The common cold is by far the most common disease of the inside of the nose. Under the term “rhinitis” a variety of different forms are summarized. Likewise, the individual causes are very different.
Forms of rhinitis
The common cold is by far the most common disease of the inside of the nose. Rhinitis can be divided into acute and chronic forms, but better still according to their cause. Basically, rhinitis can be divided into acute and chronic forms of rhinitis, but better still according to their cause. Thus, within the acute forms we know the common cold, the cold caused by various infectious diseases, the nervous cold – and here especially the hay fever. Within the chronic forms, on the other hand, the rhinitis in inflammatory diseases of the paranasal sinuses, the rhinitis in specific diseases of the interior of the nose, for example tuberculosis and syphilis, and the rhinitis in tumor diseases of the interior of the nose and the paranasal sinuses. In the following, the acute forms of rhinitis will be discussed in more detail.
Acute rhinitis
In the acute rhinitis, one must see an inflammation of the nasal mucosa, which leads to the increased secretion of the nasal mucosa: The glands embedded in the mucosa secrete more than usual, and the blood flow is also increased. This leads to a kind of congestion in the vessels due to the existing swelling mechanism, especially in the conchal area, and thus causes an increase in the size of the conchae and at the same time a narrowing of the nasal cavity, so that one gets bad air or no air at all through the nose. This gives the two main symptoms of the common cold.
Nervous, vasomotor rhinitis.
Another form of rhinitis is the nervous or vasomotor rhinitis, which, strictly speaking, cannot be counted among the acute forms. As is well known, the most important functions of the nasal mucosa, swelling and decongestion and secretions, are subject to the autonomic nervous system. Disturbances of this system, caused by various internal factors, can be answered by the nasal mucosa with an increased reactivity, which manifests itself in sneezing attacks, abundant watery secretion and more or less blocked nose. This condition, in which completely appearance-free periods alternate at will with those of the reactions just described, is quite persistent, although by no means threatening.
Allergic rhinitis
Closely related to this is allergic rhinitis, which is triggered due to particular hypersensitivity of the nasal mucosa with simultaneous increased reactivity to substances of the outside world. The number of these substances is extraordinarily large. For example, house dust, bed feathers, mattress fillings and the like, animal dander, occupational dust, especially flour, also wood, leather and drug dust, powders and perfumes come into question; in rarer cases strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes and other fruits, chemicals and many others.
Hay fever
Of the allergic diseases, hay fever has been the longest and best studied to date. It is caused almost exclusively by grass pollen, and mainly that of the windflowers. The flowering period of the different hay fever plants is not quite the same, moreover, it varies according to the landscape, which also causes the hay fever period. The manifestations of hay fever are essentially the same as those of nervous rhinitis, that is, attacks of rhinitis with sneezing attacks and strong watery secretion of the nose. The eyes are almost always involved, which manifests itself in sensitivity to light, tingling and scratching, redness of the conjunctiva, often also of the eyelids, by strong tearing and not infrequently in swelling of the eyelids. In most cases, the symptoms appear suddenly and rapidly develop to full strength. Some patients, however, do not react so tumultuously. They are sometimes preceded by several days in which only the general condition is disturbed before the full clinical picture develops. Allergic rhinitis is therefore a complex concept in itself, for which the most diverse allergens must be held responsible. To find them out is extremely difficult and requires great patience on the part of the patient, but also the doctor. In general, it should be said that allergic rhinitis, especially hay fever, is in no way a life-threatening disease.No one dies from hay fever, and it does not have a life-shortening effect.
Causes
If until now the acute rhinitis par excellence was counted among the so-called cold diseases, today, according to the latest findings, it must be seen as a viral symptomatology. Not too long ago, the long-suspected cold virus was finally detected and bred. That the frequency of the common cold varies according to the seasons is a recognized fact, as is the fact that the influence of the weather plays a certain role in its development. According to this, therefore, we must look in the cooling or cold of the organism a favorable condition for a cold virus infection, although the cold need not be an absolute precondition.
