Sniffles

Definition of rhinitis

A cold is known by experts as rhinitis and describes an inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes.

symptoms of rhinitis

At the beginning of the disease, there is often a burning sensation in the nose and throat and frequent sneezing. The inflamed nasal mucous membranes secrete a clear to yellowish secretion. In the vernacular, this is referred to as a runny and blocked nose. In addition, fatigue, headaches and other cold symptoms can occur.

Causes of rhinitis

• Common cold (acute rhinitis): In most cases, a cold occurs in the course of a cold. Cough, headache and fever can also occur. Common cold symptoms are usually caused by viruses such as rhinoviruses. The virus is transmitted as a so-called droplet infection. When you cough or sneeze, tiny virus-containing particles (aerosols) are distributed in the air and can be inhaled by the person you are talking to. The typical symptoms appear after an incubation period of two to seven days.
• Allergic rhinosinusitis: An allergy describes an excessive reaction of the body to so-called allergens. In the case of a pollen allergy, for example, the immune system reacts to the pollen dust from grass, trees and shrubs. The allergic rhinitis can last for several weeks. Patients with allergies also tend to develop asthma. For more information, see the allergies article.
• Hormonal changes: Rhinitis can occur during pregnancy and menopause. It is assumed that the female estrogen triggers the symptoms. As a rule, the symptoms completely disappear after termination of the pregnancy.
• Medications: There are a number of medications that can cause a cold. These include blood pressure medication, aspirin, ibuprofen, paracetamol and the pill.
• Anatomical changes: Nasal polyps and polyps in the pharynx can lead to chronic colds. Likewise, an enlarged pharyngeal tonsil impedes nasal breathing.
• Runny nose (rhinitis vasomotorica): Triggered by various stimuli such as cold, smoke, dust and stress, the nasal mucosa becomes hypersensitive. A transparent, thin runny nose occurs, which usually stops after a few hours.
• Foreign bodies in the nose: In rare cases, a foreign body accidentally introduced can trigger a cold, especially in children.

diagnosis of rhinitis

The doctor will ask you some questions about your symptoms. How long does the cold last? How often do you suffer from colds per year? Do you have allergies?
In some cases, a physical examination may follow. If necessary, a smear is taken in order to be able to draw conclusions about the triggering viruses or bacteria. If an allergy could be behind the symptoms, it is advisable to carry out a skin prick test. Tiny amounts of possible allergens are brought under the skin and a skin reaction is awaited.

duration of the sniffle

The common cold usually lasts about a week. If the symptoms last much longer, a sinus infection could have developed.

Complications of rhinitis

In some cases, this leads to inflammation of the paranasal sinuses (rhinosinusitis) or inflammation of the middle ear (otitis media) . The viruses can also spread through the throat into the bronchi and lead to pneumonia.

You can do this yourself against a cold

On average, adults get a common cold four times a year. In most cases, the infection cannot be completely prevented. You can still try to strengthen your immune system and thereby reduce the risk of infection:

• Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Make sure you get enough sleep. Everyone needs a different amount of sleep. As a rule, however, eight hours are sufficient to start the day relaxed.
• Stress is a bad influence on the immune system. Relaxation techniques such as Jacobsen’s progressive muscle relaxation can help to reduce stress.
• Sport and regular exercise not only strengthen your immune system, but also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Try to reduce your alcohol consumption.
• quit smoking Smoking increases the risk of developing respiratory infections. Smokers are about twice as likely to catch a cold as non-smokers.
• Sauna sessions and alternating showers strengthen the body’s defense against infections.

Home remedies for colds

• Sea salt nasal sprays and saline nasal rinses are less harmful than the nasal sprays with decongestants.
• There are some herbal remedies available for colds that are known to be effective: among others, Sinupret (cowslip, yellow gentian, black elderberry, sorrel, verbena) and preparations made from eucalyptus extracts have proven to be helpful in therapy. In addition, a positive effect on colds was observed when using ivy extracts.
• Taking zinc tablets can also relieve cold symptoms.
• Inhalation of hot vapors: An inhalation can help to breathe deeply and loosen deep-seated secretions. Detailed instructions can be found under the article Bronchitis .

When to seek medical advice

Usually the cold heals on its own. However, there are some symptoms that require professional treatment. If you have the following symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention:

• Fever and a greatly reduced general condition
• New reddening of the eyes
• Strong headache
• Chronic colds for more than two weeks and recurring colds at short intervals.

sniffles in children

Since children’s immune systems are not yet fully developed, they are more likely to suffer from influenza infections. Here, too, cough, runny nose and exhaustion determine the clinical picture. During therapy, care should be taken to avoid physical strain and drink enough. In the case of severe symptoms, inhalations (e.g. using nebulisers), painkillers and nasal sprays can have a beneficial effect.

If the child is playing, has an appetite and is otherwise normal, you can initially refrain from lowering the fever. Fever in children should only be reduced with paracetamol or ibuprofen if the patient is suffering greatly or if the temperature is very high above 40°C. However, if your child no longer drinks enough or, for example, shows a change in personality, you should urgently go to a doctor.

Caution: Children and adolescents under the age of 18 should not take medicines containing aspirin without a doctor’s recommendation due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome. Reye’s syndrome is a life-threatening disease that primarily affects the brain and liver and can lead to confusional states, seizures and even coma.

How can Med-Healths help?

With the Med-Healths app you can contact a doctor and talk to him in detail about your symptoms. They can help you classify your symptoms and make the right diagnosis. They can also prescribe you medication to help treat the common cold. There is also the possibility that he/she will issue you with a certificate of incapacity for work. In the case of a serious illness or other aspects, he can refer you to a suitable specialist.