The main symptoms of acute nasopharyngitis in children - information for parents

How to Treat Acute Rhinopharyngitis in Children and Adults

Rhinopharyngitis refers to an acute inflammatory process of the mucous membrane of the nose and the posterior wall of the pharynx. Symptoms of acute rhinopharyngitis include a dry cough, nasal congestion, tickle in the throat, and abundant discharge. In some cases, general weakness, headache, chills, and sweating are noted.

Causes of the disease:

• Viruses (adenovirus, rhinovirus, coronavirus, ECHO viruses);
• Bacteria (streptococci, staphylococci, mycoplasma, chlamydia);
• Irritants – the main cause of allergic rhinopharyngitis.

Predisposing factors include malnutrition, hypothermia, and weakened immunity. The onset of the disease is also facilitated by impaired nasal breathing, atmospheric air pollution, and chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Sources can include carious teeth, sinusitis, and rhinitis.

Types of Inflammatory Process

Acute rhinopharyngitis begins suddenly. The main manifestations are dryness of the mucous membranes, nasal congestion, a tickle in the throat, and impaired sense of smell. The patient complains of abundant serous discharge from the nose. Without timely treatment, the discharge becomes purulent.

The symptomatology of the allergic form is similar to the manifestations of acute rhinopharyngitis. Nasal congestion, swelling of the mucous membranes, tickle, and serous discharge are the body's reaction to an irritant.

Symptoms and Treatment of Rhinopharyngitis in Children

The incubation period of the disease ranges from one to three days. However, the first signs often appear within the first 24 hours. If a child is irritable and refuses food, frequently sneezes and coughs, seek help from a pediatrician. After an examination, the doctor will outline a treatment plan and provide advice on caring for the baby. Timely treatment can help avoid many complications.

Clinical manifestations of acute rhinopharyngitis in children include:

• Hoarseness of voice and tickle in the throat;
• Abundant white nasal discharge;
• Sneezing, watery eyes;
• Elevated temperature;
• Enlarged lymph nodes.

Treatment for rhinopharyngitis in children consists of administering antipyretics as needed, ensuring plenty of fluids, nasal irrigation with saline solutions, and, if necessary and strictly indicated, nasal vasoconstrictor drops.

Complications can include:

• Sinusitis, retropharyngeal abscess;
• Otitis;
• Bronchial obstruction;
• Pneumonia.

Infants with weakened immunity and chronic diseases are most susceptible to developing complications.

Clinical Manifestations in Adults

The symptoms of the disease are largely similar to those of rhinitis and pharyngitis. The main symptoms of the viral form include:

• Dryness of mucous membranes;
• Tickle in the throat, nasal voice;
• Viscous discharge;
• Pain in the ears;
• Elevated temperature;
• Enlarged cervical and occipital lymph nodes.

For the allergic form of the pathology, nasal congestion, cough, swelling of the mucous membranes, and redness of the throat are characteristic. On our website, you will find more information, including which medications are most effective for allergic rhinopharyngitis.

Prevention

By following simple medical recommendations, you can avoid rhinopharyngitis and its numerous complications.

Otolaryngologist's advice:

• Timely treatment of viral and infectious diseases;
• Rational nutrition and adherence to a hydration regimen;
• Influenza vaccination is very important; it should be done in a timely manner for the entire family, not just the child;
• Adherence to personal hygiene rules;
• Strengthening immunity.

Related services:
Children's otolaryngology