Diseases with this symptom
- Common cold
- Allergy
- Flu
- Animal hair allergy
- Pseudocroup
- Bronchitis
- Measles
- Rubella
- Mold allergy
- Nasal polyps
- Whooping cough
- Hay fever
- Sinusitis
- House dust allergy
- Adenoid
Course
An old rule of thumb is that the acute cold lasts about nine days; three days it is on the rise, three days it blooms, and in the remaining three days it subsides. In general, this is true, however, it may take a different course depending on the constitution of the organism and the type of cold virus strain. Although the clinical picture varies, it usually begins with general symptoms such as shivering or chills, small increases in temperature and fatigue. There is also a noticeable need for sleep, unwillingness to do mental work, pressure and a feeling of fullness in the skull. There is often itching or tingling in the nose, leading to frequent sneezing. After initial dryness in the nose and oral pharynx, the nose swells and eventually there is a considerable flow of secretions, initially watery in character. This may persist for several days until, as the cold subsides, the secretion becomes purulent and viscous and gradually disappears. Prolonged yellowish-green purulent nasal secretions and also persistent headache indicate co-disease of the paranasal sinuses. Predominantly one or both maxillary sinuses may be affected. The olfactory disturbances occurring during rhinitis are due to the swelling of the nasal mucosa. Headaches also originate from the swelling condition caused by the obstruction of the excretory ducts of the paranasal sinuses and the resulting impaired ventilation. Muffled hearing or a feeling of pressure in one or both ears are sequelae of inadequate ventilation of the middle ear, resulting from the spread of inflammation to the nasopharynx and tubes. Mild forms fade away as the cold subsides, but more severe ones may be more persistent and require specialist treatment. The same applies if the paranasal sinuses are affected. It is not uncommon for an acute middle ear infection to develop along the path of the tube or eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear with the nasopharynx – i.e. with the outside world. This requires separate treatment, while the uncomplicated rhinitis does not necessarily require specialist treatment. A healthy person is a nasal breather and it has long been known that the nose plays the main role as a port of entry for a large number of infectious diseases. Flu, measles, scarlet fever, rubella, angina, but also certain diseases of the meninges and polio – just to mention a few. It is in the reaction mode of the nasal mucosa that it reacts with a cold when attacked by these various microbes, i.e. with increased secretion, swelling of the mucosa and the corresponding general complaints. The course of such forms of rhinitis does not differ significantly from the common cold. In most cases it is only transient in nature. However, it can also extend over a longer period of time during the respective infectious disease. From this point of view, the common cold, especially in childhood, is a symptom from which many things can develop. At best, a common viral rhinitis.
Complications
Rhinitis is usually harmless, but it can also lead to various complications. A common secondary condition is inflammation of the sinuses or middle ear.Less frequently, laryngitis or tracheitis and bronchitis may occur, depending on the severity of the rhinitis, the patient’s constitution, and the accompanying symptoms that occur. Acutely, rhinitis affects well-being and performance. Sufferers usually feel listless and tired, which increases the risk of other complications and the formation of mental illnesses. The weakened immune system can also lead to dizziness, fatigue and a carry-over of the disease. Chronic rhinitis not only puts a significant strain on the immune system in the long term. The mouth and throat are also stressed by typical treatment measures. A possible complication of rhinitis is also painful redness and inflammation in the nose area. Feeling sick also puts a strain on the psyche and inhibits brain activity, and similar to other viral infections, depression and subsequently further complications can occur. Although severe complications of the common cold are unlikely, any cold should be discussed with the primary care physician.
When should you go to the doctor?
