Swelling of the nose is understood to mean an increase in the volume of the mucous membranes of the nasal passages caused by excessive blood flow to the tissues. Edema is not an independent disease, but a symptom of the development of inflammatory and other pathological processes in the nose. Let's try to figure out why the mucous membrane swells and how to remove the swelling of the nasal mucosa.
Sometimes the condition can be confused with other disorders such as allergies, chronic sinusitis, or septa. Nasal polyposis consists of the development of benign, non-cancerous growths in the nasal or sinus lining. Small nasal polyps rarely cause problems, but bulky patients can make breathing difficult and reduce visual acuity. In some cases, they can cause snoring, snoring, and in rare cases, massive polyps can cause facial deformities.
Nasal polyps occur after chronic inflammation nasal mucosa or sinus mucosa. The exact cause that causes the development of polyps is unknown. Addiction is more common in people over 40 and in children with asthma, chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, or cystic fibrosis.
Why does edema occur?
The main function of the mucous membrane is protective. The tissue is a kind of barrier that prevents the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, viruses), allergens, dust and other tiny particles of the external environment into the respiratory tract.
The mucous membrane of the turbinates is lined with cells of the ciliated epithelium, the surface of which is covered with mobile cilia and goblet cells. Oscillatory movements of the cilia of the ciliated epithelium help clean the inhaled air from pathogens, dust and other harmful impurities. Goblet cells secrete mucus, which is necessary for air humidification and thermoregulation.
Symptoms Small polyps usually do not cause symptoms. Large polyps are the ones that cause problems because they obstruct air from entering through the nasal passage during breathing. This leads to difficulty in nasal breathing, often impaired by breathing, especially in children. Other symptoms are abnormal nasal discharge, persistent nasal congestion, chronic sinusitis, decreased odor, headaches, and snoring.
Emergence of polyps The nose has the function of filtering and heating the inspired air, as well as transmitting information related to odor. These functions are performed by the mucous membrane, which narrows the nasal cavity, septum, and nasal tightening. It is often a site of chronic inflammation caused by viral, bacterial, or fungal infections. Inflammation maintains mucosal hyperemia and edema and is believed to be the basis for nasal or sinus polyps.
Hypothermia, weakening of immunity and some other reasons lead to disruption of the cells of the ciliated epithelium, namely, to slow down the movement of cilia. As a result, the pathogenic flora enters the respiratory tract. In response, a reflex reaction develops: the flow of blood and lymph to the site of inflammation increases, and swelling of the nose occurs.
Risk Factors Any condition that maintains inflammation of the nasal or sinus lining is a risk factor for polyposis. Children with cystic fibrosis and people with allergic sinusitis are most likely to develop polio. Churg Strauss syndrome, a disease that affects small vessels, is accompanied by nasal polyposis. Other people who may be affected by nasal polyposis are those with asthma, allergic rhinitis, or chronic sinusitis. Other risk factors include susceptibility to certain drugs, older age, etc.
Common Causes
There are four common causes of swelling in the nasal passages:
- viral respiratory infections;
- inflammation of the paranasal sinuses (acute and chronic sinusitis, sinusitis);
- allergic rhinitis;
- mechanical irritation of the mucous membrane.
In addition, the following factors can contribute to the development of nasal edema:
Complications of nasal polyposis Complications of nasal polyps occur in cases of massive polyps, numerous, which obstruct the lumen respiratory tract... This can be the cause of many conditions that get worse over time if left untreated, such as otitis media, sinusitis, trans bronchitis, and even lung infections.
Treatment of nasal polyposis For small polyps, nasal corticosteroid treatments are effective, which reduce inflammation, increase airflow, and sometimes cause polyps to shrink. Allergy control drugs may also be prescribed to treat upper respiratory tract or antifungal medications.
- hypothermia;
- uncontrolled use of vasoconstrictor nasal drops and sprays, improper treatment of the common cold;
- hit foreign body in the nasal passages;
- trauma;
- hormonal disorders;
- structural abnormalities (curvature of the nasal septum, tissue hypertrophy of the turbinates, adenoids, polyps).
