Symptoms
The symptoms of rhinitis can vary slightly depending on the cause, but typically the main symptom is always increased secretion production in the nose, which leads to a “runny” or blocked nose. The classic cold usually begins with a burning or tickling sensation in the nose and an increased sneezing stimulus.In the following days, this increasingly turns into a so-called runny nose, in which a watery, often colorless secretion is released by the nasal mucosa. The skin of the face in the immediate vicinity of the nose, especially the tip of the nose and upper lip, can be affected by frequent blowing and constant contact with the secretion to such an extent that it becomes red and rough.
In addition, there are often watery eyes, a restricted sense of smell and taste and a general feeling of illness. As the secretion thickens as it progresses (and may also turn yellowish to green) and the mucous membranes swell, the nose becomes increasingly congested and breathing becomes more difficult. If additional bacteria settle on the damaged mucous membrane in the course of a bacterial superinfection, a yellow-green purulent secretion appears.
Of course, a cold can also be accompanied by all the other typical symptoms of a cold, such as fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, headache and aching limbs. In addition, complications such as sinusitis or inflammation of the middle ear are possible, which are often caused or promoted by a congestion of secretion. The symptoms usually subside within seven to ten days, but toddlers in particular can suffer a lot from a cold, which can also prevent them from getting the necessary sleep.
When babies catch a cold, breathing difficulties are usually the main problem, as babies breathe almost exclusively through their nose. However, this is quickly blocked due to the still narrow nasal cavities and a possible consequence is that the baby refuses to drink completely. Allergic or vasomotoric rhinitis is more characterized by sudden, seizure-like occurrence with sneezing attacks, production of watery nasal secretions and itching, especially in the nose and eyes.
This can also be noticeable by reddening of the conjunctiva. Foreign bodies introduced into the nose can cause unilateral, purulent rhinitis, which can also be accompanied by odour formation. Likewise, an ozaena (so-called “stinky nose“) can be responsible for unpleasant odors (and a dry nose). Blood admixtures are often the result of severe irritation of the mucous membranes, but can also occur as a specific symptom in the context of certain infectious diseases, for example diphtheria or congenital syphilis.