In most cases, no medical treatment is needed for a common cold. Most often, the common cold occurs as an accompanying symptom of a cold or the flu, and for this reason does not require medical treatment. It then disappears again when the underlying illness has been treated. The affected person can consult a doctor if he wants to alleviate the symptoms of the common cold. There are also various remedies available from the pharmacy for this purpose. However, if the cold persists for a long time and still occurs after the flu has healed, a doctor should be consulted. Likewise, a visit to the doctor is necessary for inflammations and infections. People who suffer from allergies or intolerances can also consult a doctor to narrow down the allergy so that the cold does not occur at certain times of the year. A permanent cold can have a negative effect on the nose and lungs and should therefore be avoided. In the case of the common flu or the common cold, the symptom is harmless and usually disappears without medical treatment.
Treatment and therapy
There are currently no specific medications to combat the common cold. Only nasal drops or nasal sprays reduce the effect of the common cold, sometimes significantly. First and foremost, however, the general discomfort must be alleviated, which can only be done by reducing the swelling of the nasal mucosa. For this purpose, it is best to use the so-called nasal drops, which cause air passage through the nose for several hours. Furthermore, you should drink plenty of fluids so that the mucus and bacteria from the nose can drain away quickly. Physical exertion should be avoided, if occupationally possible. Bed rest is usually not necessary.
Outlook and prognosis
For the most part, a cold is harmless. Usually, symptoms resolve after three to five days; in cases of poor hygiene, underlying infection, and other exceptional cases, recovery may take a period of several weeks or months. Moreover, if the common cold is spread, another flu-like infection may develop, accompanied by the typical flu symptoms, reducing the prospect of a speedy recovery. In rare cases, a chronic cold can develop with a number of permanent symptoms. Possible accompanying symptoms, such as high fever or sore throat and earache, also affect the prognosis. In general, however, the common cold does not cause any major impairment and usually subsides without any long-term complications. A severe course is rather unlikely and is rarely associated with major health risks. In the case of normal rhinitis, such as occurs in the course of a cold, a rapid recovery can usually be assumed. Rhinitis as an accompanying symptom of a very serious underlying condition (HIV infection, Ebola, and others) requires a comprehensive evaluation by a specialist before a conclusive prognosis can be made.
Prevention
As mentioned earlier, the common cold is infectious. The virus is transmitted to other people by droplets, most commonly by sneezing. A cold does not leave immunity, which means that after overcoming a cold, you are not immune to catching it again.Lots of sports and exercise in the fresh air, sauna and healthy, varied diet can well prevent a cold, as well as a cold.
Home remedies and herbs against the common cold
- For colds, we recommend a facial steam bath, prepared from 5 liters of chamomile tea and 6 tablespoons of ribwort juice. It is mixed and placed in a pot on the table while still boiling. Then the steam is inhaled vigorously. Or warm 1 teaspoon of healing clay in the oven and put it on their forehead, or put a drop of tincture of iodine in a small glass of water and take a small sip several times during the day.
- Mallow tea is a good remedy for colds and coughs.
What you can do yourself
Rhinitis is one of the clinical pictures that are particularly well suited to be treated with traditional home remedies. The be-all and end-all here is to keep the mucous membranes of the nose as moist as possible. In this way, the common cold can fulfill its function, the removal of viruses and bacteria, particularly well. Moistening the mucous membranes is basically possible in two ways. Firstly, in the context of local application, by rinsing the nose with a home-made saline solution (about 1 tsp to 1 l of lukewarm water) or inhaling freshly brewed sage tea, for example, with a cloth over the head. On the other hand, drinking more fluids also helps to prevent the nasal mucosa from drying out and providing pathogens with no rough spots to dock. In addition to water, herbal teas are particularly suitable here. Sage tea is also particularly recommended in this context, because sage has a mild disinfecting effect. This is helpful when the common cold has been joined by inflammation in the throat and pharynx. Particularly stuck sniffles, which are stubbornly located in the sinuses and frontal sinus, can often also be solved with a household red light. This process can be effectively assisted by keeping the air in the room moist at all times by placing a bowl of water on the heater, especially at night.