For the treatment of the problem to be effective, it is important to establish the exact cause of the swelling of the mucous membrane.
For large, voluminous polyps, the only effective method the treatment is a surgical procedure. A polypectomy is an operation that removes polyps with a suction mechanical device that cuts and extracts soft tissue. Endoscopic sinus therapy can sometimes be done, which allows resection of polyps and sinus dislocations. The operation is not associated with high or traumatic risks, and hospitalization is short-lived. Delaying surgery increases the risk that one of the complications listed above may occur at some point.
Symptoms
The symptoms accompanying edema can be divided into two groups:
- inflammatory;
- dysfunctional.
Inflammatory disorders are accompanied by:
- dryness of the nasal mucosa;
- burning sensation;
- sneezing;
- eye irritation and lacrimation;
- discharge from the nose;
- violation of nasal breathing;
- an increase in temperature.
Violation of nasal breathing often causes headaches and increased fatigue
Surgery is indicated as soon as possible after diagnosis. Acute sinusitis is an acute inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pelvic duct with characteristic symptoms. The illness lasts up to 4 weeks. Acute sinusitis is predisposed to viral rhinitis. Localization: ganglia, foreskin, wedge, ocular bone. Pathogenesis. On the background viral infection there is an inflammatory edema of the sinus mucosa due to a narrowed opening.
As a result, a sinus is released, hypoxia of the mucous membrane develops, the function of the sinus mucosa flap is weakened, and bacterial superinfection begins. Clinic of Disease Inflammation of various localizations: Shortness of breath: Cheek, Dentistry, Headache; forehead: ankle pain, abdominal pain that occurs in the afternoon; Eye pain: intermittent pain, rapid eyelid response; Vagina: Severe upper limb pain, intervertebral or off-design. Operating room: puncture of the bile duct. Complications: intraorbital rhinogenic complications; intracranial rhinogenic complications; osteomyelitis.
Symptoms of dysfunctional disorders occur with the development of more serious pathological processes. Difficulty or complete inability to breathe through the nose causes:
- oxygen deficiency, impaired cerebral circulation, and as a result - decreased performance, memory impairment;
- complete or partial loss of smell;
- changing the timbre of the voice;
- discharge of liquid mucous or purulent secretions from the nasal passages.
Besides, clinical manifestations depend on the cause of the inflammatory process.
Rhinoplasty is the nasal mucosa of the nasal ducts. There are no exact data on the prevalence of rhinosinusitis in Lithuania. However, taking into account our climatic conditions and the social situation of patients, it is believed that the incidence of rhinosinusitis in our country is similar to that in other countries or even higher.
However, 90% In society, the origin of scar viruses is viral, affects nasal cavity and becomes open to bacteria, i.e. at. destroys the protection of the nose. The onset of the disease is associated with generalized colds, which can damage the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, not only the nose, but also the upper respiratory tract. Therefore, antibiotic treatment is irrational because antibacterial agents do not affect viral infections.
ARVI
The main signs of an acute respiratory viral infection are the separation of liquid mucous secretions, swelling of the nasal tissues. With the right approach, the disease can be completely cured in 5-6 days. The lack of adequate therapy can lead to the addition of a secondary bacterial infection and the development of complications - sinusitis, sinusitis.
Overuse antibacterial drugs initiates dysbiosis, damage to the body's immune systems and promotes the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains of the agent. When viruses enter the nasal mucosa, the first signs of the disease occur after 8-12 hours. extends from the nose to the sinuses. Cold nosebleeds are associated with an increased risk of swallowing in the inside of the sinus: positive pressure in the nasal cavity during an explosion can help infected nasal secretions enter the sinus cavities.
Allergy
Allergy develops with an increased sensitivity of the body to a particular irritant, and its main manifestations are severe lacrimation and redness of the eyes, sneezing attacks, and swelling.
Contact of the irritant with the mucous membrane provokes a response, as a result of which a liquid secretion begins to be released. Allergic rhinitis is a kind of protective reaction that helps cleanse the nasal passages from the allergen.
