bubble_chart Overview

Acute rhinitis is an acute inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa. It is very common, contagious, and often recurs. Commonly known as "common cold" or "common cold".

bubble_chart Etiology

The pathogenic microorganisms are mainly viruses, and various respiratory viruses can cause this disease, with rhinoviruses and coronaviruses being the primary culprits. When the body's resistance decreases or the defensive function of the nasal mucosa is compromised, viruses can invade the body, grow, and multiply, leading to illness. Meanwhile, pathogenic bacteria (such as streptococci, staphylococci, pneumococci, Haemophilus influenzae, and other bacteria) present in the patient's nasal and pharyngeal regions take advantage of the weakened defenses to proliferate actively, resulting in secondary infections.
Common predisposing factors include systemic elements, such as exposure to cold, overexertion, malnutrition, excessive smoking or alcohol consumption, endocrine disorders (e.g., thyroid dysfunction), and chronic systemic diseases (e.g., heart, liver, or kidney diseases). These factors can disrupt normal metabolic processes, causing vascular spasms, tissue hypoxia, reduced nasal mucosa temperature, and weakened immune function, thereby lowering the resistance of the respiratory mucosa, particularly the nasal mucosa. Constitutional factors also play a role. Local factors primarily involve conditions like deviated nasal septum, chronic rhinitis, or nasal polyps, which restrict nasal airflow and impair nasal physiological functions. Nearby focal diseases can also trigger the onset of acute rhinitis.

bubble_chart Diagnosis

(1) Initial stage [first stage] (prodromal period): lasts about 1-2 days, mostly manifested as general systemic fatigue, dryness and burning sensation in the nose and nasopharynx, nasal mucosal congestion, and dryness. Diagnosis and differentiation: Acute rhinitis should be distinguished from the prodromal symptoms of certain pestilential diseases, such as influenza, measles, scarlet fever, and epidemic hemorrhagic fever, as these diseases often begin with symptoms of acute rhinitis, referred to as "acute pestilential rhinitis," which should be noted. It should also be differentiated from allergic rhinitis. During acute rhinitis, avoid blowing the nose forcefully to prevent the spread of inflammation, which could lead to otitis media or sinusitis.

(2) Acute stage (wet stage): lasts about 2-7 days, gradually presenting with stuffy nose, increased nasal discharge, sneezing, nasal itching, a blocked nasal tone in speech, and reduced sense of smell. The nasal mucosa is significantly congested and swollen, and the nasal cavity is filled with mucous or mucopurulent discharge, which may turn purulent. Systemic symptoms include varying degrees of fever, head fullness, and headache.
(3) Final stage (stage of convalescence): The stuffy nose gradually lessens, and purulent nasal discharge decreases. If no complications occur, recovery can occur naturally within a few days. Complications may include the downward spread of inflammation, leading to infections of the throat, trachea, and lungs.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

(1) Systemic treatment: Bed rest is recommended, and patients should drink plenty of water. Those with {|###|}constipation{|###|} can be given mild laxatives. Patients should be isolated to avoid {|###|}pestilence{|###|} to others. Oral antipyretic and diaphoretic medications, such as {|###|}compound formula{|###|} aspirin, 1-2 tablets, three times daily; aspirin, 0.3-0.5, three times daily, or {|###|}ganmin{|###|}, 1-2 tablets, three times daily. {|###|}Chinese medicinals{|###|} primarily focus on {|###|}dispersing wind and releasing the external{|###|} to expel pathogens, such as Sangju {|###|}common cold{|###|} tablets and Yinqiao {|###|}removing toxin{|###|} tablets. Antibiotics should be used in cases of bacterial infection or complications.
(2) Local treatment

1. 1% {|###|}Ephedra{|###|} solution or furacilin {|###|}Ephedra{|###|} solution, chloramphenicol {|###|}Ephedra{|###|} solution can be used for nasal drops, three times daily, to facilitate ventilation and drainage. Nasal drop methods: (1) Supine method: Lie on your back with your head hanging over the edge of the bed, or place a pillow under your shoulders and tilt your head back, with the nostrils facing upward. Administer 3-5 drops into each nostril. (2) Sitting method: Sit with your head resting against the back of a chair and tilt it as far back as possible, then administer the drops. (3) Lateral recumbent method: Lie on the affected side with your head tilted downward, then administer the drops.
2. Acupuncture at Yingxiang and Bitong points, or perform acupoint {|###|}tuina{|###|}.