A swollen nasopharynx, excessive reddening of the skin of the face, sneezing and a runny nose are a completely natural reaction of the body to viruses coming from outside. But they require immediate treatment.
In fact, swelling of the nasopharynx in a child and an adult is a pathological condition caused by various diseases. It is noteworthy that the swelling itself after some time can lead to no less serious complications. This symptom requires a more careful attitude.
Symptoms of swelling of the nasopharynx
The mucosa of the nose and pharynx seems to be lined with a special tissue, which consists of ciliated cells. Their main function is the slow movement of particles that have entered the nose with external air. Due to the influence of certain factors, a change in the functions of these cells can occur, which causes edema.
Infectious agents, if inhaled, will significantly increasepermeability of the vessels located here. But this is exactly what is needed to combat pathogenic microbes. There is an increase in the flow of lymph and blood to the nasopharynx, which causes the development of not only edema, but also inflammation.
Simply put, the mucous membrane is a kind of barrier that effectively delays the infection, prevents it from entering the body, as well as surrounding organs. Swelling of the nasopharynx indicates the beginning of the body's struggle with any damage or elements that have fallen into it, which caused a reflex reaction.
Reasons
The main causes of this condition are as follows:
- allergic reactions;
- brain herniation;
- hypothermia of the body, leading to a slowdown in the movement of shimmering cilia;
- narrow nasal passages;
- action on the mucous membrane of certain irritants: aerosol, toxins and dust;
- drinking too much alcohol;
- neoplasms in the pharynx and nose;
- mechanical injury;
- acute viral or respiratory illnesses.
All the above causes of swelling of the nasopharynx serve as a focus of inflammation, which can cause the spread of edema, and also disrupts breathing. This ailment usually goes away after about 5 days. However, if the infection of the bacterial type has managed to move to the paranasal sinuses, it may take much longer to recover. The patient may even develop more dangerous sinusitis and sinusitis. But in most cases, swelling of the nasopharynx passes without a runny nose.
It is important that with improper and untimely treatment, consequences can appear that are life-threatening: for example, pus that forms in the nose and flows down the throat can go to the jaws, eyes and even the brain!
Hormonal disorders
It has been proven that swelling of the nasopharynx in some cases can also be caused by hormonal disorders, which especially often worries pregnant women. The reason for this is the excessive secretion of the hormone progesterone, which should support the normal bearing of the child. It is noted that women who have sinusitis have an increased level of hormone production.
Inflammation
Inflammatory processes that lead to swelling of the nasal mucosa usually occur as a result of prolonged hypothermia. So, a long stay of a person in the cold, especially without a hat and scarf, as well as being in cool water can threaten the he alth of the nasopharynx. The next cause of inflammation is the regular consumption of cold liquids and food.
Adenoids
The nasopharynx can swell in childhood due to adenoids, in which there is hypertrophy of the nasopharyngeal tonsil. Also, children may experience frequent colds, weakened immunity, as well as a lack of essential vitamins and minerals.
Injuries
Swelling of the nasopharynx, which appears after an injury, is perhaps a natural reaction for the body. Because ofmechanical injury, a violation of the integrity of the mucosa occurs, as a result of which the protective systems will compensate for the shortage.
The size of the edema, as well as the time it takes to get rid of it, will directly depend on the general condition of the person and the severity of the injury. If a person has high immunity, his tissue regenerative qualities will be higher. But, for example, in diabetics, bruises and wounds will heal much longer.
Symptoms of edema
Swelling of the nasopharynx can be seen just by looking well into the nose. Usually she has a swollen appearance, with redness. But it is not always possible to consider everything in detail, so swelling is characterized by shortness of breath, a persistent feeling of congestion and heaviness in the sinuses.
Viral or respiratory diseases, which often cause swelling of the pharynx and nose, may be characterized by the presence of copious greenish discharge, which, however, may not have a pathological color, as well as fever, muscle pain. Usually the nose is completely blocked, there is a feeling of dryness, copious tearing is noted, and it is almost impossible to breathe normally.
If the nasopharynx swells due to infection, the patient may experience heaviness in the sinuses, in the center of the forehead and the wings of the nose. The victim becomes irritable, fatigue appears, he has a broken state.