Increased inflammation due to irritation nerve endings in the nose and sinuses, the mucous glands promote hypersecretion, increased permeability of the mucous membrane of the blood vessels, as a result of which, under the conditions of effusion formation, they accumulate in the nasal cavity and sinuses. releasing various toxins, it directly affects the function of the nasal mucous membranes, disrupting mucocilar clearance. Mucositis, abundant dense and mucous hair disorders, allow the natural sinus openings to be blocked, which further stimulates rhinosinusitis and its symptoms.
Allergens can be plant pollen, animal hair, bird fluff, dust, medications, food, household chemicals
Hypothermia
Often, the nose swells as a result of hypothermia. Prolonged exposure to frost or in a cold room, the use of cool drinks or food can provoke puffiness. People with a weakened immune system are more prone to the appearance of congestion caused by cold.
Symptoms can last up to 12 weeks. The goal of treatment for acute rhinosinusitis. Antihistamines commonly used for allergic rhinitiscause dryness of the nasal mucosa, especially over long periods of time. Local drops or antineoplastic agents cause spasm of the nasal mucous membranes, which leads to disruption of the normal mucous membrane. Long-term use of these drugs leads to atrophy of the nasal mucosa, dysfunction of the mucous membranes.
The nasal mucus melts and cracks appear. If there is a small blood vessel or capillary in the crack, it will start from the nose. Systemic decongestants, which contain anti-inflammatory drugs for the nasal mucous membranes, histamine H2 blockers, mucolytics and temperature-lowering agents, also stimulate drying of the mucous membranes. In addition, one should not forget that with age, the secretion of the nasal and respiratory glands decreases, and the mucus becomes tight and viscous. The mucous membranes of the nasal mucus and turbinates deteriorate, leading to atrophic changes in the nasal cavity and moist mucus.
Nose injuries
Puffiness without a runny nose can occur as a result of mechanical damage to the mucous membrane. The unpleasant symptom disappears when the damaged tissue is completely restored.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes during pregnancy - common reason swelling of the nose in the expectant mother. Usually, an unpleasant symptom occurs in the first trimester, when the processes of changing the hormonal background in a woman's body are most intense. In particular, the level of progesterone in the body, which is necessary for the normal course of pregnancy, increases sharply.
It dries out the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, it protects the protective function less. The most effective antiseptic effects were biologically active compounds of primrose and verbena flowers. The higher anti-inflammatory effect was significantly associated with the higher dose. The most effective anti-inflammatory effects were biologically active compounds of herbaceous rhizomes and herbaceous herbs.
Sequential and mucosylated clearance effects. Thus, the epithelium of the respiratory tract is irrigated and the mucus layer of the epithelial fluid increases. This effect is dose dependent, with increasing dose, increased chlorine ions and secretion. It accelerates the frequency of ossification of the epithelium of the human respiratory tract and thereby stimulates mucociliary clearance. This effect occurs after 10 minutes. from application of the product and lasts up to one hour after the effect of cessation. As the concentration increases, the effect increases. Increases the secretion of chlorine ions in the epithet of the human respiratory tract. ... After the restoration of ciliary clearance, the mucous membrane is synthesized, it is capable of performing a cleaning function, which negatively affects the spread of pathogenic microorganisms.
By the middle of the second trimester, the swelling of the nose in a pregnant woman usually decreases and then completely disappears
Traditional treatment
The doctor should treat the swelling of the nasal mucosa after an accurate diagnosis. When an infectious inflammation is detected and the type of pathogen is determined, appropriate drugs are prescribed (inside):
The secretory effect is characterized by the presence of all five ingredients - flavonoids of medicinal plant materials: primroses - gosipetin, rutin and isoquoretin; elongated rings - naringenin, rutin, quercetin, hemoferol; acid herbs - hyperoside and quercetin; verbena herbs and gentian roots - luteolin and apigenin. All patients have a 15-day course of treatment. The effectiveness of treatment was assessed according to five typical acute sensitive symptoms of rhinosinusitis - runny nose, excluding the nasopharynx, nose, facial pain and pressure, and headache; the patients themselves were assessed on a 4-point Likert scale - from 0 points to 3 points of average ratings.
- antibacterial;
- antiviral;
- antifungal.
