Rhinopharyngitis is a combination of inflammation of the nasal and pharyngeal mucous membranes. In this case, the affected person suffers from a cold and sore throat.
What is rhinopharyngitis?
Rhinopharyngitis is the term used when there is inflammation of the nasal mucosa (rhinitis) as well as the pharyngeal mucosa (pharyngitis). The disease is also known as flu-like infection or cold and is harmless in nature. Thus, the complaints go away by themselves after about a week. However, rhinopharyngitis is also considered very contagious. It is particularly widespread in the cool seasons of autumn and winter, because the cooling of certain parts of the body such as the nose, ears, fingers and toes has a favorable effect on the development of this infection, as the human defense system is affected. The incubation period of rhinopharyngitis is between two and five days. Not infrequently, a secondary bacterial infection also occurs.
Causes
Causes of rhinopharyngitis are in most cases viruses. A distinction must be made between an acute as well as a chronic form. Acute rhinopharyngitis is mostly caused by viruses. These are rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, parainfluenza viruses or influenza viruses. These viruses spread through the mucosa of the nose and throat after infection. If the mucous membrane and immune system are already weakened, the harmful germs have an easy time and quickly trigger inflammation of the nose and throat. Even on the surface of the skin, the pathogens survive for a few hours. Risk factors for damage to the mucous membrane include cigarette consumption, dry warm air, as well as allergies, hormonal disorders or metabolic disorders. In some cases, the viral disease leads to the outbreak of purulent rhinopharyngitis. This in turn is caused by bacteria such as streptococci, staphylococci or pneumococci. If several infections occur in succession, physicians speak of chronic rhinopharyngitis. This is noticeable by a permanent purulent-mucous secretion. Possible causes of chronic rhinopharyngitis include chronic tonsillitis or enlargement of the pharyngeal tonsils (hyperplasia). However, it is also possible that rhinopharyngitis is allergic in origin. Thus, the respiratory disease can be caused by numerous allergens. The symptoms often spread to other organs and trigger bronchial asthma, eczema or conjunctivitis. Causes are considered to be grass, grain or tree pollen, as well as animal hair and dust mites.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
At the beginning of rhinopharyngitis, sufferers experience fatigue and tiredness. Not infrequently, they also suffer from sore throat, headache, discomfort in the limbs and mild fever. As it progresses, a watery, clear secretion runs from the nose, which is a cold. As it progresses, the consistency of the rhinitis becomes more viscous. If a bacterial infection is present, the mucus of the sniffles takes on a greenish-yellow color. In addition, as the nasal mucous membranes swell considerably, breathing through the nose is made much more difficult. Sometimes a feeling of pressure also develops inside the ears, which can lead to temporary hearing loss. Not infrequently, the patient also suffers from other complaints such as hoarseness, cough and chills. In addition, redness appears on the throat, which usually feels dry. Patients often experience pain and difficulty swallowing, making eating, drinking and speaking difficult. Furthermore, an unpleasant burning sensation in the throat region is possible. In children, there is a risk of high fever. A bacterial infection is noticeable by pus deposits found on the mucous membrane of the throat.
Diagnosis and course of the disease
If a physician must be consulted because of rhinopharyngitis, he first takes the patient’s medical history. He then performs a thorough examination of the throat. In order to be able to diagnose the infestation with bacteria, a swab is taken from the throat. This can be analyzed using a rapid test and thus provides further information. It is also important to distinguish rhinopharyngitis from allergic rhinitis.In some cases, rhinopharyngitis is also caused by a so-called childhood disease such as chickenpox, measles or scarlet fever, which the doctor must determine. The course of the disease rhinopharyngitis is usually positive. Thus, the symptoms subside by themselves after a few days. In some cases, however, complications are possible due to a secondary bacterial infection.
Complications
The typical symptoms of rhinopharyngitis can develop into serious complications as the disease progresses. Frequently, as the disease progresses, there is a severe fever, which is almost always associated with cardiovascular symptoms, a severe malaise, and further infections. Accompanying symptoms include chills and aching limbs, which in turn are associated with complications. As a result of the typical swallowing difficulties, aspiration of food debris may occur, leading to the development of pneumonia in some cases. If a secondary bacterial infection develops, further immune, intestinal, and cardiovascular symptoms are likely. In addition, initial symptoms increase and cause severe discomfort. Possible superinfections include middle ear infections, sinusitis, or laryngitis. A severe course of the disease leads to rheumatic fever and resulting joint and heart problems. Even with timely treatment, complications can occur, for example due to the use of antipyretic drugs, painkillers or antibiotics. Corresponding preparations always carry the risk of side effects and interactions. Addictive behavior can develop with prolonged use of nasal drops or nasal sprays. Late effects such as kidney and liver damage cannot be ruled out either.
