Rhinitis in children: features of the course and methods of treatment. Inflammation of the nasal mucosa - rhinitis in children: symptoms, treatment of pathology depending on its type Acute rhinitis in infants treatment

Everyone knows the common symptoms of a runny nose: headache, nasal discharge, nasal congestion. It is also known to be an inflammation of the nose that often occurs throughout life especially in children. But what are the consequences of a simple, seemingly at first glance, nasal congestion and the difficulty in breathing associated with it.

Rhinitis is an infection that affects the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and causes a violation of its functions. There is both an independent disease and against the background of other infections penetrating the body, for example: diphtheria, influenza, measles, gonorrhea, HIV infection.

Causes of rhinitis

They can be divided into two broad categories:

Violation of local immunity. Here it is necessary to note some physiological features of the structure of the nasal cavity, which are actively involved in protecting against the penetration of dust and other small particles that carry bacteria and viruses with them.

The integumentary epithelium of the nasal mucosa is covered with tiny cilia, which are constantly in motion and have a pushing effect of foreign particles from the nasal cavity.
Protective proteins, called class A immunoglobulins, are constantly present in the mucous membrane, which actively fight penetrating infection. In the event of a decrease in the activity of local protective forces, microorganisms that were in a dormant state and did not harm until then can immediately become active.

External damaging factors. These factors reduce the effectiveness of the protective mechanisms of the nasal mucosa, as a result of which an inflammatory reaction develops, which leads to a disease of the nasal mucosa. These factors include:

Influence of local and general cooling on the human body. As a result, the body's resistance to protection against microbes is reduced.
An important role is played by nasal injuries, various foreign objects in the nasal cavity (more often in young children), which irritate the mucous membrane for a long time with their presence. Surgical interventions are also considered as a traumatic factor that increases the risk of an inflammatory reaction.
Industrial harmful factors. Being in a room filled with dust, harmful toxic and other chemical waste for a long time, irritation of the mucous membrane will occur with increased perception of various pathological agents.
allergic factor. House dust, fur, flower pollen, poplar fluff and many other tiny particles that surround us can cause allergic rhinitis.

Symptoms of acute rhinitis

In its development, acute rhinitis goes through several successive stages. Each stage has its own characteristics, allowing you to determine at what stage the development of the disease is.

First stage characterized by the fact that microbes have only penetrated into the nasal cavity, and have an irritating effect on the mucous membrane. In this case, the following characteristic symptoms appear:

Feeling of dryness in the nose
Feeling of tickling, burning in the nasal cavity

Common symptoms include:

Headache, which may gradually increase.
In some cases, there is a slight increase in body temperature up to 37.5 degrees.

The duration of the first stage lasts for only a few hours, and sometimes one or two days, after which the symptoms change and the disease moves on to the next stage of its development.

Second stage begins from the moment when a lot of mucus, a liquid consistency, begins to flow from the nose. In this stage, the symptoms of the disease increase. It is characteristic that the symptoms of dryness and burning in the nasal cavity disappear. But nasal congestion appears, and breathing becomes difficult. Patients may notice a decrease in sensitivity to odors.

Due to the fact that the nasal cavity through small passages communicates with the superficially located mucous membrane of the eye - the conjunctiva, inflammation can also spread to it. In this case, they speak of combined conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva). There is lacrimation.

Third stage is inextricably linked with the reaction of the immune system to harmful microorganisms that have got inside the nose. Usually this stage begins 4-5 days after the onset of the disease. You can’t confuse it with anything, because during this period, mucopurulent contents, of a thick consistency, and often with an unpleasant odor, begin to stand out from the nose. The pus may also be yellowish-green in color.

Purulent contents with a fetid odor appear due to the fact that protective cells (phagocytes, neutrophils) penetrate into the nasal mucosa, which simultaneously cause an inflammatory process, with swelling of the surrounding tissues, and also “devour and digest” bacteria that have invaded the inside of the nose. In the case of too much captured pathogenic bacteria, the phagocytes overflow and burst too much, along with this, the processed killed bacteria come out - that is, pus.

After a few days, all the above symptoms gradually subside, and the inflammatory process is nearing completion. Improving: the respiratory function of the nose and the general condition of the patient. The duration of inflammatory phenomena varies depending on the resistance of the body to resist the influence of internal and external harmful factors.

It happens that in a physically healthy person who leads an active lifestyle, conducts physical and hardening procedures, rhinitis occurs in a mild form and lasts only 2-3 days. Or, conversely, with a decrease in the body's defenses, the disease is much more severe, with severe symptoms of intoxication (headache, muscle pain, a sharp increase in body temperature to high numbers of 38-39 degrees), and lasts not 2-3 days, but much longer, reaching sometimes up to 3-4 weeks, and even the transition to the chronic form of the disease.

These symptoms and stages of the inflammatory process in acute rhinitis are classic and in most cases of rhinitis, of a specific origin, are the same.

Acute rhinitis in children

Rhinitis in childhood, especially at the beginning of a child's life, is much more severe than in adults. Very often, the inflammatory process can move to adjacent areas, such as the middle ear, pharynx or larynx. This circumstance is facilitated by anatomical and some other features of the structure of the nasal cavity in childhood. These include:

Weakness and underdevelopment of local immunity, manifested in insufficient production of class A immunoglobulins in the mucous membrane.
The narrowness of the nasal passages causes difficult access to drugs, and insufficient emptying of purulent masses.
The presence of adenoid growths. On the back wall of the pharynx at the exit from the nasal cavity there is a lymphoid tissue called adenoids. Adenoids perform protective functions, and prevent the penetration of infection into the body. But in early childhood, they are too large and very sensitive to any irritating factor, so inflammatory processes occur with complications associated with blockage of the lumen of the nasal cavity and difficulty breathing.
The auditory tubes are wide and short in length, connecting the upper part of the pharynx with the middle ear cavity. This circumstance is the cause of infection in the ear and contributes to inflammation in it - otitis media.

In addition, newborns and children of the first years of life do not just have rhinitis, because when an infection enters the nasal cavity, both the nose and the pharynx immediately become inflamed. The disease is called rhinopharyngitis. The disease is accompanied by severe violations of the general state of health. Frequent symptoms will be as follows:

High body temperature - 38-39 degrees
Refusal of the infant from suckling the breast. Since there is nasal congestion, children breathe only through the mouth, and when sucking, the mouth participates only in the act of sucking.
Children lose their appetite, lose weight, sleep poorly at night.
In connection with a violation of the diet, flatulence (bloating), diarrhea, and even vomiting appear.

diphtheria rhinitis

Diphtheria is a disease caused by a diphtheria bacillus. It affects the larynx, pharynx, and vocal cords. Diphtheria mainly affects children who have not been vaccinated against diphtheria bacillus. It is specific that in diphtheria a very close-fitting plaque is formed in these places, as well as on the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity. All this makes it difficult to breathe through the nose. The films are very difficult to separate, and when this succeeds, small wounds are formed that do not heal for a long time and from which bloody mucus is released.

With diphtheria, the heart is often affected, so children complain of pain in this area. Along with local specific changes, the symptoms of general intoxication, which develop when diphtheria toxins enter the blood, play a significant role in the patient's condition. The child may be in a very serious condition and needs urgent medical attention.

Rhinitis with scarlet fever

Scarlet fever- an infectious and inflammatory disease of the palatine tonsils, in which the process can spread to the nasopharynx and the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity. Caused by bacteria called streptococci. Distinctive features of rhinitis in scarlet fever is that there are:

Severe intoxication, manifested by high body temperature, chills, heavy sweats and headache
Enlargement of adjacent lymph nodes, which are mobile and painful when palpated. These include submandibular, anterior and posterior cervical, parotid lymph nodes.
A characteristic sign is the appearance on the 3rd-4th day from the onset of the disease of a small punctate rash on the skin of the body. The rash spreads all over the body except in one place. This place is located in the area of the nasolabial triangle, where the skin flakes off and remains the usual color.
Bright red tongue, similar to a raspberry (crimson tongue).

Scarlatinal rhinitis is rare due to the widespread use of antibiotics to treat inflammatory processes in the upper respiratory tract and oropharynx.

Rhinitis with measles

Rhinitis with measles, or as it is also called measles, is quite common in young children who have become infected with the measles virus. Measles rhinitis is partly similar to the inflammation of the nasal mucosa, which occurs during allergic processes in the body. The child begins to sneeze, lacrimation and inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eyes appear. The mucous membrane of the nose and eyes is bright red and edematous.

