Rhinopharyngitis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Rhinopharyngitis is inflammation that occurs in the nasal passages and throat or pharynx.
The nose and pharynx are both parts of the airways, so bacterial infections in the nose can spread to the pharynx, and vice versa.
This disease is easily transmitted through the air. Therefore, both sufferers and those around them must maintain personal hygiene to prevent transmission.
According to research, the average adult gets rhinopharyngitis about 2-4 times per year. While children are more frequent, about 6-10 times per year.
Rhinopharyngitis
| Medical specialist | ENT Specialist |
| Symptom | Fever, sore throat, runny nose, coughing, sneezing |
| risk factor | Close contact with rhinopharyngitis sufferers, being in crowds and closed spaces with rhinopharyngitis sufferers |
| How to diagnose | The medical interview showed symptoms according to rhinopharyngitis and the physical examination revealed an inflamed throat |
| Treatment | According to a cause. Rest, consume lots of water, gargle with salt water |
| Drug | Acetaminophen (paracetamol), antihistamines (CTM, cetirizine), decongestants, mucolytics (ambroxol), antibiotics for bacteria, antifungals for fungi |
| Complications | Sinusitis, ear infections, pneumonia |
| When to see a doctor? | If the symptoms become more serious, the symptoms do not go away within 10 days, there is swollen lymph nodes |
Rhinopharyngitis Symptom
Symptoms of rhinopharyngitis usually appear within 1-3 days after infection. Some of the symptoms that can be signs of rhinopharyngitis are:
- Mild fever
- Have a cold
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Sore throat
- Sneezing and coughing
Sometimes, sufferers can also experience:
- Weak
- Headache
- Joint pain
The above symptoms can last for about a week. However, some symptoms may last longer.
Rhinopharyngitis Reason
Most cases of rhinopharyngitis are caused by viruses (about 40–60 percent), namely rhinoviruses.
Apart from viruses, rhinopharyngitis can also be caused by bacterial infections such as streptococcus beta hemolyticus, Viridans streptococci, streptococcus pyogenes (about 15 percent), and fungi.
This disease can attack anyone. However, children and the elderly are the most vulnerable groups because their immunity is not as optimal as that of young adults.
Transmission of rhinopharyngitis occurs through the air through droplets when sneezing, coughing, or when speaking from sufferers.
This liquid is then inhaled or stuck to other people’s hands through shared objects, such as doorknobs, telephones, toys, etc.
Risk Factors
Having close contact with someone with rhinopharyngitis is a major risk factor for contracting it.
Additionally, any group situation where one or more people have a cold can also increase your risk of contracting it, including in:
- Office
- School
- Gym
- Public transport
- Other crowd events
People with weak immune systems, such as people with diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and autoimmune diseases, are also more at risk and are more likely to contract this disease.
Rhinopharyngitis Diagnosis
The diagnosis of rhinopharyngitis is determined based on the clinical symptoms of the sufferer and direct physical examination.
From the physical examination of the patient with rhinopharyngitis, the throat was inflamed and reddish in color.
No special tests are needed for doctors to diagnose rhinopharyngitis. However, if the doctor suspects a more serious illness, tests such as a nose or throat swab can help to find out.
Rhinopharyngitis Treatment
Treatment of rhinopharyngitis is based on the germs that cause it. If it is caused by a virus, the treatment is only supportive or overcoming the symptoms. One of them is by administering febrifuge, such as paracetamol.
The drug is given if indeed the symptoms of fever are very dominant so that it interferes with the sufferer’s daily activities.
Likewise with cough medicines and lozenges that can be given according to the symptoms complained of.
In addition to drugs, rhinopharyngitis due to viruses can also speed up healing with the following steps:
- much rest
- Consume large amounts of water
- Eat soft and warm foods
- Gargle with salt solution
- Avoid cigarettes
If the examination results prove that bacteria are the cause of rhinopharyngitis, the treatment requires antibiotics according to the type of bacteria causing it.
Likewise, if the examination results show a fungal infection, then antifungal medication is needed.
Prevention
Rhinopharyngitis is easily transmitted through the air and objects around you. Therefore, personal and environmental hygiene is one of the main requirements for preventing this disease.
The easiest step to maintain personal hygiene is to get used to washing hands regularly using soap properly and correctly.
In addition, avoid sharing cutlery or other personal objects with sufferers.
If the condition of the body is not fit, a person is also advised to avoid direct contact with sufferers.
In addition, you are also advised to wash your hands immediately after coming into contact with sufferers of rhinopharyngitis.
If you are suffering from rhinopharyngitis, you should cover your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze and get plenty of rest.
It is also recommended to always wear a mask if you have to interact with other people so as not to transmit germs to those around you.
Complications
Rhinopharyngitis generally does not cause complications. However, if the condition is continued, especially if the cause is bacteria, the infection can spread and cause complications:
- Ear infection
- Sinusitis
- An abscess (pus) in the throat
- Pneumonia
When to See a Doctor?
Because rhinopharyngitis is common in society, most people don’t go to the doctor and prefer to do home remedies.
However, see a doctor immediately if:
- The symptoms are getting more serious
- Symptoms do not go away within 7-10 days
- There are swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- There is pus or white patches in the throat
- There is blood in the saliva or phlegm