When should you go to the doctor?
If rhinitis, a reddened throat with itching and pain, and signs of fever occur, rhinopharynghitis may be underlying. A physician should be consulted if symptoms do not resolve on their own within two to three days. Children should be presented to a pediatrician immediately if they have a fever and respiratory symptoms. People suffering from a viral infection or allergy are also among the risk groups and should have the symptoms mentioned clarified quickly. This is especially true if skin changes or asthmatic complaints also occur. Rhinopharynghitis is treated by an ear, nose and throat specialist or an allergist. Further points of contact are specialists for internal diseases as well as a dermatologist. In addition, for chronic conditions that cannot be alleviated by conservative treatment measures, the physician may consult alternative medical practitioners. Inflammation of the nasal and pharyngeal mucous membranes can be treated well, provided it is diagnosed early. If no treatment is given, the symptoms will become more severe and there is a risk of developing chronic or allergic rhinopharynghitis.
Treatment and therapy
Treatment of rhinopharyngitis involves combating its symptoms. This includes the use of nasal drops or nasal sprays to help the swollen nasal mucosa subside. Rinsing the mouth with disinfectant solutions, applying warm throat compresses, drinking hot tea, and taking lozenges that have an analgesic effect are also considered helpful. Antipyretic medicines can also be used against fever. If bacteria trigger a purulent inflammation in the nose and throat, the patient is usually given germ-killing antibiotics. During the illness, it is advisable to provide the body with plenty of fluids. To moisten the air in the room, it is advisable to place damp cloths on the heaters to avoid further irritation to the nasal mucosa. Although rhinopharyngitis usually disappears after 14 days at the latest, it still takes three or four weeks for the mucosa to regain its complete functionality. During this period, therefore, there is a risk of re-infection.
Prevention
To prevent rhinopharyngitis, strengthening the immune system is recommended. For this purpose, attention should be paid to an adequate intake of vitamins. Also important are a balanced diet, visits to the sauna and sufficient exercise.
Aftercare
Rhinopharyngitis is caused by cold viruses, and the mucous membranes in the nose and throat are inflamed at the same time.Classic symptoms are a burning sensation in the throat that intensifies when swallowing food, swollen mucous membranes, and secretion in the nose. Follow-up care is advisable to eliminate the inflammation in the long term. A relapse, which could occur due to insufficiently treated symptoms, must be prevented. The aim is for the patient to be free of symptoms and for rhinopharyngitis to be completely cured. Treatment takes the form of medication administration. A visit to the general practitioner or ENT specialist is recommended so that the patient receives medicine that is appropriate for him. Antibiotics, on the other hand, should be avoided, as they fight bacteria instead of viruses. In addition to medically prescribed medications, home remedies such as chamomile tea help to alleviate symptoms. The aftercare is combined with the therapy, it ends with the healing of the rhinopharyngitis. The patient can do less aftercare by himself, but he can prevent it. There is an increased risk of infection up to one month after healing. If cold room air is avoided, the throat area is warmed with cloths or woolen scarves, saline throat spray is used, and the doctor’s orders are followed, re-inflammation of the mucous membranes can be prevented.
What you can do yourself
Rhinopharyngitis can be very uncomfortable and distressing for sufferers. Depending on the cause, different measures can be taken to relieve existing symptoms. The secretion of the usually clear secretion is mainly caused by the swelling of the nasal mucosa. To counteract this, decongestant nasal sprays and nose drops can be used. This makes breathing easier. However, higher-dose nasal sprays in particular should only be used infrequently and especially at night. Too frequent use can lead to dependence. The mucous membrane of the throat can also be soothed in a supportive manner. Painkilling lozenges and drinking warm teas are recommended here. In addition, nasal irrigation with saline solutions and inhalation with menthol can have an expectorant effect. Existing fever and headaches can be treated with mild painkillers. Ibuprofen and paracetamol, which are well tolerated and at the same time have an anti-inflammatory and decongestant effect, are particularly suitable here. Since most rhinopharyngitis is viral, antibiotics should only be used for purulent throat infections or sinusitis. The duration of the disease itself can be influenced little and lasts individually in about one to two weeks. During this time, patients should take it easy, get plenty of sleep and receive symptomatic therapy. Adherence to general hygiene measures is also recommended, as patients are contagious to fellow patients via droplet infection.