How To Treat Viral Nasopharyngitis

Viral nasopharyngitis is where an individual experiences an attack of inflammation in the nasal cavities and the pharynx. The most common virus that causes nasopharyngitis is called rhinovirus, but more than a hundred different viruses can result in this infection. This virus can only be contracted between humans and is an air-borne pathogen that is very contagious. It is typically spread through the air by coughs, sneezes, nose blowing, and close contact with anything an infected person has touched. Viral nasopharyngitis is known to easily spread through settings such as schools, daycares, nursing homes, and offices. The viral inflammation can last anywhere from five to ten days, and symptoms include sneezing, coughing, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, itchy eyes, headaches, fatigue, and a low-grade fever. Get to know how to treat viral nasopharyngitis now.

Saline Nasal Sprays

A common symptom of viral nasopharyngitis is congestion of mucus in the nasal channels and even down the throat. It can be extremely uncomfortable for an individual to have a clogged nose when they are already experiencing difficulty breathing alone due to viral nasopharyngitis. Saline nasal sprays are an ideal option to treat these nasal symptoms. Saline sprays operate by providing movement stimulation to the cilia, or the tiny hairs in the nose responsible for pushing mucus out. Saline sprays can be purchased over-the-counter and are relatively affordable. These types of nasal sprays are also a great option for children and infants because they are not strong cold medications with harsh side effects. Many individuals use this method in addition to other over-the-counter cold medications when they have been ineffective in fully unclogging mucus in the nasal passages. Saline sprays also do a great job of lubricating the nasal channels to prevent drying out of the skin and damage to the mucous membranes in the nose.

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Sore Throat Lozenges

Viral nasopharyngitis is also known to cause discomfort in the throat commonly characterized by swelling, redness, mucus buildup, and pain. These symptoms can make swallowing painful and can cause individuals difficulty speaking. Sore throat lozenges are also something patients can purchase over-the-counter and are relatively inexpensive. There are numerous active ingredients most throat lozenges have in common. Antibacterials are included in a lozenge to help target and kill the bacteria that may be causing the throat symptoms. Anesthetics are numbing agents that immediately provide pain relief to the throat. Anesthetics are a huge reason why so many individuals choose to use lozenges, as they immensely help relieve pain in the throat. Both plant-based natural ingredients of eucalyptus and menthol are included in most throat lozenges because they alleviate congestion and are also effective soothing agents for the throat. Pain medicine is also commonly a part of sore throat lozenges because they work to decrease inflammation. Lozenges slowly dissolve and release the active ingredients into the mouth and throat, providing soothing lubrication to the lining of the throat.

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Decongestants And Antihistamines

For symptoms of viral nasopharyngitis that involve a runny nose, cough, sneezing, and stuffy nose, decongestants and antihistamines are also great treatment options. Some medications only have one or the other, and some medications combine them along with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication to help curb a fever, body aches, and headaches. Decongestants work by decreasing the inflammation and swelling that occurs in the nose and throat, helping an individual breath better and alleviating the uncomfortable pressure. Antihistamines work by inhibiting histamine, a chemical the body produces in response to foreign substances. Histamine is a part of the human immune system and causes itching and swelling in the nose, throat, and eyes. Often times, nighttime cold medications are made with a higher ratio of antihistamine to decongestant because antihistamines are known to induce drowsiness. Daytime cold medications may contain a higher ratio of decongestant to antihistamine because decongestants keep individuals awake. While both of these active ingredients do not cure viral nasopharyngitis or other similar conditions, they can have a huge influence in reducing symptoms.

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Using A Humidifier

Using a humidifier to help relieve some symptoms of viral nasopharyngitis may be ideal for young children and individuals who reside in cold dry climates. The viruses that can cause a cold tend to live on surfaces in the home once a member of the household has been infected with it. Keeping the humidity level inside the home between forty to sixty percent can help eradicate some of the viruses living on surfaces and floating around in the air. A humidifier is an electronic device that turns water into vapor to increase the humidity inside a home or building. Humidifiers can assist with congestion and cough relief because dry air exacerbates inflammation in the nose and airways. Along with a reduction in inflammation, steam products can be added which have the active ingredient of a cough suppressant. Humidifiers are especially good at helping break apart the thick mucus that often lines the nose, throat, and even the lungs of an individual with viral nasopharyngitis. When the mucus is broken up, it is easier to rid the body of it and stop further mucus build up.

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Antiviral Medication

While it is widely known bacterial infections can be easily treated by antibiotics in most cases, there has been a stagnation in how to treat an actual viral infection. Viruses are different than bacteria and do not respond to antibiotics. Viruses also appear to have mutations from one season to the next, so creating a medication that can treat them, even if it is successful, doesn't usually last for very long. While there are no specific antiviral drugs known to be effective against viruses that cause the common cold and similar conditions, zinc has antiviral properties that have been shown to help kill some of the viruses responsible. There are numerous trials in research presently that are attempting to develop an effective antiviral drug to fight against rhinovirus, but none have yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Antiviral medications that currently treat the flu would be ineffective at treating viral nasopharyngitis because the flu is caused by a different virus. An antiviral medication to treat common cold is not viable as of today, however, there is a promising future in the works for it.