Pus gradually flows out of the nose, having a yellowish or green color, and often has an admixture of a small amount of blood and a rather specific smell,which the patient, however, may not feel. Some of the pus after a while may break through the membrane, falling into other parts of the head.
If swelling of the nasopharynx is provoked by a curvature of the septum, the presence of a tumor or injuries, then, as practice says, there may not be any discharge. However, breathing problems, congestion and heaviness in the throat and nose will persist.
Other symptoms that accompany swelling are:
- dysphonia (change in timbre, strength and pitch of the voice);
- development of neurovegetative, hormonal, atopic or allergic rhinitis;
- facial redness;
- increased sneezing;
- pressure in the area of the nasolabial triangle and bridge of the nose.
Consequences
If a bacterial infection joins the swelling of the nasopharynx, the patient may develop purulent inflammation. Due to the possible breakthrough of pus and its entry into the surrounding tissues, the following rather dangerous conditions may develop:
- trigeminal neuritis;
- osteomyelitis of the jaw;
- atrophy of the nasopharyngeal mucosa;
- meningitis;
- inflammatory process of the optic nerve;
- brain abscess.
Diagnosis of edema
Diagnostic measures for swelling of the nasopharynx consist of the following procedures: laboratory and instrumental examinations, as well as a physical examination. On palpationthe doctor can determine pronounced edematous and infiltrative changes in the nasopharynx. At the direction of the doctor, the patient may be prescribed additional diaphonoscopy or fluoroscopy.
Instrumental methods for diagnosing edema of this type are fibroendoscopy, microrhinoscopy, as well as posterior and anterior rhinoscopy. Laboratory diagnostics consists of a study of the flowing secret from the nasal cavity, which involves the use of immunological, cytological, biochemical and bacteriological examination methods.
Swelling treatment
There are several ways to relieve swelling of the nasopharynx. The doctor chooses the treatment regimen for each patient individually, depending on the cause of this pathology. With nasal congestion, drops "Aquamaris", "Nazivin" or "Naphthyzin" are prescribed. However, it is worth knowing that these drugs only relieve symptoms slightly, without eliminating the cause of the common cold.
If the inflammation of the nasopharynx is manifested due to a viral infection, the most effective anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects may have drugs "Cromoglin" and "Cromohexal", "Xylometazoline".
In order to remove the swelling as quickly as possible, you should take antihistamines: Tavegil or Diazolin. The Euphorbium compositum spray, which is also homeopathic, is also effective. At the beginning of the disease, it should be used every 20 minutes.
There are cases when a viral infection joins the edema of this organ, in addition to homeopathic andanti-allergic drugs prescribe the antiviral "Grippferon". Skin areas near the nose are preferably treated with ointments made from essential oils.
If treatment is not started in time, a person may develop pathological, excessive swelling of the nasopharynx, protracted rhinitis, and signs of sinusitis. It is very important to flush each nasal passage with regular saline, but not while lying down.
After that, the nose must be treated with an antibacterial agent ("Chlorhexidine", "Miramistin" or "Isofra") - this will make it possible to stop the further spread of the infection, as well as prevent the development of more dangerous sinusitis.
The effectiveness of the treatment of swelling of the nasopharynx also has "Octenisept", which allows you to get rid of viruses, microorganisms and bacteria. Since this drug is irritating to the nose and throat, it must be diluted with saline.
If a person does not have allergic reactions, it is recommended to treat the nose with herbal decoctions - St. John's wort, eucalyptus and chamomile - powerful natural antibiotics. With a longer swelling of the nasopharynx, the otorhinolaryngologist prescribes hormonal drugs. They cannot be taken without a doctor's prescription.
Does the patient have swelling of the nasopharynx, narrowing of the fistula of the paranasal sinuses, as well as the auditory tube? Modern anti-allergic drugs, which are usually prescribed by a doctor, are designed to block histamine receptors. They make it possible to remove swelling from the nasopharynx. More targeted and effective actionhave a new generation of antihistamines.
Result
As soon as a person notices symptoms of swelling of the nasopharynx, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Of course, the correct and timely treatment of this disease will help to avoid more severe complications: otitis media and sinusitis. If it is impossible to timely stop the swelling of the nasopharynx, the disease runs the risk of becoming chronic.