A distinctive feature of rhinitis with measles is the appearance of a small punctate rash on the inner surface of the cheeks, in the nasal cavity, on the lips. The rash looks like small spots around which a white belt forms.

Among other things, the disease is accompanied by a violation of the general condition of the child, with fever, headache and other symptoms of an active inflammatory process.

Acute coryza with influenza

Influenza is a viral disease, and therefore, like any virus, it affects cell membranes, destroying them and violating their protective properties. Therefore, there is always the possibility of attaching other pathogenic bacteria.

Damage to the membranes of the cells of the vascular wall causes the release of blood elements to the outside, hence such a symptom as nosebleeds appears, as one of the symptoms suggesting that rhinitis is caused by the influenza virus.

The penetration of the influenza virus is not limited to the nasal mucosa alone. The influenza virus spreads through the blood throughout the body. This explains the multiplicity of various symptoms encountered in influenza rhinitis.

First of all, the following local symptoms should be distinguished:

Headache
Rhinorrhea - very frequent and copious discharge from the nose, which are mucous in nature. If, after a few days, the mucous discharge is replaced by purulent discharge, then this fact indicates that a secondary bacterial infection has joined against the background of the flu.
The defeat of the trigeminal nerve - the penetration of the influenza virus into the fibers of the trigeminal nerve causes its inflammation, which is called trigeminal neuralgia. Patients feel pain in the right or left half of the face, or in both halves. The trigeminal nerve carries with it pain receptors to the chewing muscles, to the temporal and frontal parts of the head.

Common symptoms include:

An increase in body temperature to 38 degrees and above.
Soreness and aches in the muscles.
Increased sweating and chills.
Diarrhea and possibly nausea. Appear in severe cases, with severe intoxication of the body, the work of the gastrointestinal tract is disrupted.

Influenza is a very serious infection that causes many complications. As for influenza rhinitis, complications can be the spread of the inflammatory process to the sinuses, and to the middle ear. Therefore, neglecting the advice of a doctor on caring for a patient during this period and letting the disease take its course often leads to a weakening of the body's defenses and a chronic process in the nasal cavity.

Diagnosis of acute rhinitis

Diagnosis of acute rhinitis does not present great difficulties, and includes asking the patient about his complaints, how much time has passed since the onset of the first symptoms. If you carefully follow the chain of symptoms of the disease with the order of their appearance, you can easily determine at what stage of development the inflammatory process in the nasal cavity is.

The final diagnosis is made after a special examination by an otolaryngologist (ENT doctor). The doctor examines the nasal cavity using a special device called a light reflector, which reflects light from a light bulb and directs it into the nasal cavity being examined.

With rhinitis at an early stage of development, redness and swelling of the mucous membrane are usually noticeable. In the future, purulent discharge appears.

Diagnosis of rhinitis of viral origin fundamentally different from that of inflammation caused by pathogenic bacteria.

With rhinitis caused by influenza viruses, measles, whooping cough, adenoviruses and other types of viruses, purulent discharge from the nasal cavity never occurs.
With viral rhinitis, profuse mucous discharge is always present. In a word, "snot flows like a river without ceasing." The patient is forced to constantly walk with a handkerchief or sanitary napkins.

Diagnosis of rhinitis caused by a bacterial infection characterized:

A significant violation of the general condition of the patient. An increase in body temperature can reach 38-39 degrees, which almost never occurs with viral rhinitis.
There is nasal congestion that interferes with nasal breathing.
Discharge from the nose after some time from the onset of the disease takes on the appearance of a mucous character, up to purulent contents with an unpleasant odor and a yellow-green color.

This division can be conditional if the patient lives in a dirty, dusty room, does not follow the basic rules of personal hygiene, and most importantly, the people around him suffer from some acute infectious disease transmitted by airborne droplets.
This means that if a person becomes infected, for example, with the influenza virus, then a secondary bacterial infection can join in a few days, with all the ensuing consequences.

Treatment of acute rhinitis

Acute uncomplicated rhinitis is treated at home. Treatment is carried out depending on the stage of development of the inflammatory process.

In the treatment of acute rhinitis, both symptomatic agents and special drugs are used to reduce inflammation in the nasal cavity. In case of bacterial infections, the use of antiseptic agents is justified, with the help of which the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity is washed and cleaned.

Treatment of the first stage of the course of rhinitis based on using:

Hot foot baths for 10-15 minutes
Applying mustard plasters on the sole area or on the calf muscles
Drinking hot tea with raspberries or a slice of lemon

The drugs used in this stage include:

Antiseptics, local action. It is recommended to instill a 3-5% solution of protargol into the nose 2 times a day.
Antiallergic drugs - dragees of diazolin, tavegil or loratadine in the form of tablets. These funds are taken mainly with an allergic origin of rhinitis. The dose is set depending on the severity of sneezing, lacrimation and nasal discharge.
Means that increase local immunity - drops with a solution of interferon, or lysozyme.
For headaches, analgesics are used - analgin, solpadein, Tylenol. Children are recommended to take 250 mg. Adults - 500 mg. When a headache occurs.

Treatment of the second and third stages of acute rhinitis slightly different from that in the initial manifestations of the disease. In the stage of the height of the disease, inflammatory processes in the nose intensify, purulent discharge appears due to the increased activity of pathogenic bacteria and the fight against them by the immune system. In this regard, in especially severe cases of the course of the disease, in combination with symptomatic treatment, broad-spectrum antibiotics and various antimicrobials are prescribed. These drugs are taken orally in the form of tablets, capsules, or they are washed in the nasal cavity.

Antibiotics used to treat acute rhinitis include:
Amoxicillin- a broad-spectrum antibiotic, available in tablets of 500 mg. Children over 12 years of age are prescribed 500 mg. 3 times a day, for 5-7 days.
Bioparox- antibacterial drug of local action. Produced in the form of an aerosol in vials. Assigned to 1 inhalation inside each nostril every four hours.

To reduce the symptoms of nasal congestion, topical preparations are instilled into the nose, narrowing the blood vessels and thereby relieving spasm and swelling of the mucous membrane. As a result, nasal breathing improves and the patient feels much better. These drugs include:

Naphthyzin- vasoconstrictor. For children, a 0.05% solution is used; for adults, a 0.1% solution is instilled a few drops every 4-6 hours.
Xylometazoline also a vasoconstrictor. Children are prescribed nose drops in the form of a 0.05% solution 2 times a day. For adults, the frequency of instillation is the same, the only thing that increases the concentration of the drug to 0.1%.

It should be taken into account the fact that the use of nasal drops should not exceed more than 7-10 days. Since various side effects associated with a violation of the olfactory and cleansing function of the nose may appear when using them. With a burning sensation, local irritation and dryness in the nose, it is recommended to stop taking these drugs.

Sinupret is a combination herbal preparation.

It is recommended to use to improve the outflow of mucus or pus from the nasal cavity. It has such properties as increasing local immunity, enhances the secretion of mucus by the villi of the mucous membrane and thereby contributes to a speedy recovery.

Treatment of rhinitis in infants

There are some features in the treatment and care of infants with acute rhinitis.

First, nasal congestion interferes with normal breathing and breastfeeding of the baby. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically clean the nasal passages from mucus stuck there. This procedure is carried out using a suction cartridge, immediately before feeding.
If the mucus dries up and crusts form in the nasal cavity, they are carefully removed with a cotton swab, pre-moistened in a sterile solution of sunflower oil or petroleum jelly. The crusts gradually soften and are easily removed from the nose.
If, after the above procedures, nasal breathing is not restored, then drops of a 0.05% solution of xylometazoline (galazolin) are instilled into the nose.
Between feedings, an antimicrobial drug of 2% protargol solution is instilled into the nose, which also has an astringent effect and reduces the secretion of viscous mucus from the nose.

Chronic rhinitis

During the year, very often many people get sick with acute inflammatory diseases of the pharynx and upper respiratory tract: rhinitis, bronchitis, tonsillitis. If these processes are constantly repeated, or the inflammation worsens, before it has time, it will end, then in this case they speak of a chronic infection. According to the World Health Organization, every person on earth gets sick an average of four to six times a year.

The most common causes of chronic rhinitis are:

Deviation of the nasal septum. These include congenital anomalies in the development of the nasal septum, turbinates, post-traumatic injuries.
Polyps inside the nasal cavity, closing the nasal passages and contributing to congestion.
Growth of adenoids on the back of the upper part of the pharynx. Adenoids are lymphatic tissue that prevents infection from entering the body. With frequent inflammatory processes, it grows and contributes to the chronicity of the process in the nasal cavity and sinuses.
General chronic processes in the body. These include chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular diseases, and a decrease in the overall resistance of the body.

