Common Cold (Rhinitis): Causes

Pathogenesis (development of disease)

The cause of acute rhinitis is mostly viruses (>90% of cases): rhino- and adenoviruses (about 30% and 15%, respectively); with a proportion of about 10% each, influenza A and B viruses, coronaviruses, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) influenza viruses are also common causes (= infectious rhinitis).

Infection occurs via droplet infection. Bacteria such as streptococci, pneumococci or staphylococci often just sit on top of an existing viral infection (superinfection).Cooling of the nasal mucosa can increase susceptibility to pathogens. After the viruses have attached themselves to the mucosa, there is an induction (lat. inducere “to bring about”, “to cause”, “to introduce”) of proinflammatory cytokines, which promote inflammation.

Chronic rhinitis is said to occur when the condition lasts more than three months. Chronic rhinitis can be of allergic etiology (see allergic rhinitis for details) as well as caused by chemical or physical toxins or due to anatomic conditions in the nasopharynx (nasopharynx) such as adenoid hyperplasia (enlargement of the adenoid tonsils) in children.

Etiology (causes)

Behavioral causes

  • Diet
    • Micronutrient deficiency (vital substances) – see Prevention with micronutrients.
  • Consumption of stimulants
    • Tobacco (smoking)
  • Physical activity
    • Physical inactivity
  • Staying in public places with a high risk of transmitting viruses and bacteria, for example, in the streetcar in winter
  • Stay in drafty places

Causes related to disease

  • Allergies
  • Endocrine diseases
  • Immunosuppression – artificial suppression of the body’s own defenses, for example, in transplants (organ transplants) or in some rheumatic diseases.
  • Nasal tumors
  • Rhinoliths (nasal stones)

Medication

X-rays

  • Weakened defenses after radiotherapy (radiotherapy) for tumor disease.

Environmental pollution – intoxications (poisonings).

  • Chemical or physical noxae (poisons).