Rhinopharyngitis is the name given to the disease known as the common cold . The concept is associated with the rhinopharynx or nasopharynx , which is the sector of the pharynx that is next to the nasal passages and above the soft palate.
Rhinopharyngitis is a disease caused by the action of a virus in the upper respiratory system . The virus causes an infection that usually lasts between three and ten days, although certain symptoms can last up to a month.
Rhinopharyngitis treatments
Although rhinopharyngitis resolves spontaneously, there are various drugs that help minimize the discomfort. It is important to note that the common cold can cause headache , rhinorrhea , rhinitis , sneezing , cough and sore throat .
The most common trend in rhinopharyngitis treatments is to get the body itself to respond by activating its immune system , to recover through natural defenses. On the other hand, given that the symptoms can be very annoying or interfere with our obligations , it never hurts to have some medication that quickly gives us back the strength to continue with our daily lives. It is worth mentioning that even the most efficient products require a minimum of rest; in fact, the most powerful ones usually cause drowsiness.
home remedies
On the other hand, there are a large number of home remedies to treat rhinopharyngitis, although their effectiveness depends largely on the patient's perseverance: to achieve an effect of comparable intensity to that of a drug, several more doses are usually necessary.
Let's look at some examples below:
- Gargle with warm water and salt or baking soda. It is one of the most recommended home treatments, especially to reduce sore throat and directly attack infections , such as thrush, which can cause discomfort that is very difficult to bear.
- Gargles with garlic can have similar effects , but their properties are much more varied and effective against rhinopharyngitis. For example, it is an excellent antiseptic, making it ideal for treating any infection. Some studies indicate that consuming 2.5 grams of garlic per day can shorten the duration of a cold by more than 60%.
- Boil water and let it warm, then add two small chopped tomatoes (without their seeds) and blend the mixture, which should be drunk slowly.
- Thyme is an herb that offers special benefits in the fight against rhinopharyngitis. To consume it, it is recommended to pour a tablespoon into a cup of hot water and let the infusion rest for a quarter of an hour, strain it and mix it with lemon juice. Gargle with half of the preparation and drink the rest throughout the day, divided into three doses, to relieve pain and inflammation .
Other considerations about rhinopharyngitis
While most people do not give much importance to rhinopharyngitis, professionals who depend on the voice to work, a group in which we find announcers and singers, tend to especially fear it. To minimize the risk of contracting rhinopharyngitis, the essential thing is to strengthen the immune system . Maintaining a healthy diet, not smoking or drinking excessive alcohol, washing your hands well and resting properly are some of the keys. In any case, rhinopharyngitis infections are very common, especially in winter.
Although it is a mild disease, rhinopharyngitis has a great social impact and is among the most common causes of absenteeism from work and school. Anyone who contracts rhinopharyngitis should rest and stay isolated from others to avoid spreading the infection .
It should be noted that rhinopharyngitis is not the same as the flu , a more serious viral illness that includes muscle pain and fever . It must also be taken into account that rhinopharyngitis, by weakening the immune system, can lead to another more serious infection.