyngitis.

Causes of the disease

The main factors for the occurrence of the disease include:

1. hypothermia;
2. bacteria;
3. viral infection.

Often, acute nasopharyngitis in adults occurs against a background of weakened immunity. And the infectious agents of this pathology are different types of cocci.

As the disease develops, some of the cells enter the mucous membrane, causing it to swell, blood vessels dilate, and blood flow to the pharyngeal cavity. At the same time, the blood supply often passes to the mucous membrane of the ear canals.

Typically, inflammation is concentrated in areas where lymphoid tissue accumulates.

Symptoms

Everyone is familiar with the manifestations of this disease. They occur at the beginning of a cold, when it is difficult to breathe due to nasal congestion. At the same time, the nasopharynx dries out, soreness and burning appear in it.

Over time, redness of the pharynx is noted, and copious amounts of mucus are released from the nose. In addition, the lining of the throat swells and the veins become more visible. There is no plaque on the tissues, but if there is any, then diphtheria should be excluded.

With acute pharyngitis, changes occur in the voice - it is nasal and distorted. Pain sensations are concentrated in the back of the head, and the cervical lymph nodes become enlarged. An increase in temperature does not always occur, but if it increases, it is to a slight level.

As a rule, pain in the throat with rhinopharyngitis resembles the symptoms of a sore throat, in which the tonsils become inflamed. This disease is characterized by intense pain that occurs when swallowing and elevated temperature.

Although with pharyngitis and nasopharyngitis, you can drink warm tea, after which relief will come, but no increase in temperature is noted.

Allergic nasopharyngitis: manifestations

The symptoms of this type of disease in adults are similar to the usual form of the disease. The only difference is that the inflammatory process is allergic in nature. Thus, the appearance of the disease is facilitated by an allergen, which must be eliminated by limiting contact with it.

In addition, with this form of the disease, the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx, nose and pharynx becomes inflamed. Often the inflammation begins in the nose and then goes down to the throat. If this process starts in the pharynx (this symptom characterizes laryngopharyngitis), then over time it reaches the nose, as a result of which rhinitis develops.

Symptoms of nasopharyngitis in adults are as follows:

• cough;
• runny nose and nasal congestion;
• discomfort in the throat;
• mucus flowing along the back wall;
• redness and swelling of the throat.

Basically, allergic rhinopharyngitis occurs together with nasal diseases of an inflammatory nature.

In addition, the disease often develops against the background of pathologies such as laryngopharyngitis and other diseases of the nose, pharynx and larynx.

This type of disease progresses if the acute or ordinary form of nasopharyngitis is not treated. This type of disease appears due to the constant presence of infection in the sinuses and teeth affected by caries.

The chronic type of rhinopharyngitis is divided into subtypes:

1. atrophic;
2. hypertrophic;
3. catarrhal.

If the disease has an atrophic form, then adults experience symptoms such as:

• hoarse voice;
• discomfort in the throat;
• excessive shine, thinness and pallor of the mucous membrane;
• feeling of soreness in the throat.

Hypertrophic and catarrhal nasopharyngitis are also characterized by sensations such as pain and rawness in the throat. In addition, there is abundant purulent discharge from the mucous membranes coming from the pharynx and nose, which leads to constant coughing.

In addition, if the patient changes his body position in the morning, then severe expectoration occurs, which can even result in vomiting. In this case, a slight enlargement of the tonsils is observed, and their mucous membrane becomes swollen and loose.

In the area of ​​the back wall of the pharynx, symptoms such as enlarged lymph nodes () are noted. And if there is an increase in lymphoid tissue along the lateral walls of the pharynx, then the patient will be diagnosed with lateral rhinopharyngitis.

Drug treatment of nasopharyngitis

Inflammation of the throat and nose in adults should be treated with external medications that have the following effects:

1. anti-inflammatory;
2. antimicrobial;
3. analgesic.

The most effective topical agents include:

• antiseptic tablets – Ambazon, Antiangin, Dyclonine;
• iodine-based preparations – Povidone-iodine;
• products based on herbal components and essential oils - Rotokan, Septolete;
• sprays and aerosols - Propolis, Fusafungin, Dexamethozone.

In certain cases, treatment of nasopharyngitis with local remedies is ineffective. Under such circumstances, the doctor prescribes antibacterial drugs. In particular, it is necessary to treat the disease in this way if pharyngitis and rhinitis occur together with a sore throat, the appearance of which is provoked by the proliferation of B-hemolytic streptococcus. In such a situation, it is necessary to take antibiotics belonging to the penicillin group.

