An infectious disease in which viruses primarily affect the nasal mucosa is called a rhinovirus infection. We will analyze the symptoms and treatment of this disease in the article.
General information
The disease is usually accompanied by mild signs of general intoxication of the body. Rhinoviruses are part of the group of picornaviruses contained in RNA. Today, more than 100 serotypes of rhinoviruses are known to science. They do not have a common antigen, so each of the serotypes has a personal complement-fixing and virus-neutralizing antigen. Viruses are quite unstable in the external environment, with dry air, the main part of the infection is lost after a few minutes, at a temperature of 50 ºС, viruses are inactivated within 10 minutes.
In temperate climates, rhinovirus infection can occur throughout the year. The peak of incidence falls on the autumn and spring period. Rhinoviruses cause 20-25% of all acute respiratory infections.
Penetration into the body
As mentioned above, rhinovirus infection (symptoms and treatment of the disease will be discussed below), mainly manifests itself in damp and cold weatheryears and most often develops in small and closed teams (families, kindergartens and other educational institutions). Rhinoviruses enter the human body through the respiratory tract. Clinical manifestations develop depending on the place of introduction of the virus. If the path of penetration is the nasopharynx, then the patient develops acute respiratory infections. In adults, the nasal mucosa becomes inflamed, in children inflammation processes are observed in the larynx and bronchi. If the bacterial flora joins, then pneumonia develops. The causative agent multiplies, as a rule, in the epithelial cells of the respiratory tract, which leads to the appearance of a local inflammatory reaction, a sharp swelling, swelling, and abundant secretion.
Rhinovirus infection: symptoms of the disease
The incubation period of the disease is 1-6 days. Signs of the disease are mild. General malaise, heaviness in the head, muscle weakness - this is how a rhinovirus infection manifests itself. Symptoms are accompanied by normal or subfebrile temperature. At the same time, a catarrhal syndrome occurs: a sensation of itching in the throat, sneezing, difficulty in nasal breathing, nasal congestion.
Rhinovirus infection is primarily manifested by a runny nose and profuse serous discharge, which in the first days of the disease has a watery character, later the discharge becomes mucous. Also there is a dry cough, hyperemia of the eyelids, lacrimation. Runny nose continues for 6-7 days, but can last up to 14 days. The disease is accompanied by a strong feeling of heaviness in the nose, stuffy ears, decreased taste, hearing, smell. Childrenyounger age is more difficult to tolerate the disease, since their manifestations of the disease are more pronounced. Complications are very rare.
Diagnosis
Rhinovirus infection can be diagnosed in several ways, depending on the manifestations of this disease. With severe rhinitis, the doctor will make a diagnosis based on a survey and examination of the patient. To diagnose the disease at the initial stage (up to 5 days), a virological method is used: a wash is taken from the nasal cavity and the pathogen is detected in the obtained biological material. Also, in order to determine the type of pathogen and counteracting factors (antitoxins and antibodies), serological research methods are used.
In addition, general tests (OAC and OAM) may be required for diagnosis. However, it is believed that they are not informative enough and only reveal the presence of an inflammation process or indicate possible complications from the renal pelvis system.
Rhinovirus infection: treatment of the disease
Manifestations of rhinitis are similar to those of other acute respiratory viral infections, so therapy is based on the use of broad-spectrum drugs. For any respiratory disease (whether flu, adenovirus, enterovirus or rhinovirus infection), treatment includes:
- Etiotropic therapy aimed at combating the causative agent of the disease. For this purpose, the drugs Arbidol, Ribavirin, Isoprinosine are usually prescribed. In addition, local agents are prescribed: "Lokferon",Bonafton.
- Reception of immunomodulators. It is recommended to give preference to interferons, as they suppress the reproduction of viruses and support the body's defenses. Such medicines include Viferon suppositories and Grippferon drops.
- The use of immunostimulants. The most commonly prescribed tablets are "Cycloferon", an alternative for young patients (under 4 years old) is the drug "Anaferon".
- Symptomatic treatment. For this purpose, the use of antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antitussive agents is recommended. It is also advisable to rinse the nose with a weak saline solution or use Aquamaris drops. Medicines such as Pinosol and Xylen will help eliminate puffiness.
If no improvement is observed within 3 days of treatment and body temperature tends to critical levels, treatment of rhinovirus infection in adults should be supplemented with antibiotics. As for children, the use of potent drugs, if possible, is recommended to be avoided. Naturally, if the condition worsens, antibiotics may be required, but only a doctor should prescribe them.
Alternative Medicine
With this ailment, it is not necessary to immediately resort to the use of medications. This is especially true in situations where a rhinovirus infection develops during pregnancy. During this period, the most important thing is not to harm the baby, but it is also necessary to fight the disease. In that case, onhelp will come recipes of traditional medicine.
Decoction of sage, chamomile, St. John's wort, calendula, eucalyptus have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. The same effect gives the use of garlic, onions, raspberries, blackberries. Echinacea has strong antibacterial properties.
An antipyretic effect will have a decoction of linden, coltsfoot, raspberry tea. You can get rid of chest spasm in the bronchi with the help of breast collection No. 1, as well as a decoction of chamomile and dill. Decoctions of coltsfoot, quince, licorice contribute to the improvement of sputum discharge.
The most effective folk recipes
- Grate lingonberries or viburnum, mix with honey or sugar, add a small amount of warm water. Take ½ cup three times a day.
- Chop an onion or garlic, place in a tall bowl and breathe deeply over it for 1-2 minutes.
- Mix fresh onion juice and honey, take a tablespoon three times a day.
- Combine honey (tablespoon), melted lard (30 g), hot milk (¾ cup). Mix well and take at the initial stage of the disease 2-3 times a day.
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To a glass of milk, add a tablespoon of sage, put on fire, bring the mixture to a boil and boil for 10 minutes, then strain and bring to a boil again. Drink a slightly cooled broth before going to bed.
treatment of rhinovirus infection in adults
Rhinovirusinfection in children
From birth to 6 months, the child has passive immunity. Children older than six months are predisposed to the development of respiratory diseases. Most often, rhinovirus infection occurs in children attending kindergartens.
In childhood, the incubation period lasts an average of 3 days. As a rule, at an early stage of the disease, the child feels unwell, chills, body temperature rises to 37.5 ºС. Also, the disease is manifested by sneezing and nasal congestion, coughing.
Treatment of rhinovirus infection in babies has its own characteristics, since many medications are contraindicated in childhood. Therefore, with symptoms of the disease, it is necessary to consult a specialist. The doctor will conduct an examination and prescribe appropriate therapeutic procedures.
Rhinovirus infection in cats
Cats can also get sick with this viral disease, which is manifested by nasal and ocular secretions of a serous nature, sneezing, depression, decreased appetite or food refusal. In addition, calcivirous rhinotracheitis, this is the name of rhinovirus infection in cats (treatment will be discussed below), is accompanied by the appearance of ulcers on the tongue, lips, palate, middle nostril fissure. The source of infection is sick animals or virus carriers that shed the virus for several months after the illness.
Treatment of this disease in cats involves improving housing conditions and providinganimal with a complete feed of soft consistency. Apply semi-synthetic penicillins ("Oxacillin", "Ampicillin") and carry out desensitizing therapy. Antiseptics are used to irrigate the oral cavity. If food is refused, isotonic saline, glucose solution, vitamins A and C are administered intravenously twice a day. The dose of drugs and the timing of administration should be prescribed by a veterinarian.