There are several clinical forms of chronic rhinitis:

Chronic catarrhal rhinitis

It is one of the complications of acute rhinitis, since frequent colds, runny nose lead to the constant presence of various pathogenic bacteria in the nose. A characteristic feature is the constant uniform reddening of the mucous membrane, constant secretions of mucopurulent contents. In the position lying on the side of the patient, he feels stuffy nose on the side that is below. Nasal congestion worsens in cold weather.

Treatment consists in removing the causative factors leading to the chronic course of the disease.

Chronic hypertrophic rhinitis

In some cases, chronic inflammation in the nasal cavity contributes to the growth of the mucous membrane of the cartilage and bone tissue in the nose. This process is slow and imperceptible, but can steadily progress. Anatomical formations in the nasal cavity, increasing in size, close the respiratory openings, and the patient constantly walks with a stuffy nose and he develops a characteristic nasal voice. With the growth of nasal conchas, pockets are formed, where infection and purulent contents are constantly present.

The diagnosis is established on the basis of endoscopic examination of the nasal cavity. Chronic hypertrophic rhinitis often leads to complications in the form of inflammation of the sinuses - sinusitis (sinusitis, frontal sinusitis).

In the treatment, surgical interventions are used. Operations are performed under local anesthesia, and consist in the removal of growths, in which nasal breathing improves.

Atrophic rhinitis

Atrophic rhinitis is a disease that is characterized by a widespread violation of the normal anatomical structure of the nasal cavity, with the death of the villi of the mucous epithelium of the nasal cavity and a violation of their physiological functions.

Atrophic rhinitis is one of the most unfavorable consequences, due to frequent inflammatory diseases of the nasal cavity, adverse environmental factors. And it is also possible to develop dystrophic processes against the background of general severe diseases of the organs and systems of the body.

Patients feel constant dryness in the nose. There are purulent yellow-green discharges, which, when dried, form crusts in the nasal cavity.

In the treatment, both general strengthening therapy is used in the form of taking multivitamin complexes, strengthening the immune system, hardening procedures, and local washing of the nasal cavity with physiological sodium chloride solution, lubricating the mucous membrane with glycerin along with instillation of 10% alcohol solution of iodine. A solution of iodine improves the functioning of the villi of the mucous membrane.

It is useful to use inhalations with sea salt. To prepare the solution, take 5 grams of sea salt (one teaspoon) per cup of boiling water. Inhalations are carried out 2-3 times a day.

Vasomotor rhinitis

Vasomotor rhinitis occurs when it comes to the presence of any allergic agent in the nasal cavity. Allergens can be: house dust, fur, smells of cats and dogs, plant pollen, poplar fluff and many other substances. The appearance of vasomotor rhinitis is facilitated by both the internal features of the body to produce a large amount of biological substances in response to the penetration of allergens, and the harmful effects of environmental factors: road dust, exhaust gases, toxic waste from industrial activities, and many others.

Vasomotor rhinitis is characterized by an increased reaction of the body in response to the penetration of allergens. The main clinical symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis are: frequent sneezing. Abundant mucous discharge from the nose, congestion of the nasal passages. The combination of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes - conjunctivitis is not a rare occurrence in this form of the disease.

There are two main forms of vasomotor rhinitis:

Season uniform- appears when the above symptoms appear in the spring-autumn period of the year. This form is associated with the appearance of pollen from various plants causing an allergic reaction. Long-term inflammatory processes in the nasal cavity against the background of allergies can lead to the transition of the disease to a permanent form.

Year-round or permanent form of the disease- observed throughout the year and is due to the constant contact of the patient with house dust, fur or another type of allergen.
Treatment consists, first of all, in the exclusion of contact with the allergen, which caused an increased reaction of the body. In addition, antiallergic drugs are prescribed.

Clemastine (tavegil)- 1 mg tablets. Take orally 1 tablet 2 times a day.
Cromolyn (cromoglycic acid)- Available in 15 ml bottles. in the form of a spray.

Application - spray a spray into each nostril at the first sign of an allergic rhinitis.

Prevention of rhinitis

Prevention of the appearance of inflammation of the nasal mucosa includes a whole range of measures aimed at eliminating the influence of harmful factors, hypothermia, timely treatment of other acute infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Preventive measures include:

Prevention of colds.
It is not recommended to abruptly move from a warm room to a cold one, not to be in drafts, not to drink ice water and other soft drinks.
It is recommended to carry out hardening procedures. Dousing with cold water (start gradually, from using warm water to cool). Regular exercise.
Nutrition should be complete, high-calorie, and most importantly, the correct regimen should be observed. The diet should consist of the consumption of fruits and vegetables with a high content of vitamin C (onions, cabbage, citrus fruits, currants). It is recommended to drink tea with raspberries, rosehip infusion, milk with honey.
Periodic wet cleaning and ventilation in the room will prevent the ingress and spread of infection.
A timely visit to the doctor, at the first signs of the disease, will prevent the occurrence of possible complications, especially in infants.
Taking morning or evening sunbathing will strengthen the immune system, help in the formation of vitamin D and give a healthy glow to the skin of the child.
Hygiene measures, such as washing hands with soap after going to the toilet and before eating, will help to avoid infection in the mouth or nose (by picking it with a finger) as is often the case in young children.

Such a seemingly harmless disease is quite dangerous for infants, as it turns into nasopharyngitis, that is, inflammation of not only the nasal cavity, but also the pharynx, and complications in the form of otitis media, bronchitis or pneumonia are also possible.

Information Runny nose in newborns is quite common, especially in autumn and winter, as a symptom of colds or during allergic reactions.

Classification

There are many types of rhinitis, each with its own characteristics and causes. It is important to remember that only a qualified doctor can make a correct diagnosis, so you should not self-medicate.

Each type of rhinitis in newborns has its own characteristics and symptoms:

Viral rhinitis is the most common. It appears in case of hypothermia of the body or a sharp drop in ambient temperatures. In addition, this type of runny nose is typical for children with reduced immunity (for example, in the absence of breastfeeding).
Atopic (allergic) rhinitis. Such a runny nose can occur when exposed to various irritants (allergens): pollen, pet hair, dust, fluff, food, etc. A subspecies of this disease is seasonal rhinitis, which is typical for a certain time of the year.
Infectious rhinitis. In this case, a runny nose is a symptom of other diseases, such as measles, diphtheria, scarlet fever, influenza, SARS.
Acute rhinitis. This type has its own characteristics. Inflammation extends not only to the nasopharynx, but also to the larynx, trachea, middle ear, lungs and bronchi. At the same time, the act of sucking is disturbed in the baby, resulting in a decrease in body weight, increased excitability and sleep disturbances.

The main causes of rhinitis are a violation and a decrease in immunity, as well as various influences of external factors. Such as improper hygiene, local or general cooling of the body, deviated nasal septum, allergic reactions, prolonged diseases that were not treated properly, and the presence of a foreign body in the nasal passages.

Stages of rhinitis

reflex stage. It lasts only a few hours and develops rapidly. It is characterized by constant sneezing, dryness, itching and burning of the nasal cavity.
catarrhal stage. Duration - 2-3 days. The vessels expand, the mucous membrane turns red, the nasal conchas swell. At the same time, nasal breathing is difficult, the sense of smell is reduced, transparent abundant discharge from the nose is observed.
Stage of bacterial inflammation. In general, the condition improves slightly, but the discharge from the nose becomes thick, viscous, yellow or green.

Acute rhinitis usually occurs within 7-10 days. It is worth noting that with good immunity, 2-3 days can be cured, and with a weakened state, a runny nose can last 3-4 weeks and become chronic, possibly with complications.

Treatment of the common cold in newborns

Importantly, the most important thing is not to self-medicate and not to delay going to the doctor. Only a qualified doctor should diagnose, diagnose and treat rhinitis in a newborn.

It is very important for parents to properly care for a sick child. During the entire period of the course of the disease, it is necessary to alleviate the condition of the child as much as possible.

During treatment, raise the head of the bed so that the baby's head and upper body are at an angle of degrees relative to the lower body. Thus, sputum will be better allocated, and the child will breathe easier.
It is important to keep your nose clean. This must be done as carefully and accurately as possible. To do this, use a special device - an aspirator, or a small rubber pear. Suck the mucus first from one nasal passage, and then from the other, as often as necessary. Then rinse the nasal passages with a decoction of chamomile or saline.
If a child develops crusts in the nose, then before removing them, it is necessary to lubricate the nasal passages with baby oil, and then clean it with a cotton swab or cotton flagellum. In this case, you need to be as careful as possible so as not to injure the mucous membrane.

