Acute rhinitis (runny nose) in children

Acute rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, characterized by swelling of the tissues (most pronounced in the area of the nasal turbinates) and the production of a large amount of mucus. The damage extends to both halves of the nose. 

Rhinitis (runny nose) is one of the most common diseases in children and adults, as it is a reaction of the body to irritants: viruses or bacteria, adverse environmental factors, occupational hazards, and other external allergens. 

The mucous membrane of the nasal cavity has its own microflora, meaning a certain number of conditionally pathogenic microorganisms (staphylococci, streptococci, etc.) that constantly live on the mucous membrane without causing harm. However, in the case of decreased overall resistance of the body, the entry of pathogenic viruses and bacteria, or the influence of other irritating factors, these "peaceful microorganisms" start to multiply actively, thus causing inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity. 

The causes of acute rhinitis are viral or bacterial infections (influenza, adenovirus, rhinovirus, and other acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI), measles, scarlet fever, diphtheria, etc.) that affect the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity. 

The symptoms of acute rhinitis depend on the stage of the disease: 

• The first stage lasts from several hours to 1-2 days and is manifested by a feeling of itching and dryness in the nasal cavity, sneezing, sometimes tearing, headache, general malaise, fever, and decreased sense of smell. The mucous membrane of the nasal cavity is dry, swollen, and red; 

• In the second stage, there is a watery discharge from the nose, complications of nasal breathing, nasal voice, the mucous membrane is moist, swollen, and there are watery-mucous discharges in the nasal passages; 

• In the third stage, nasal breathing improves, the discharge from the nose becomes muco-purulent, gradually decreasing in quantity, and the mucous membrane becomes less swollen and pale. Recovery occurs on average after 5-7 days. 

Rhinitis is recognized based on the listed symptoms; however, in each case, it is necessary to differentiate them from rhinitis that are manifestations of infectious diseases such as influenza, diphtheria, measles, whooping cough, scarlet fever, and others. Each infectious disease has its own symptoms, course, and treatment. Objective examination of the ENT organs (rhinoscopy - examination of the nasal cavity) clarifies the stage of rhinitis. If there is suspicion of complications of rhinitis, an X-ray examination of the paranasal sinuses is prescribed. 

• Catarrhal rhinitis is a disease characterized by persistent catarrhal (i.e., NON-purulent) inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity. Factors contributing to its development include a large number of bacteria in the mucosa, frequent respiratory viral infections, weakened immune system, and high pollution of inhaled air with various dust types and combustion products. 
• Allergic rhinitis is a disease associated with the entry of an allergen (a substance that triggers an allergic reaction) onto the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity. Allergic rhinitis can manifest seasonally (associated with the flowering of certain plant species) or year-round. Allergic rhinitis is often associated with bronchial asthma, allergic conjunctivitis, urticaria, and other allergic diseases. Sometimes, the consequence of allergic rhinitis is the development of polyps and hypertrophy of the inferior nasal turbinates. 
• Vasomotor rhinitis is a functional condition associated with the disturbance of regulation of the tonus of blood vessels located under the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity. Vasomotor rhinitis often develops in people with disorders of the nervous, endocrine, and cardiovascular systems, more often in youth or premenopausal age. 
• Medicinal rhinitis, as the name suggests, develops against the backdrop of taking medications. These are drugs that lower blood pressure, tranquilizers, neuroleptics, alcohol. Special mention should be made of vasoconstrictor nasal drops, which most frequently cause medicinal rhinitis. It is not recommended to use vasoconstrictor drops or sprays in the nose for more than 5 consecutive days, especially in elderly people and those with cardiovascular diseases, as these medications can lead to increased blood pressure and increased heart rate (tachycardia). 
• The causes of atrophic rhinitis often include vitamin deficiencies, iron deficiency states, occupational hazards (working in hot, dry environments, various types of dust), genetic factors (in such cases, atrophic rhinitis is combined with atrophic pharyngitis and atrophic gastritis, which is more common in women), as well as after excessively radical surgical interventions on the structures of the nose. 

Particularly acute is the issue of the occurrence of rhinitis in children from birth to 10 years, as the immune system and the body's resistance to viruses and bacteria are actively forming at this age. 

Acute rhinitis in children is primarily associated with ARVI, meaning it is viral. It, like cough or fever, should also be treated. 

Particular attention is required for runny nose in infants, as their mucous membrane swells faster than in older children and adults, the nasal cavity is significantly narrower (therefore, the access of air is obstructed more quickly and easily), and excessive or improper use of aspirators can actually worsen the swelling of the mucosa. Additionally, small children do not know how to blow their noses, complicating the discharge of mucus, and infants cannot breathe through their mouths, complicating feeding and leading to quick fatigue. Therefore, rhinitis in infants is more severe compared to adults. It prevents them from breathing, sleeping, and eating. A simple runny nose can complicate serious diseases, most often acute otitis media, due to ventilation disturbances in the Eustachian tube, which connects the nasopharynx and the middle ear cavity. 

If a child is under 3 months, then snorting with the nose does not necessarily indicate the child is ill. It may be a manifestation of physiological rhinitis associated with the formation of the mucous membrane of the nose. However, in combination with a deterioration of the child's general condition, a decrease in appetite, and an increase in body temperature, it requires a visual examination by a pediatrician. 

For information about treatment and to schedule an appointment, please call the contact center of the MM "Dobrobut."