Introduction
The term an inflamed nose describes a series of clinical pictures that can have different causes. The inflammation usually affects the sensitive nasal mucosa and can therefore be extremely painful. Since the nose is also a part of the respiratory system and an important part of the sense of smell and taste, the typical symptoms of an inflammation in this area can be explained.
In the case of an inflamed nose, a doctor should always be consulted to make a diagnosis, depending on the symptoms. Depending on the clinical picture, an inflammation of the nose can have different causes. Most frequently, an inflamed nasal mucosa probably occurs in the form of a cold in the form of a cold.
In medical terms, this is known as rhinitis. In most cases, rhinitis is caused by viruses and can last for several days. As a rule, the viruses are so-called rhinoviruses, although influenza viruses can also be responsible for the inflammation.
Often these symptoms occur in the cold season, but also in summer a cold including an inflamed nasal mucosa can occur and cause discomfort. The viruses like to attack the nasal mucous membranes and cause the typical symptoms there. The mucous membrane secretes secretions, the blood circulation is increased and certain stimuli are produced which cause the affected person to sneeze.
If these viruses, sometimes bacteria, are present in the paranasal sinuses, they can also become inflamed. In medical terms, an inflammation of the sinuses is called sinusitis. If the mucous membranes of the nose and the paranasal sinuses are inflamed, it is called rhinosinusitis.
Similar symptoms and an inflamed nasal mucosa also occur in the case of an allergy, for example to grass pollen such as hay fever. Here too, secretions are secreted and the person affected often has to sneeze. The reason for this in an allergy is not a pathogen but an allergen to which the person is allergic.
The immune system of persons who have an allergy treats this allergen in a similar way to a pathogen, which leads to the inflammation of the nose. Another inflammation in the nasal area, which does not affect the entire nasal mucosa, is nasal furuncle. This is an inflammation of the so-called hair follicle.
This area, where the hair roots normally lie, can become inflamed in different ways. Normally, certain bacteria, so-called staphylococci, are responsible for the symptoms of nasal furuncle. Infection of the hair follicle with these bacteria leads to a purulent inflammation, which should be treated by a doctor in any case.
The cause of the infection of the nasal mucous membrane can be a weakened immune system. Due to a weakened immune system, pathogens can no longer be fended off so easily and cause an inflammation. Dry nasal mucous membranes can also promote an infection with viruses or bacteria, as the nose is then much more susceptible to the development of an inflammation of the nose.