So that rhinitis in newborns does not cause complications, you should not use treatment with alternative methods. Self-medication threatens with complications and the transition of the disease from an acute form to a chronic one.

What can a doctor prescribe

informationFor the treatment of rhinitis, the doctor may prescribe both medication (nasal drops) and physiotherapy (inhalations and heating of the sinuses).

Vasoconstrictor drugs are not the best remedy for rhinitis in newborns. But if the doctor has prescribed you Brizolin, Nazivin, Otrivin or Vibrocil, you should strictly observe the dosage of the drug and the time of its use (usually no longer than 5-7 days).

If bacterial inflammation is diagnosed, then antibacterial agents are used. For example, Isofra spray, Bioparox aerosol.

Prevention of rhinitis in newborns

Compliance with the following preventive measures will help to significantly reduce the risk of rhinitis and the development of any complication in a child:

breastfeeding, which results in good immunity;
soft hardening procedures;
maximum prevention of colds;
wet cleaning and compliance with the temperature regime in the child's room;
timely visit to the doctor;
observance of hygiene rules.

Types and methods of therapy for rhinitis in infants

Runny nose in children, or as it is also called rhinitis, is a common phenomenon. Most often, it occurs with viral diseases, but in infants, its appearance can occur for completely different reasons. So what is the difference between rhinitis in infants, for example, from an older child, and should it be treated?

Etiology and mechanism of development of the disease in an infant

Most often, parents face such a problem as the appearance of a runny nose in an infant in the first months of his life. And often the main role in its development is played not by diseases, but by the physiological characteristics of the newborn organism.

The inner surface of the nose is completely lined with a thin mucous membrane, under which there are many capillaries. This mucosa performs a very important function - it produces mucus that keeps particles of dust, dirt and pathogens in the nasal cavity, preventing them from entering the body itself. And the more of them, the more this mucus is produced.

But, when the baby is in the womb, its mucous membranes do not encounter environmental influences, and after birth they only begin to adapt to them. And it is this period of adaptation that is often accompanied by the onset of a runny nose in babies.

As a rule, physiological rhinitis in newborns is manifested by watery discharge from the nose, which has no odor and does not interfere with the breathing process.

The baby feels well, sleeps peacefully and takes the breast. There is no need to treat such a runny nose. It passes without any complications when the baby reaches a week of age.

However, in infants there is not only a physiological runny nose. They, like other children, are susceptible to various infections, which, in addition to nasal discharge, are manifested by other symptoms.

As mentioned above, the inner surface of the nose is lined with a mucous membrane that produces mucus. This mucus contains mucin, which gives it viscosity. Also, this substance provides antiviral and antibacterial action. And when pathogenic microorganisms enter the nasal cavity, it begins to be produced in large quantities, as a result of which the child develops viscous snot that clogs the nasal passages and leads to impaired breathing processes.

Such rhinitis in a newborn requires a special approach to treatment. In this case, it is necessary to choose the right drug therapy, which will not only eliminate the main symptom - a runny nose, but also prevent the development of other pathologies.

After all, disturbed nasal breathing can lead to hypoxia, that is, oxygen deficiency in the body. This condition leads to disruption of the functionality of brain cells, which can lead to a variety of consequences.

In addition, if you do not treat a runny nose that was not caused by physiological causes, then this can cause the child to develop sinusitis, sinusitis and other diseases of the respiratory system. But! Treatment should be carried out only after the exact cause of the hyperactivity of the nasal mucosa has been identified. And only a doctor can do it right.

There are many causes of a runny nose in an infant. First of all, these are the physiological characteristics of the child's body, as well as the conditions in which the baby is located. For example, dry indoor air and its dustiness can cause rhinitis.

Often, the main provoking factor is allergens, which can be plant pollen, animal hair, powders, fabrics from which bedding is made, etc.

Also, the cause of rhinitis is a deviated septum or a congenital abnormal structure of the nose. And, of course, viruses and bacteria that enter the child's body through the nasal cavity can provoke a runny nose.

In children aged 5-12 months, snot may appear due to the penetration of foreign objects into the nasal passage, for example, small parts of toys. In this case, a runny nose is a consequence of irritation of the nasal mucosa.

Often, infants have snot streaked with blood, which, of course, causes great concern to parents. But you should not panic. The reason for the appearance of snot with streaks of blood indicates the fragility of the capillaries, which is normal for newborns.

Important! It must be understood that blood-streaked snot and nosebleeds are two completely different concepts and they arise for different reasons. If the baby has nosebleeds, it should be immediately shown to the doctor.

Depending on the cause of rhinitis, it can be:

Physiological. Occurs due to the physiological characteristics of the nasopharynx;
Allergic. Appears as a result of exposure to the body of allergens;
Bacterial. Provoked by bacteria;
Viral. It occurs on the background of viral infections.

Symptoms

The occurrence of rhinitis in an infant is always manifested by the release of mucus from the nasal passages. Mucous discharge can be scanty and copious, clear, white, yellow or green. According to its consistency, snot can be liquid, like water, or viscous.

In this case, the general symptoms are different and it depends, first of all, on the cause of the common cold. If this is a physiological runny nose, then the general condition of the child remains satisfactory. He has only transparent snot and an itchy nose, which provokes frequent sneezing.

In the case of allergic rhinitis, the appearance of watery mucus from the nose is also noted. But in addition to this, there are also symptoms such as:

redness of the eyelids and wings of the nose;
increased lacrimation;
dry cough (optional);
sneezing.

Important! Allergic rhinitis is the most dangerous, as its appearance provokes swelling of the mucous membranes, which can spread to the upper respiratory system, causing asthma attacks! If the child is not provided with assistance in a timely manner, this can lead to death.

But bacterial and viral rhinitis is almost always accompanied by a general deterioration in the child's condition (he does not sleep well, eats, becomes irritable, etc.) and an increase in body temperature. In this case, such a runny nose often causes nasal congestion and impaired nasal breathing. Snot of infectious origin has a thick, viscous consistency, white, yellow or green.

How to diagnose?

It is very easy to self-diagnose a runny nose in a baby. When it appears, the child begins to breathe through the mouth and often sniffs. From the nasal cavities, mucus begins to stand out, the color of which and the general condition of the child can determine the cause of its occurrence.

If the snot is transparent, liquid, like water, and at the same time does not exhaust any smell, then this indicates a physiological runny nose that does not require special treatment. If the mucus is viscous and has a yellow or white tint, complemented by a low temperature, then this indicates the development of a viral infection, which will require the use of antiviral drugs to eliminate.

In the same case, if the baby develops thick green snot that exhausts the putrid odor and is accompanied by a high temperature, then this already indicates the development of a bacterial infection, which requires immediate antibiotic therapy.

Allergic rhinitis is always manifested by redness and swelling of the eyelids, increased lacrimation and the release of watery mucus from the nose without smell.

Before starting treatment for rhinitis in an infant, it is necessary to show it to a doctor. Only a specialist, after receiving the results of the tests and an individual examination of a small patient, will be able to determine the nature of the origin of the common cold and prescribe a treatment that in this case will be as effective as possible.

But besides this, parents need to follow some rules that will help speed up the baby's recovery process:

The baby must be protected from drafts. His feet should always be warm.
It is required to apply crumbs to the chest more often. Breast milk contains mother's antibodies, which will help the baby recover faster. But if the baby is bottle-fed, naturally, the feeding schedule should also be followed. But at the same time, it is best to replace the usual milk formula with one that contains more vitamins and minerals.
The child must be provided with plenty of fluids. The liquid helps to accelerate the process of toxic substances that accumulate in the body as a result of the vital activity of bacteria and viruses.
It is necessary to clean the nose of the crumbs from snot and dried crusts in a timely manner.

How and what to treat?

Treatment of rhinitis in infants is carried out by medication. To facilitate the breathing process, local drops and sprays of vasoconstrictive action are used (Nazol Baby, Nazivin, etc.). Apply such drugs no more than 3 times a day, a course of 3-5 days.

Important! It is impossible to use vasoconstrictor drugs for a long time, as they dry and deplete the mucous membrane, as well as provoke the development of drug-induced rhinitis, which is characterized by addiction to medications and it is very difficult to get rid of it.

Before using vasoconstrictor drops or sprays, you should first clear the nasal passages of mucus. To do this, you should use a children's aspirator, which is sold in all pharmacies, as well as a medicated pear with a rubber tip.