Bioparox exhibits both antibacterial and antifungal effects, it is applied topically (you can spray your nose and throat with a spray)
Removal of edema and congestion with allergies is carried out with antihistamines, provided that contact with the allergen is excluded or at least limited. Usually prescribed Cetrin, Zodak, Allerzin. The most pronounced action is characterized by Tavegil and Suprastin, which can be used in the form of tablets or injections.
Local treatment includes the use of:
- hormonal drops and sprays - help to remove inflammation of the mucous membrane and sinuses (Nazonex, Fliksonase);
- antihistamines of local action - reduce swelling and reduce sensitivity to irritants (Allergodil, Kromosol, Kromoglin, Ifiral);
- agents based on silver nitrate - have an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect (Protargol, Collargol);
- vasoconstrictor drugs - eliminate even severe edema triggered by allergies (Tizin, Nazivin, Nazol, Xylometazoline, Galazolin, Naphtizin).
Vasoconstrictor drops and sprays should not be used longer than 5 - 7 days. These drugs are addictive and, with prolonged uncontrolled use, only exacerbate the situation.
Infections, allergies, hypothermia, trauma - that's far from full list reasons that can cause swelling of the nasal mucosa. You can completely get rid of the problem only by identifying the main factor provoking an unpleasant symptom. And the doctor will do the best with this task. After an accurate diagnosis has been made, he will prescribe competent treatment.
Swelling of the nose with a runny nose is a well-known phenomenon that occurs during a cold or an allergic reaction. In other situations, damage to the organs of the nasopharynx or surgery can lead to swelling. Regardless of why the symptom appeared, the person's quality of life suffers noticeably. In this state of affairs, it is not easy to eliminate unpleasant symptoms, but also to overcome the root cause.
To establish an accurate analysis, it is necessary to consult a specialist who examines the patient and takes all the necessary tests. Taking adequate therapy will relieve your congestion within a week. In more severe circumstances, it may be necessary long-term treatment or operation.
Causes of puffiness
If you feel a stuffy nose, but there is no runny nose, you have swelling of the mucous membranes of the nose. To quickly remove it, it is necessary to accurately determine the root causes of the problem. Most often it makes itself felt after hypothermia. However, there are a number of other reasons why a stuffy nose can be:
- The body's response to stimuli. This edema is often chronic.
- Mechanical damage to the nasal mucosa - trauma, surgery. Puffiness appears due to the inflammatory process.
- Disturbances in the structure of the nasal septum.
- Uncontrolled release of hormones.
- Hereditary predisposition to nasal pathologies.
- Oncological processes in the nasal cavity.
- The presence of foreign objects in the sinuses.
- Having bad habits.
The choice of treatment is directly related to the cause of the symptom. Therapy can be carried out at home, using folk or traditional methods. The main task of the patient is to find a successful combination of these two techniques.
Ways to deal with the problem
Before using one of the means that relieve nasal congestion, you need to make sure that the diagnosis is correct. Let's consider separately each method of treatment that will remove swelling from the nose.
The bacterial nature of the common cold
Swelling can occur if bacterial agents have penetrated the nasal mucosa. In this case vasoconstrictor drugs bring only temporary relief. They cannot completely eliminate the disturbances caused by bacteria.
In addition to standard procedures - cleansing the nose of mucus and instilling drops, it is necessary to take antibacterial therapy. The drugs "Bioparox" and "Polydexa" are in the greatest demand.
The viral nature of rhinitis
You can fight swelling of the mucous membranes with antiviral agents only if it is reliably known that it is the virus that causes the discharge. However, even in this situation, many doctors do not recommend throwing all their strength into the fight against the root cause.
It is enough just to eliminate the symptomatology that worries a person. If the immune system is strong enough, it can destroy the virus itself.
The vast majority of antiviral drugs are immunostimulants. They are designed to enhance the protective function of the body.
The maximum effect can be achieved only if you take the medicine on the very first day of the problem. You can relieve nasal congestion by periodically instilling drugs such as naphthyzine, nasivin or galazolin.