How to treat chronic nasopharyngitis and laryngopharyngitis in adults? The first step is to sanitize the infectious foci and clear the throat of mucus. For this purpose, you need to gargle with saline solution (1%).

In addition, this solution can be used to irrigate the throat and do inhalations. In addition, an antiseptic with sea salt can be purchased at the pharmacy.

The chronic form of nasopharyngitis does not need to be treated constantly. Therapy should be carried out only in case of exacerbation for no more than 10 days. Then there is a break for half a month.

It is worth noting that the chronic form of the disease cannot be completely cured.

But at the same time, it is possible to carry out preventive treatment that will maintain normal nasal breathing, so that subsequently you do not have to use antibiotics, which have a lot of side effects.

Treatment of rhinopharyngitis with folk remedies

Acute and chronic forms of the disease should be treated with regular gargling. To do this, you can prepare special solutions:

1. One tbsp. l. dry sage infused in a glass of boiling water.
2. 1 tsp dissolves in a glass of water. soda

Along with rinsing, you can drip your nose with natural oils (salt, olive). In addition, it is useful to use Borjomi non-carbonated mineral water for inhalation and irrigation of the nasopharynx.

Prevention

To avoid having to treat an inflamed nasopharynx with harmful antibacterial agents, it is necessary to follow preventive measures. So, you need to lead a healthy lifestyle, including giving up bad habits, exercising and avoiding emotional and psychological stress.

At the same time, it is necessary to do regular important cleaning, which minimizes the number of harmful bacteria in the room. In addition, this will maintain a humidity level that is camphoric for the human body.

If possible, you should avoid contact with people with colds. In addition, it is important not to overcool the body.

In fact, preventing the occurrence of nasopharyngitis is much easier than its subsequent treatment. Therefore, it is easier to follow preventive measures than to suffer from unpleasant symptoms of the disease by taking antibacterial agents that have a lot of side effects. About the treatment of pharyngitis and its forms - in the video in this article.

The term “rhinopharyngitis” does not mean a specific disease, but the localization of the inflammatory process in the nasopharynx. Depending on the cause of the pathology, approaches to its treatment differ.

The overwhelming majority of nasopharyngitis is a consequence of ARVI and requires only symptomatic therapy.

Causes and signs of occurrence

Rhinopharyngitis (sometimes another term “nasopharyngitis” or the common name “cold” is used) is an inflammatory manifestation of a number of diseases predominantly (more than 90%) of viral origin. This fact explains that the corresponding diagnosis may sound like “rhinovirus infection.”

The causative agents of ARVI (acute respiratory viral infections), accompanied by inflammation of the nasopharynx, can be viruses:

In rare cases, the pathology is bacterial or allergic in nature.

Bacterial agents:

• mycoplasma;
• chlamydia;
• anaerobic bacteria (in the presence of foci of chronic infection);
• specific pathogens (diphtheria bacillus, etc.), etc.

The allergic form of pathology may be a consequence of the body’s reaction to household dust mites; plant pollen, etc.

Symptoms

In children, nasopharyngitis almost always accompanies the appearance of rhinitis (runny nose) due to the structural features of the nasopharynx and the properties of the mucous membrane. The onset of the disease is considered, so pay special attention to such complaints from the baby.

Also, in children, diseases manifested by nasopharyngitis are often more severe than in adults. Thus, ARVI caused by the RS virus in adults is a mild fever-free illness with a slight runny nose and sore throat.

Whereas in young children, especially the first six months of life, it is extremely difficult, with complications in the form of pneumonia and often requires hospital treatment.

There are acute and chronic nasopharyngitis with the current.

General manifestations:

The acute form of the disease is characterized by greater severity of symptoms and a duration of about 5-10 days. If the pathology was caused by a chlamydial or mycoplasma infection, then recovery may take up to two weeks.

Chronic nasopharyngitis can be hypertrophic (redness, swelling and thickening of the mucosa), atrophic (pallor, thinning of the membrane), catarrhal (without significant changes).

Reading the article at the link will help you find out all the details about it and avoid making mistakes.

We tell you about which spray to use against a runny nose during pregnancy. The article is written based on the opinions of the majority of ENT doctors.

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In the atrophic form, attention is drawn to a constant sore throat; in the other two forms, regular secretion of mucus is noticeable.