It is also necessary to wash the nasal passages. For this purpose, drugs such as AquaMaris, Aqualor Baby "Soft Shower" and others are used.

In the event that a child has a runny nose against the background of a viral infection, an additional intake of antiviral drugs is required. If rhinitis has a bacterial nature of origin - antibiotics.

Important! Antiviral drugs and antibiotics should only be prescribed by a doctor.

These drugs have many contraindications and have side effects, and therefore they are selected individually, as well as their dosage, as well as the duration of administration.

Treatment of allergic rhinitis requires the use of antihistamines. As a rule, infants are prescribed drugs such as Zodak and Zyrtec in the form of drops.

Important! It is strictly forbidden to use folk remedies for the treatment of infants, since alternative medicine requires the use of various decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs, which can provoke a strong allergic reaction in the crumbs.

It is necessary to treat a runny nose in an infant only if it was provoked by viruses, bacteria or allergens. Physiological rhinitis, as well as a runny nose, which arose as a result of dry air or dust in the room, does not need special treatment.

In order for the treatment of a runny nose in babies up to a year to be as effective as possible, you must first establish the exact cause of its origin. And only a doctor can do this.

frequent acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections, otitis media, bronchitis and pneumonia.
runny nose (rhinitis), pharyngitis, tonsillitis (tonsillitis).
swelling behind the ears, swelling of the throat, green snot.
allergies (skin rashes, watery eyes, runny nose)
skin itching and peeling.
nervousness, sleep disturbance and appetite.

Acute rhinitis in newborns

Acute rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa. A runny nose can be an independent disease or a reaction to the penetration of other infections. The course of acute rhinitis in a child is characterized by the severity of the process and the lability of inflammation. This is due to the anatomical features of the structure of the nasal cavity in children.

Causes

Acute rhinitis is characterized by the fact that it does not have its own pathogens, but their role is played by a huge number of viruses and microorganisms. For example, in infants, a runny nose most often occurs when respiratory adenoviruses, influenza viruses, and opportunistic bacteria enter the body. Rhinitis can appear at the beginning of the development of infectious diseases, accompany infectious processes obtained at birth, etc.

There are a number of factors that predispose to the appearance of acute rhinitis in a newborn. The most common include:

Symptoms

In infants, the course of acute rhinitis has its own specifics. If in older children a runny nose (uncomplicated) usually proceeds easily, then in infants everything is much more complicated. Due to the fact that the baby cannot clean the nose as necessary, the mucus flows down the throat, causing inflammation. As a result, an acute runny nose in infants turns into nasopharyngitis: the course of these diseases in infants is identical.

The clinical picture in acute rhinitis in infants is pronounced. The following symptoms indicate the disease:

difficult nasal breathing;
sneezing
copious discharge from the nose;
crust formation;
temperature.

Acute rhinitis negatively affects the general condition of the baby. Due to difficult nasal breathing, the baby cannot sleep, as a result of which he becomes capricious and nervous. For the same reason, a newborn refuses to breastfeed: during suckling, he cannot breathe. Refusal of the breast leads to the fact that the baby begins to quickly lose weight, which is due to the peculiarities of metabolism in the first months of life.

Diagnosis of acute rhinitis in a newborn

It is possible to determine acute rhinitis by the clinical picture, so the diagnosis of the disease is not difficult. At the first symptoms of a runny nose, you need to show the baby to the pediatrician. The doctor makes a diagnosis after interviewing parents, studying the history of the disease, general examination of the baby and examination of the nasal cavity. Usually, additional studies are not required, they are addressed in the presence of complications or when the acute rhinitis is specified (for example, if rhinitis has an allergic etiology).

Complications

If left untreated, acute rhinitis can become chronic. Prolonged shortness of breath at an early age is dangerous because it can lead to a change in the process of formation of the chest and facial skeleton. With rhinitis, oxygen metabolism is disturbed, therefore, diseases of the respiratory organs and the cardiovascular system occur. The most common complications of acute rhinitis include:

In acute rhinitis, the protective function of the mucous membrane and ciliated epithelium is disrupted, which opens the way for various infections, provokes the development of allergic reactions. The prolonged course of acute rhinitis affects the overall physical development of the newborn: sleep is disturbed, the baby becomes nervous, refuses to breastfeed, as a result of which it loses weight. You can avoid the development of complications if you respond in a timely manner to the appearance of a runny nose in infants and carry out effective treatment.

Treatment

What can you do

With manifestations of acute rhinitis in infants, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will prescribe an effective treatment. If it is not possible to call a pediatrician at the first symptoms, then you can act on your own, because in most cases acute rhinitis does not require intensive treatment (however, only a doctor can confirm this). Treat a runny nose in a newborn at home in this way:

create optimal climatic conditions (the house should not be hot, be sure to monitor the humidity of the air);
carry out sanitation of the nasal cavity with the help of an aspirator (this is an important part of the treatment, because a small child cannot clear the nasal passages on his own);
moisturizing the nose with saline solutions.

It is strictly forbidden to use any medications (especially vasoconstrictor drops, antipyretics) before consulting a doctor. Alternative methods of treatment can give a positive effect, but they must be treated with caution, especially when it comes to babies. The expediency of turning to traditional medicine is discussed with the pediatrician.

What does a doctor do

When prescribing treatment for acute rhinitis in infants, the doctor takes into account the intensity of clinical manifestations, the presence of complications, and possible risks. Treatment may consist of the following methods (they are used in combination or separately):

physical methods (recommendations for improving the baby's immunity, creating an optimal microclimate in the house and eliminating provoking factors);
physiotherapy procedures;
drug therapy.

The doctor prescribes medications based on the manifestations of the disease. These can be antiseptics, moisturizing nasal drops, antiviral ointments, antipyretics, mucolytics. When a bacterial infection is attached, antibiotic therapy may be required, in other cases it is ineffective and even dangerous.

Prevention

It is possible to prevent the occurrence of acute rhinitis in infants if a number of measures are taken. The following methods will help to exclude the possibility of developing the disease:

creation of a favorable microclimate in the house (ventilation, use of a humidifier, wet cleaning);
exclusion of factors affecting the dysfunction of the nasal mucosa (a taboo on smoking in a house where there is a baby, the elimination of allergens);
proper nasal hygiene;
caution in seasonal epidemics;
avoidance of hypothermia.

Acute rhinitis appears against the background of a weakened immune system, so it is important to focus on strengthening the protective functions of the newborn's body. Breastfeeding, hardening, walking in the fresh air helps to increase immunity.

Arm yourself with knowledge and read a useful informative article about acute rhinitis in newborns. After all, being parents means studying everything that will help maintain the degree of health in the family at the level of “36.6”.

Find out what can cause acute rhinitis in newborns, how to recognize it in a timely manner. Find information about what are the signs by which you can determine the malaise. And what tests will help to identify the disease and make the correct diagnosis.

In the article you will read everything about the methods of treating a disease such as acute rhinitis in newborns. Specify what effective first aid should be. How to treat: choose drugs or folk methods?

You will also learn how untimely treatment of acute rhinitis in newborns can be dangerous, and why it is so important to avoid the consequences. All about how to prevent acute rhinitis in newborns and prevent complications. Be healthy!

Different types of rhinitis in children occur due to various etiological factors. Most often, a runny nose appears as an independent disease of viral, bacterial or allergic origin. Also, rhinitis can accompany various diseases, such as measles, influenza, parainfluenza, adenovirus infection, scarlet fever, whooping cough.

Classification of rhinitis in children

There are several systematizations of the common cold, depending on various factors.

The form of rhinitis is:

spicy;

By type of process:

paroxysmal;
permanent (regular).

According to etiology, several forms of acute rhinitis are distinguished, the features of the symptoms of which are due to the type and cause of the disease:

Infectious rhinitis is the most common type of rhinitis in children. It occurs due to the penetration of pathogenic microflora into the baby's body, in response to which swelling of the mucous membrane develops, its redness and increased secretion of mucus.
. Its occurrence is due to contact with the allergen. Such a runny nose can be observed for a long time, this is especially true for hay fever - a seasonal hypersensitivity reaction to the flowering of trees or plants. In addition to discharge from the nasal passages, the child is concerned about sneezing, tearing, and swelling of the soft tissues.
. A rather rare disease for children, which is manifested by short-term nasal congestion when entering a warm room from the street, in the morning after waking up or before falling asleep. Such a runny nose is associated with the characteristics of the walls of superficial vessels.
atrophic rhinitis. Abuse is considered the main cause of the disease, as a result of which atrophy of the glands that produce mucus occurs.