Allergic disorders
There are two types of drugs that remove nasal congestion due to allergies well: products containing steroids and conventional antiallergic drugs. Both groups pose no health hazards and are equally effective.
Medicines are applied topically, so the possibility of their penetration into the blood is completely excluded. Unlike vasoconstrictor drops, they do not cause drug dependence. The most well-known allergy medications include Zyrtec, Cetrin and Nasonex.
Traditional medicine recipes
Often we are faced with the question: how to relieve swelling of the nasal mucosa with minimal harm to other organs and systems. It's no secret that drug treatment strikes the entire body, although it effectively eliminates the existing problem. Frequent use of medicines from the pharmacy is not recommended for people with weak immunity or those who are prone to allergies.
Standard tablets and potions negatively affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, the patient may develop stool disorders, the natural flora is disturbed, and harmful bacteria begin to actively divide. Treatment of puffiness of mucous membranes with recipes of alternative medicine is the most gentle method of how to quickly cope with the problem for maximum benefit for the body.
However, the following recipes can be used only after consulting a doctor.
Salt flushing and inhalation
To prepare a solution for washing, you need to pour a tablespoon of ordinary salt with 1 liter of boiled water. Stir the liquid well until the salt is completely dissolved. The medicine must be drawn into one nostril, tilting the head so that it flows out of the other.
Salt helps to liquefy thick secretions and release them from the nasal passages. To avoid injury to the mucous membrane, perform flushing no more than 3 times a day.
As you know, essential oils have long been famous for their medicinal properties... Their use is especially important for the treatment of rhinitis.
To carry out the procedure, it is necessary to collect a sufficient amount of water in a refractory container, let the liquid boil. After that, pour a few drops of any essential extract into a saucepan (cedar, pine, fir oil is suitable). Cover your head with a towel and inhale the warm fumes for about a quarter of an hour.
Inhalation can also be done with potato peels. And it is also allowed to take ordinary potatoes in uniforms. After boiling potatoes, you need to drain half of all the water, cover yourself with a blanket and breathe in vapors from the pan. The procedure time remains the same.
Decoctions against congestion
The swelling of the nose will quickly pass if the nasal canals are treated with herbal decoctions. Take about 15 g of oak bark and fill it with a glass of boiled water. Boil the medicine in a water bath for half an hour.
The broth should be infused for at least 2 hours. Use as nasal drops in the morning, at lunchtime and before bed. The swelling of the nasopharynx will go away in a few days.
In order to prepare a decoction of chamomile and calendula flowers, take a tablespoon of each plant and pour 20 ml of boiling water over it. Rinse the sinuses with the resulting solution twice a day.
Licorice infusion with elecampane and marshmallow is prepared as follows. Take equal amounts of each of the ingredients. Pour 0.5 liters of regular tap water over them.
Insist natural medicine during the day. After that, consume a decoction of 100 g daily before meals. The tincture will relieve swelling of the nasopharynx and increase the protective functions of the body.
Natural drops for colds
Carrot drops. You need to take a fresh large carrot and chop it in any way (for example, grate it). Using cheesecloth, squeeze the maximum amount of juice from the resulting mass.
You can add a couple of drops of vegetable oil or garlic juice to it. Instill 2 drops into the nostril twice a day.
Onion juice. You will need to juice 4 large onions. Pour 50 ml of boiled water into the resulting liquid. Add a spoonful of bee honey to the solution and leave everything in this form for half an hour. The instillation procedure is carried out 3 drops 3 times a day.
Agave juice. Pick a few large aloe leaves and twist them with a meat grinder. Add the same amount of honey to the juice. You can carry out no more than 5 instillations daily.
The inner surface of our nasal passages is protected by mucous membranes. However, their excessive subtlety and increased sensitivity can play a cruel joke with human health.
Even slight irritation of the mucous membranes can lead to profuse secretions and, as a result, nasal congestion. Full breathing becomes impossible due to the swelling of the membranes.
You can quickly relieve nasal swelling with both medications and home remedies. Remember that if the swelling has not gone away within a few days, you should not sit back. You need to see a doctor as soon as possible. Too much swelling can completely block nasal breathing, which will lead to asphyxia and death.