Probably, each of us had the opportunity to "get acquainted" with such an unpleasant symptom as a feeling of swelling and dryness of the nasal mucosa. Most often, this is the first sign of the inflammatory process, which sends the first "bodyguards" of the body to knockout - the nose and throat. Thus, a person becomes much more vulnerable to microorganisms and viruses.
It is important to note that the swelling of the nasal mucosa is a symptom that characterizes the first phase of rhinitis (the common cold), which is most often caused by ingestion of a viral infection. There are also some manifestations that go with it in tandem. Among them - poor health, lack of appetite, drowsiness, dryness and itching in the nose.
Usually, these symptoms are not given any significance, and the rhinitis passes into the next phase - there are watery discharge from the nose, and other cold or virus symptoms may become more obvious. Do not ignore the swelling of the nasal mucosa, since the running process is much more difficult to cure than just the beginning cold. So, let's consider in more detail the causes and tactics of treatment of edema of the nasal mucosa.
Edema of the nasal mucosa - causes
There are a huge number of factors that weaken the protective function of the nasal mucosa, thus predisposing a person to the development of edema of the nasal mucosa and rhinitis. These factors are divided into external (due to the influence of the external environment on the body) and internal (which are hidden inside the body).
External factors include:
- Cold, moist air.
- A sudden change in temperature.
- Air pollution.
Internal factors include :
- Obstruction in the upper respiratory tract: adenoids, curved septum, polyps.
- Tumors of the nasal cavity.
- Predisposition to allergies.
In addition to the factors that affect the predisposition to swelling of the nose, there are also conditioning factors. They can be considered the entry into the body of various viruses (influenza, adenovirus, enteroviruses).
How to remove the swelling of the nasal mucosa?
Given the fact that the most common cause of the common cold are the viruses, then we will consider what can be removed the swelling of the nasal mucosa, and also to alleviate the general condition in ARVI and accompanying rhinitis.
The goals of the treatment are simple enough: first of all, it is necessary to restore the permeability of the nose, secondly, to alleviate the symptoms of the common cold, and in the third - to prevent the complications such as infection, sinusitis and otitis.
In order to remove the swelling of the nasal mucosa, use drops that have a vasoconstrictive effect - naphazoline, xylometazoline, nasol. After the nose "broke through", treat the nasal cavity with a solution of protargol (2%), or collargol (2%). These drugs have a local disinfectant effect, and together with your immunity they prevent further penetration of the virus into the body.
Of course, it is necessary to fight directly with the cause of edema of the nose - a viral infection. For this, use interferon preparations.
Do not forget that a simple swelling of the nasal mucosa is only an initial stage, so try to "lie back" at home. Moreover, if in addition to this symptom, you have other signs of ARVI.
In some cases, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics of the penicillin group or cephalosporins because of the prevention of complications. But this is done only in specific situations, and a decision as to whether antibacterial treatment is necessary depending on the age and the level of resistance of the patient's body.
As you probably already noted for yourself, the swelling of the nasal mucosa, even if it is not accompanied by a runny nose, is an important bell that most often portends a disease. Therefore, be attentive to yourself and act immediately as soon as you have noticed something wrong. Be healthy!