Most often, when it comes to acute rhinitis, it means viral rhinitis, which ranks first in prevalence in children among its other varieties.

Causes

The most common causes of rhinitis in children can be considered pathogens such as:

Cocci - streptococci, staphylococci, pneumococci. The bacterial nature of nasal discharge indicates the development of purulent rhinitis in children.
Viruses - adenoviruses, pathogens of influenza and parainfluenza, Coxsackie virus, as well as rhinoviruses. Snot with such rhinitis is usually transparent and viscous and passes through 6-8 days after the onset of the disease.

The prerequisites for the appearance of catarrhal rhinitis in children, as well as the reasons leading to a decrease in the protective characteristics of the epithelial layer of the nasal cavity, may be increased, the ingress of foreign objects into the nasal passage. Sometimes the cause for a runny nose can be tonsillitis, as well as a prolonged sluggish maxillary sinus.

The ingestion of foreign substances in children prone to allergies leads to the appearance of transparent watery snot. Usually, allergic rhinitis is characterized by seasonality and a long course of the process.

Symptoms of the disease

The process goes through three stages of development, which differ in the manifestations and symptoms of the disease:

reflex - the initial stage of the disease, which is characterized by nasal congestion, sneezing and dryness of the mucous membrane. On examination, the doctor discovers a reddened epithelial layer, but there is still no heavy discharge.
catarrhal - the stage of rhinitis in children, when the clinic and signs of a runny nose are pronounced. The child is disturbed by viscous transparent snot, which are produced in large quantities. On examination, hyperemia and edema of the membranes are determined.
Completion of the disease - at this stage, acute symptoms subside, and the process is on the decline. Breathing is restored, and the mucus becomes smaller, it acquires or color. It is important not to confuse this stage with purulent rhinitis in children, since the symptoms are similar.

Features of the course of the disease in childhood

Rhinitis in children under one year of age is especially severe, due to the narrowness of the nasal passages and frequent, not only local, but also general symptoms of the disease. The small width of the lumen of the turbinates leads to the fact that even a slight swelling of the mucous membrane causes blockage of the passage and significantly impairs nasal breathing.

A runny nose in infants leads to "flying" breathing, when the baby inhales air superficially. Snot does not allow the child to fully suckle the breast or eat from a bottle, make it difficult to sleep at night, and also change the mode of rest and wakefulness, because the baby becomes capricious and whiny.

Rhinitis in children older than 3 years is characterized by rapid development. The disease begins with the appearance of a sensation of tickling in the nose, after which congestion occurs. After 1-2 days after the start of the process, the runny nose takes on a catarrhal form, which is characterized by copious secretion of mucus. Rhinitis in children can be of a different nature - the symptoms determine the treatment.

Diagnostics

Primary identification of children's rhinitis is done by a pediatrician. If a runny nose is detected, it may sometimes be necessary to consult an otorhinolaryngologist, especially when the process has an atypical or protracted course.

Diagnosis of rhinitis in children is based on the symptoms and results of the examination of a small patient:

Visual inspection - the study of the outer integument of the nose.
Instrumental research - rhinoscopy. With the help of a frontal reflector, the doctor examines the mucous membrane and assesses its condition, draws attention to the nasal septum and cartilaginous structures.
Laboratory research - based on the results of a general analysis of blood and urine, it is possible to identify signs of inflammation.
Radiography - in some situations, it may be necessary to take pictures of the paranasal sinuses.

Particular attention should be paid to the diagnosis and treatment of purulent rhinitis in children, since the timeliness of the treatment of the disease depends on how quickly recovery occurs and whether complications arise.

Treatment methods for rhinitis in children

When nasal discharge appears, parents are wondering how to treat rhinitis in children, especially if the baby is not even a year old. The first step is to seek advice from a pediatrician, after which, following his instructions, begin treatment of rhinitis in children.

In the acute stage of the common cold, symptomatic therapy is usually carried out, which consists of the following:

Toilet of the nasal cavity - removal of mucus from the nose with cotton turundas or.
Irrigation - instillation of isotonic solutions that allow you to wash the passages from excess crusts and mucus.
The use of medicines according to indications - vasoconstrictor or antiviral drops, antiseptic solutions.

Regarding the treatment of rhinitis in children, Dr. Komarovsky, who is popular with many young and experienced mothers, talks about the need to use various medications.

In the treatment of children's rhinitis are used:

Moisturizing drops - solutions containing sterile water from the sea or ocean are close in salt concentration to blood plasma. Such drops from rhinitis in children make it possible to rinse the nose from snot, as well as moisten the mucous membrane. They are not addictive and are absolutely harmless even for newborns. More about the drug
Vasoconstrictor drops . They are based on adrenomimetic substances that affect the state of the vascular wall. For the most part, such drops are not intended for the treatment of rhinitis in children under one year old. However, there are several products containing a minimum concentration of oxymetazoline that are allowed to be used in babies in the first month of life. For example, 0.01%. The use of such drugs should be under the strict supervision of a physician, since exceeding the permissible dosage can cause mucosal atrophy and addiction.
Anti-influenza drugs . If rhinitis develops against the background of SARS or other viral diseases, doctors recommend using drugs with interferons, especially if there are symptoms such as hyperthermia, fever, body aches and deterioration in general condition. For early childhood, the use of medications in the form of rectal suppositories (Genferon) or nasal drops (Interferon) is optimal.

To prescribe drugs for allergic rhinitis, you need to contact an otorhinolaryngologist and an allergist for testing. After identifying the allergen, you should limit contact with it, as well as use medications prescribed by your doctor.

Folk remedies

The treatment of rhinitis in children with folk remedies should be approached with caution. The best option is to combine home treatment with medical appointments. You can choose herbal preparations to combat a runny nose only if the child does not have allergies.

There are many ways to treat nasal congestion at home.

Consider the most popular and effective rhinitis remedies for children:

Diluted in equal amounts, beetroot juice with water can be instilled into the nose, even for infants.
Aloe or Kalanchoe juice should be dripped to each nostril 2-3 times a day.
Inhalations of nasal conchas with the use of decoctions of medicinal herbs.
Lubrication of the nose with peach kernel oil to prevent dryness of the mucous membrane.
at a concentration of 5 g per 100 ml.

Prevention

Most cases of a runny nose are associated with a viral infection, so the main prevention of rhinitis in children is aimed at preventing colds.

To do this, you must adhere to the following rules:

Dress your baby for a walk according to weather conditions to prevent overheating or hypothermia.
During seasonal exacerbations of acute respiratory viral infections, give your child vitamin complexes to strengthen immunity.
Try to avoid contact with sick people and carriers of flu and cold viruses.
Develop the habit of frequent hand washing from an early age, especially after returning from a walk and from crowded places.
Provide your baby with an individual towel, toothbrush and comb - this will reduce the likelihood of contact with pathogenic microorganisms and contact with alien microflora.

Prevention of complications

Timely treatment of viral rhinitis in children will prevent the occurrence of negative consequences of the disease. At the first sign of a runny nose and even a slight deterioration in the condition of the baby, it is better to consult a doctor. A professional can adequately assess the clinical picture, talk about possible risks and offer optimal treatment for snot, which will protect children from complications of rhinitis.

In order for recovery to occur as soon as possible, and in the future there is no serious threat to the health of the child, it is important to follow these recommendations:

always be attentive even to minor symptoms of SARS;
do not postpone a visit to the pediatrician;
listen to the advice of a doctor and do not try to treat rhinitis, especially in children under 2 years old, on your own;
follow the recommendations of a specialist regarding therapeutic methods and dosages of drugs.

Features of the course of rhinitis in young children can lead to complications with the wrong approach to the treatment of the disease. Treatment of rhinitis in children under 3 years of age is accompanied by certain difficulties due to the fact that the child cannot accurately assess his condition and explain what is bothering him. Therefore, by starting prevention at an early age, you will reduce the likelihood of disease.

Useful video about the treatment of rhinitis in children

It is especially difficult for infants to endure a runny nose, since shortness of breath through the nose is one of the signs of the disease, which does not allow the child to eat and sleep peacefully. Frequent episodes of rhinitis and its chronic course in infants are often complicated, and in older children - sinusitis.

3 main causes of rhinitis in children

The causes of rhinitis in children are quite numerous. Children's rhinitis can be a sign of some kind of infection, such as the flu, or it can be an independent disease.

Among the many causes of rhinitis, the 3 most common ones can be distinguished:

viruses,
bacteria,
Allergy.

Viruses are by far the dominant cause of acute rhinitis. Among them, rhinitis is most often caused by influenza viruses, adenoviruses, rhinoviruses, enteroviruses.

