Added: 12/10/2005 |
Nasopharyngitis aka common coldNasopharyngitis is a viral infection of upper-respiratory passages (throat, sinuses, eustachian tubes, larynx, nose, ears, bronchial tubes and trachea).
The disease is usually accompanied by the following nasopharyngitis symptoms and signs. Your nose is stuffy or running, first you have watery nasal discharge, which gradually gets yellow and thicker. Among other symptoms it is possible to call sore throat, cough with little of sputum, fatigue, appetite loss, hoarseness, low fever, watering eye. As for the causes of nasopharyngitis, they can be different because they can be caused by a great number of viruses. The virus can spread by air or be communicated by a sick person, for example while handshaking.
Speaking about nasopharyngitis, it is necessary to mention that the risk of getting the infection may increase when the weather is cold. Usually it happens in winter. Children who go to school are prone to the infection. The risk of getting nasopharyngitis rises if some member of your family has it. Living conditions with poor hygiene favor the growth of the bacteria.
It is necessary to mention that the disease can also be provoked by such conditions as stress, allergic disorders and fatigue. Smoking is one of the factors that also raise the risk of getting the disease.
In order to prevent getting nasopharyngitis, it is necessary to take a number of measures. If you don't want to spread your disease to the surrounding people, it is necessary to escape unnecessary contacts at least during the first 2-4 days of your disease. Don't forget to wash your hands properly and regularly. The procedure should be obligatory after you blow the nose and before you touch the food. If it is possible, try to avoid the places where there are a lot of people, especially in winter. Healthy and balanced diet acquires a paramount importance. Citrus fruit and other different sources of Vitamin C are going to be extremely beneficial for your health. Have enough rest. Try to give up smoking.
As a rule recovery period of nasopharyngitis lasts 1 or 2 weeks. But if you think that the medications can provide for a sooner recovery, you are mistaken.
Severe forms of nasopharyngitis may entail a number of complications. Among them are bacterial infections of such organs as ears, sinuses, lungs and throat.
In order to relieve the congestion of the nose it can be useful to buy a saline spray for nose. Remember that dry air is not very good for you. That is why try to increase the air moisture with the help of a cool-mist. If you can't clean humidifier every day, you may put a basin of water in your room.
The common cold cannot be cured with the help of antibiotics. In order to remove symptoms, you are allowed to use drugs without your doctor's prescription. You may use such medications as nose sprays and drops, acetaminophen, throat lozenges, cough remedies and decongestants. When you take acetaminophen, be careful with alcohol and cold medications that contain alcohol. Don't use decongestant spray longer than it is indicated in the instructions.
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