Nasopharyngitis Causes and Transmission

Nasopharyngitis

• Nasopharyngitis is an inflammation of the nasal passages and the back of the throat, also known as a cold or upper respiratory infection.

Causes of Nasopharyngitis

• Nasopharyngitis can be spread through:
  • Tiny air droplets when an infected person sneezes, coughs, blows their nose, or talks.
  • Touching contaminated objects, such as doorknobs, toys, and phones.
  • Touching the eyes, nose, or mouth after coming into contact with the virus or bacteria.
• Nasopharyngitis can spread rapidly in group settings, including offices, classrooms, daycare centers, and institutions.

Symptoms of Viral Nasopharyngitis

• Common symptoms include:
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Sore or scratchy throat
  • Watery or itchy eyes
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Body aches
  • Low fever
  • Post-nasal drip
• Symptoms typically appear within 1-3 days of infection and last for 1-10 days or longer.

Groups at Risk

• Babies and children are at higher risk for colds due to their developing immune systems.
• School children are especially at risk due to the easy spread of the virus in classrooms.
• People who are in close contact with someone infected are also at higher risk.
• Anyone in a group setting where one or more people have colds is at risk.
• People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to nasopharyngitis.

Diagnosing Viral Nasopharyngitis

• Diagnosis typically involves a doctor asking questions about symptoms and performing a physical examination of the nose, throat, and ears.
• A swab test may be conducted to detect the virus.
• Swollen lymph nodes may be a sign of nasopharyngitis.
• If symptoms persist, referral to an ENT specialist may be necessary.

Treatment of Viral Nasopharyngitis

• Focus is on treating symptoms, as antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections.
• Symptoms typically improve on their own within a few days.
• Rest periods, drinking plenty of fluids, and over-the-counter remedies can help alleviate symptoms.
• Over-the-counter medications that can help relieve symptoms include:
  • Zinc supplements
  • Cough suppressants
  • Nasal sprays
  • Antiviral medications for influenza
  • Vapor rubs
  • Saline nasal sprays
  • Decongestants
  • Lozenges
  • NSAIDs
  • Mucus thinners

Alternative Treatments

• Using a humidifier or vaporizer can help relieve congestion.
• Breathing in steam from hot water or a shower can help relieve congestion.
• Eating chicken soup may help alleviate symptoms.
• Dissolving ½ teaspoon of salt in warm water and gargling it can help relieve a sore throat.
• Adding honey to warm water can help soothe a sore throat (not recommended for children under 1 year old).
• Avoiding smoking and second-hand smoke can help prevent nasopharyngitis.