The causative agent of bacterial rhinitis is predominantly coccal microflora. The cause of the disease can be: streptococci, staphylococci, meningococci. These are the most common culprits of bacterial rhinitis.

Allergy is the main cause of chronic rhinitis in modern children. Anything can be an allergen that has become an etiological factor, but most often it is something that a child can inhale along with the air: dust particles, pollen, wool and other animal secretions.

Often, rhinitis in children, mainly at a younger age, develops after foreign objects enter the nose. While playing, kids can put any small object into their or their peer's nose, which, being in the nasal cavity for a long time, can cause rhinitis.

Despite numerous reasons, the protective properties of the nasal mucosa play a significant role in its development, in violation of which the risk of developing rhinitis increases.

Factors that reduce the protective properties of the mucous membrane:

Hypothermia, as well as sharp fluctuations in temperature;
Air polluted with chemicals or dust;
Too dry air;
Irritating, pungent odors;
Long-term vasoconstrictor drops.

Types of rhinitis in children

According to the course and change of the mucous membrane, rhinitis is usually divided into acute and chronic.

Chronic rhinitis is divided into the following forms:

Simple catarrhal.
Hypertrophic. This form is divided into vascular, fibrous, edematous, polyposis and mixed. And according to the degree of prevalence - limited and diffuse.
Atrophic, which is divided into simple and fetid (ozena).
Allergic.
Vasomotor.

How is acute rhinitis manifested in children?

The disease always affects both halves of the nose. The development of acute rhinitis is accompanied by malaise, sneezing, impaired sense of smell, nasality. Swelling of the mucous membrane makes it difficult to breathe through the nose, congestion appears, headaches, lacrimation occur, and hearing decreases. Mucus flowing down the back of the throat provokes an obsessive cough.

There are three stages in the development of inflammation of the mucous membrane in acute rhinitis:

Irritation.

This stage is manifested by dryness and itching. The child has itching in the nose. These are the first signs of rhinitis. Then there is congestion. The first stage lasts from several hours to a day.

The stage of serous (watery) discharge.

The mucous membrane of a healthy nose constantly secretes a small amount of mucus. Its layer is replaced every 10-20 minutes, removing dust particles that have entered the nose. With inflammation, the secretion of mucus increases many times, which is manifested by rhinorrhea, it literally flows from the nose. The flowing mucus and constant rubbing of the nose causes irritation and makes it look red and swollen. In addition to the flow from the nose, a strong edema of the mucous membrane develops and nasal breathing is sharply disturbed. The child often sneezes, snot and tears flow, and the nose does not breathe at all. As a result, appetite decreases and sleep is disturbed. This stage lasts 1-2 days. Abundant liquid discharge quickly thickens and the third stage of rhinitis begins.

Stage of mucopurulent discharge.

At this stage, the flow from the nose stops, thick, yellowish discharge appears - with viral inflammation and purulent - with bacterial inflammation. The nose begins to breathe and smell again, nasal breathing is slowly restored and the state of health improves.

On average, all three stages of rhinitis, with an uncomplicated course, pass in seven days, and a week later the child recovers.

Features of acute rhinitis in infants

For infants, acute rhinitis is a serious disease, often accompanied by the development of complications. Moreover, the younger the child, the more severe the course of rhinitis. This is due to the peculiarities of the structure of the nose in babies. Infants have well-developed nasal conchas, and the nasal cavity has a small volume, so their nasal passages are narrow and even a slight swelling of the mucosa can lead to difficulty or impossibility of breathing through the nose.

The main sign of difficulty in nasal breathing is frequent interruptions in sucking and breathing through the mouth. The inability to breathe through the nose forces the baby to stop sucking or he refuses to take the breast or bottle at all. He is forced to breathe through his mouth, and the baby's mouth is constantly open. The child remains hungry, so it becomes restless, sleeps poorly, loses weight. When breathing through the mouth, the baby swallows air and flatulence (gas) occurs, anxiety increases, vomiting and loose stools may appear, the general condition of the baby worsens.

In the case when the nasal passages are severely narrowed, in order to make breathing easier, the baby throws his head back, which causes tension in the large fontanel and may appear.

In infants, inflammation is not limited to the nasal cavity and goes to the throat, so acute rhinitis is usually accompanied.

The special structure of the choanae (holes in the nose connecting the nasal cavity with the pharynx) does not allow mucus to descend into the nasopharynx. It accumulates in the nasal cavity, in its posterior sections. This phenomenon is called the back runny nose, which occurs in infants. At the same time, mucus flows in strips along the back wall of the pharynx, which is clearly visible during examination.

Frequent complications of rhinitis in infants are: otitis, tracheobronchitis, dacryocystitis.

In older children, the course of acute rhinitis does not differ from adults.

Acute rhinitis as a symptom of an infectious disease has its own characteristics characteristic of this type of infection.

The course and signs of chronic rhinitis in a child

Chronic rhinitis leads to persistent changes in the mucous membrane. The prolonged course of rhinitis causes hypertrophy (excessive growth) or atrophy (thinning, reduction) of the nasal mucosa.

Simple catarrhal form very similar to acute rhinitis, but proceeds more sluggishly with less pronounced symptoms. The child is disturbed by the incessant mucous discharge and the alternating congestion of one or the other half of the nose. When the child lies down, congestion intensifies, so children often sleep with their mouths open. The resulting dryness in the throat, together with the flow of mucus into the nasopharynx, provokes the appearance of a dry, obsessive cough. This form of rhinitis is characterized by improvement in spring and summer, when it is warm. At this time, the manifestations of rhinitis subside and the child feels well, but in the fall, with the first cold weather, everything repeats, and the signs of the disease intensify.

Hypertrophic form characterized by severe difficulty in nasal breathing. The child constantly does not breathe his nose, because of this his head hurts, his sleep is disturbed. The child does not distinguish well or does not smell at all, speaks through the nose (nasal), his hearing is reduced, he becomes absent-minded, quickly gets tired. The result is failure in school.

Vasomotor form, as a rule, debuts at the age of 6 - 7 years. In newborns, infants and young children, this form of rhinitis is very rare.

The main signs of this form are periods of impaired breathing through the nose, accompanied by copious secretions and constant sneezing. During this period, there is reddening of the mucous membrane of the eyes (conjunctiva) and face, tearing, sweating, as well as burning, numbness, tingling and crawling sensation on the skin, called the general term - paresthesia. There is a clear relationship between attacks of rhinitis with nervous tension and irritants, for example, control, a scandal in the family or a sharp cold snap.

allergic form can occur in a child of absolutely any age and is rarely isolated. As a rule, it is combined with allergic dermatitis, and other manifestations of allergies.

In the allergic form of the child, severe itching in the nose, bouts of sneezing, swelling and redness of the face, flowing from the nose, and watery eyes are disturbing.

atrophic form rhinitis in childhood is rare. A fetid runny nose or ozena, one of the varieties of the atrophic form, occurs in adolescents, and in girls 2-3 times more often.

Ozena is manifested by thinning and dryness of the mucosa, which is covered with crusts of dried thick, purulent discharge. Because of these crusts, a very unpleasant, repulsive odor comes from patients, which patients do not feel, they have no sense of smell. Peers avoid communication with the patient, and he feels extremely depressed. If atrophy captures the bones of the nose, deformity (curvature) develops, and the nose resembles a duck's beak in its shape.

How is the diagnosis made?

After interviewing parents and the child, identifying complaints, the pediatrician examines the nasal cavity and pharynx (rhinoscopy and pharyngoscopy). Then, based on the data obtained, he makes a diagnosis. The pediatrician, as a rule, makes a diagnosis of acute rhinitis, and in the presence of complications or suspicion of chronic rhinitis, the child is referred for a consultation with an otorhinolaryngologist. Children with consult an allergist-immunologist.

If necessary, to clarify the diagnosis, laboratory (bac-sowing of a swab taken from the nose) and instrumental () research methods can be prescribed.

Principles of treatment of rhinitis in children

Children who have a runny nose for more than a week, and infants from the first day of illness, must be examined by a pediatrician. Treatment of rhinitis in children, especially acute, in most cases, is carried out by a pediatrician, who, if necessary, connects doctors of other specialties.
It is possible to inject drugs into the nose in the form of drops, ointments and sprays for infants only as directed by a doctor.
Before the introduction of any drug, it is necessary to clear the nasal cavity of mucus and crusts. For infants, drip a few drops of saline (Salin, saline), and then suck out the mucus with a rubber can or a special aspirator. You can remove mucus and crusts with a flagellum twisted from cotton wool, introducing it into the nasal cavity with rotational movements (use a separate flagellum for each nostril).