Rhinopharyngitis of viral origin requires only symptomatic treatment:

• gentle diet;
• drinking plenty of water;
• sucking on pieces of ice for a sore throat;
• vasoconstrictor drugs based on oxymetazoline, phenylephrine, etc., which facilitate nasal breathing;
• painkillers and antipyretics (paracetamol, ibuprofen, acetylsalicylic acid, etc.);
• antihistamines that reduce swelling of the mucous membrane (loratadine, etc.);
• medications to relieve sore throat (sprays, lozenges, etc.);
• local antimicrobial agents (Bioparoxa, etc.).

Antibiotics indicated for use

Antibiotics are prescribed only if the bacterial nature of the disease is confirmed. In case of allergic rhinopharyngitis, it is necessary to exclude contact with the allergen that caused the problem, use antihistamines and/or steroids (Nasonex, Nasobek, etc.) on the recommendation of a doctor.

A popular anti-inflammatory drug (but with unproven effectiveness in research) is Erespal. Some patients note slight relief when taking it, according to the instructions.

In case of normal general health and absence of fever, walks in the fresh air are necessary.

Physiotherapeutic procedures can be carried out at the clinic:

• inhalation with saline solution;
• laser and magnetic therapy;
• quartz;
• light therapy using the Bioptron device, etc.

Severe forms of the disease, especially in premature babies and infants, require hospital treatment.

Lack of adequate treatment for nasopharyngitis (abuse of antibacterial agents, use of traditional medicine recipes without discussing with a doctor etc.) can cause it to become chronic or develop complications, including from other organs (bronchi, lungs, etc.).

Treatment of the disease in adults

Rhinopharyngitis in adults, in most cases, is a self-limiting condition that does not require special treatment measures.

To alleviate the condition, symptomatic therapy is used, the list of medications for which is wider for adults than for children. So, lozenges for resorption (Strepsils, etc.), relieving sore throats, Mostly presented for the age category over 5 years.

Treatment of acute forms of the disease in children

A feature of the treatment of the disease in children is the exclusion of certain medications.

The use of medications containing acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin, etc.) is not allowed due to the high risk of developing a life-threatening condition - Reye's (or Reye's) syndrome.

According to modern research, the simultaneous use of paracetamol and ibuprofen significantly increases the likelihood of side effects that are rare for each of them separately, namely liver damage and stomach ulcers. Children should not take combination products based on these substances.

Also, children are prohibited from using medications in the form of sprays.(can provoke laryngospasm).

Therapy for chronic nasopharyngitis

Therapy for chronic nasopharyngitis is primarily aimed at identifying and eliminating constantly present foci of infection (chronic tonsillitis, sinusitis, adenoids, caries, etc.).

In case of exacerbation, the same drugs are prescribed as for the acute form of the disease.

In the case of severe atrophic nasopharyngitis, lubrication of the posterior wall of the pharynx with iodine solutions can be used to irritate the mucous membrane and activate its functions.

It should be remembered that iodine can cause allergies and burns to the mucous membranes..

The use of folk remedies

Treatment with folk remedies is allowed only after consultation with a doctor (due to the serious risk of allergic reactions, especially in young patients) and includes:

• steam inhalations (not performed on children due to the risk of mucosal burns);
• and rinsing the nose with herbal decoctions based on calendula, chamomile, oak bark, etc.;
• instilling beetroot or Kalanchoe juice into the nose;
• instillation of protargol (the drug and its analogues are prohibited in foreign countries due to the toxic effects of silver);
• rubbing with vodka and vinegar to reduce high fever (STRICTLY PROHIBITED in children - only rubbing with water or immersion in a bath is allowed).

Cost and availability of drugs

You can buy medications for the treatment of nasopharyngitis at any city pharmacy, special purpose online store or on Ya.Market.

Cost of some drugs:

• Paracetamol (and analogues) – 2 – 280 rubles;
• Oxymetazoline – 50 – 380 rubles;
• Amoxicillin - 12 - 206 rubles;
• Loratadine – 7 – 711 rub.;
• AquaMaris - 105 - 249 rubles;
• Nasonex - 800 - 1120 rubles;
• Bioparox – 408 – 631 rubles;
• Strepsils – 215 – 363 rub.

Rhinopharyngitis is a symptomatic manifestation of many diseases, predominantly of viral origin, so its treatment in most cases requires only symptomatic therapy. Any medications, including traditional medicine, are prescribed by a doctor.

In the video: on the prevention of acute respiratory diseases with the help of natural “medicines” based on folk recipes, the benefits of which were also confirmed by official medicine.