For older children, rinse the nose with saline, if the child knows how, you can just blow your nose.

Complex treatment is prescribed according to indications, when rhinitis is a sign of any infection and depends on its type.
Children with acute rhinitis are prescribed mainly symptomatic treatment aimed at restoring nasal breathing. For this purpose, vasoconstrictor, antiseptic and antiviral drugs are prescribed.

Vasoconstrictor drugs should not be used for longer than 5 days because prolonged use disrupts the nasal mucosa, leaving irreversible changes in it. Children can use only those drugs that are intended for children. The concentration of active substances in them is much lower, and the action is softer, especially for the delicate and thin mucous membrane of children's noses.

The use of reflex (distraction) therapy gives a positive effect. These are hot foot baths, dry mustard powder in a sock. The use of reflex therapy is contraindicated if there is an increase in temperature.

Of the physiotherapeutic methods, children are prescribed KUF and UHF.

In the treatment of chronic rhinitis, the identification and elimination of the cause of rhinitis is of primary importance.

The tactics of treating chronic forms of rhinitis are determined by an ENT doctor, and allergic rhinitis in children is treated by an allergist-immunologist.

Prevention of all rhinitis is the timely treatment of diseases of the nose, as well as the nasopharynx; systematic hardening; elimination of the impact of factors that reduce the protective properties of the nasal mucosa; the use of restorative and protective agents during the period of increased morbidity.

Rhinitis in children is characterized as inflammation in the nasal cavity, directly on the mucous membrane. During the inflammatory process, the patient develops abundant mucous discharge, as well as a violation of nasal breathing, an increase in body temperature and other signs of the clinical picture. Such inflammation is quite common: in almost forty percent of children, rhinitis occurs before the age of three more than five times a year.

If the inflammation is not cured in time, then the patient may develop inflammation of the nasopharynx, otitis media, sinusitis and tonsillitis. Such ailments are dangerous in childhood, so it is important to know the main symptoms and treatment of acute rhinitis in children. In almost all cases, it is possible to get rid of rhinitis in infants in a few days. However, it is very important to follow all the rules and safety precautions when taking medications.

Acute rhinitis in children is more common than other types of diseases. This type of illness is characterized by high body temperature, weakness, muscle pain, redness of the tip of the nose, copious mucous secretions and other characteristic signs.

At this time, a small patient needs to adhere to bed rest, and his parents should monitor the child's nutrition, his condition and the clinical picture of inflammation.

If during the course of treatment you notice local manifestations of inflammation that are easily treatable, the baby is not forbidden to swim or exercise, but in other cases it is important to follow all the rules.

Otherwise, rhinitis can go into a chronic stage.

Acute rhinitis often occurs with ARVI, a cold, inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, or in case of an allergic reaction. With inflammation of rhinitis, the vessels in the mucous membrane are primarily affected. They expand and provoke the formation of puffiness, which, in turn, causes difficulty in breathing.

In the catarrhal stage of a runny nose, the baby feels respiratory failure and severe nasal congestion. Such symptoms cause capriciousness, refusal to eat, sleep disturbance. If treatment is not received in this phase, the exudative stage occurs. At this time, part of the blood plasma and mucous fluid flows into the vascular tissues, which forms a lumen in the nasal cavity. Thus, exudate is formed in the nasal cavity.

The separated fragments are usually quite mucous, but if the rules of treatment are violated or absent, it becomes purulent. In some cases, acute rhinitis may present with bloody discharge.

Regardless of the stage of inflammation, acute rhinitis must be cured. How and how to treat acute rhinitis in a child can only be determined by a qualified doctor. Keep in mind that cure therapy is prescribed taking into account the child's age, weight and height, as well as after an analysis of the individual characteristics of the baby.

Symptoms of inflammation

Each period of acute rhinitis is accompanied by certain symptoms.

So, the incubation period of a runny nose can be several hours. At this time, the baby is noted the following symptoms:

nasal congestion appears;
puffiness;
dryness;
dysfunction of the respiratory organ;
redness of the mucous membrane.

Next stage accompanied by the formation of a significant amount of mucous secretion, as well as a violation of the patency of the nasal passages. At this time, there is the formation of copious liquid discharge, as well as sneezing, itching and burning. Patients develop profuse lacrimation and the first symptoms of conjunctivitis.

On the fifth day ailment in the baby manifests a purulent formation. At this time, the mucous secretions thicken, and pus forms in the secret. Snot at the same time acquire a yellow, green, brown or black tint.

In the event of a complication of inflammation, the baby's body temperature rises, there is a violation of smell, drowsiness, fatigue, capriciousness, refusal to eat, insomnia. Such signs are accompanied by copious discharge, sore throat, pressure in the nasal cavity and bridge of the nose, headaches and shooting sensations in the temples.

If the inflammation is not treated, the child may develop nasopharyngitis. In this case, you can replace the strong redness of the mucous membrane, sore throat, severe malaise.

In adolescence, memory impairment, ear pain, and complete loss of smell are often noted.

Acute coryza lasts seven days to two weeks. If you notice signs of inflammation in time, then you can cure rhinitis in less time.

Complex treatment of rhinitis

Acute rhinitis in infants should be treated under the strict supervision of the attending physician. Sometimes a long and severe runny nose occurs with complications that cannot be identified independently. In addition, it is important to know the individual characteristics of the baby in order to correctly prescribe medications and not provoke the appearance of side effects.

In most cases, acute rhinitis is treated for about one week. At this time, the baby should adhere to bed rest. You should limit the communication of the baby, therefore, with acute rhinitis, you can not go to school or kindergarten.

Before starting treatment, it is important to undergo a complete diagnosis in the office of an ENT doctor.

You can determine the diagnosis in a personal consultation with a doctor., after rhinoscopy and pharyngoscopy.

If necessary, the doctor may prescribe an additional examination.

It includes an x-ray, endoscopy, a visit to an allergist and other studies.

In case of severe forms of inflammation or a small age of the child, the baby may be hospitalized. In addition, the reasons for inpatient treatment may be several factors:

in case of fever or convulsions;
with acute intoxication;
serious respiratory failure;
in case of formation of risks and complications.

In other cases, treatment is at home. In the process of treatment, a small patient is prescribed the following procedures:

Treatment of acute rhinitis begins with an active impact on the focus of inflammation. For this, the patient needs to take antiviral drugs and antibiotics. In the first case, antiviral drugs are effective in the earliest stages of inflammation. In this case, assign , . If the baby is already three years old, the course of treatment may include.
If acute rhinitis is due to a bacterial infection, treatment includes taking antibiotics. You can prescribe an antibiotic only after analyzing the sensitivity of the baby's body to the prescribed microorganisms. In addition, antibiotics are necessary in the presence of chronic sinusitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis. In this case, the patient will be prescribed topical antibacterial drugs: or, as well as Bactroban ointment. Treatment with drugs of this kind lasts no more than seven days.
The next stage of treatment will be the sanitation of the nasal passages.. This is necessary to get rid of accumulations of pus and mucus. Washing the nose will help improve nasal breathing and a good rest for the child.
It is important not to forget to carry out inhalations with the addition of essential oils.. In addition, you can use "Golden Star Balm" or "Doctor MOM".
To facilitate breathing and return the functions of the nose, babies are prescribed vasoconstrictor nose drops: Otrivin, Nazivin, Nafazolin, Oxymetazoline and others. Treatment with nasal remedies should take no more than five days, but if necessary, the doctor can increase the course of treatment up to one week.

Keep in mind that for babies under two years of age, treatment is selected individually.

Symptomatic treatment

In the course of restoring the functions of the respiratory organ and eliminating the causes of the formation of acute rhinitis, it is important to improve the condition of the baby.

In case of high fever, the baby may be prescribed antipyretics: Nurofen, Panadol, Paracetamol and others.
If a child has a cough, it is important to drink a course of expectorants.
Babies about three years old are prescribed, and for younger patients, some physiotherapy procedures are allowed. The choice of treatment is made only by the attending physician. It is forbidden to undergo UHF, electrophoresis and other physiotherapy procedures without the appointment of a specialist.

To facilitate general well-being, the child is prescribed massage. It is necessary to increase the protective functions of the body.

Conclusion

Treatment of acute rhinitis in infants and older children should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. If you have been prescribed home therapy, you must adhere to all prescribed dosages and do not violate the duration of administration.

In addition, monitor the general well-being of the child and in case of a noticeable complication of inflammation, seek urgent medical attention.