Physiotherapy for vasomotor rhinitis

Causes of occurrence and mechanism of development

The main cause of rhinitis is an infection that affects the lining of the nasal cavity, disrupting its protective functions. As a result, swelling develops and nasal breathing becomes difficult. The increasing inflammatory process is characterized by the separation of a large amount of fluid from the nose.

There are several main provoking factors that lead to the development of the disease. These include:

• general hypothermia of the body;
• viral infection;
• the presence of pathogenic bacteria in the nasal cavity;
• decreased immunity;
• allergic rhinitis, as well as intermittent (seasonal);
• poor circulation in the nasal mucosa;
• prolonged exposure to dry and hot air;
• hormonal disorders;
• endocrine diseases;
• heart, liver, kidney diseases;
• the presence of cystic formations and polyps in the nose;
• long-term use of nasal medications with a vasoconstrictor effect;
• pathology of the nasal septum;
• hazardous working conditions, smoking.

For treatment to be effective, it is necessary to establish the cause of the disease. If the symptoms of rhinitis are eliminated without eliminating the main source of occurrence, then there is a high probability that the pathology will return. Moreover, even after instilling nasal medications, the signs of a runny nose will not disappear.

Advantages of using ultrasound

Needless to say, with the advent of ultrasound in the world of medicine, many things have become possible. However, if we discard the unnecessary words and go directly to the advantages, then the following ones stand out:

Due to the possibility of the influence of ultrasonic waves on the tonsils, the number of surgical operations to remove them, to speed up the patient’s recovery and stop the inflammatory process in the throat, has been reduced by five times; It has become possible to cure patients with acquired complex somatic pathology. The fact is that such people should never undergo general anesthesia, and, as a result, surgical interventions. Ultrasound has made recovery possible for such people; If we move away from problems with the throat, then it was with the help of ultrasonic waves that ultrasound became available, which significantly reduced mortality among the population, thanks to the ability to detect pathologies of organs and tumors (malignant and benign), as well as the number of problems during pregnancy and fetal development. Another important factor was the treatment of skin problems using ultrasound. This means that the low-frequency waves produced have a beneficial effect on the skin, enriching tissues with oxygen, increasing regeneration, and also enhancing the functions of the sebaceous and sweat glands.

Basic methods of physiotherapy

Complex treatment includes not only the use of drugs, but also physical therapy for rhinitis. The basis of any physiotherapy is physiotherapy.

In some cases, with the help of physiotherapeutic procedures, you can achieve a faster positive effect at the first symptoms of a runny nose. The safety of many modern methods has been confirmed, because ultraviolet irradiation is used locally.

Inhalation procedures

The inhalation treatment method involves inhaling drug vapors dissolved in water. The main advantages of inhalation procedures:

• the medicine, once on the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity and pharynx, begins to act quickly;
• low risk of complications;
• the therapeutic effect extends to all parts of the respiratory system;
• soft impact;
• no side effects.

Steam inhalations are prepared using medicinal plants, saline solution, mineral water or essential oil. Such inhalations can be used at home.

To treat rhinitis using hardware inhalation, medications of various groups are used (mucolytics, antiseptics, immunostimulants, antibiotics).

Ultrasound therapy

The effect of ultrasound therapy (UT) is based on therapeutic doses of pulsed ultrasound waves that affect tissue and muscle fibers. This is expressed in the form of a massage, which is why the procedure is also called vibration massage. UT is used for the following purposes:

• improving metabolic processes;
• increased blood flow;
• production of elastin, collagen;
• accelerating cell division and renewal;
• reducing pain.

The ultrasound procedure in the treatment of acute rhinitis has proven itself well. It helps to quickly cope with swelling and nasal mucus, and restore breathing through the nose. The duration of therapy is determined by the doctor.

Magnetic therapy

Magnetotherapy involves the local effect of a magnetic field on the body. The resulting weak electrical currents activate redox reactions.

The procedure has proven itself to be effective in the treatment of rhinitis, in which congestion develops. After all, this method operates at the level of molecules and cells.

The course of treatment is 14-20 days, 2 times a week, the duration of the procedure is 10-25 minutes. Already after the first sessions, the amount of mucous discharge from the nose decreases. The therapeutic effect has a cumulative effect. Thus, the effectiveness of the procedure depends on the number of sessions.

KUF, SUF, or ultraviolet treatment

Ultraviolet irradiation is applied locally; treatment involves using waves of different UV ranges. Waves of this range penetrate directly into pathogenic cells, affecting them from the inside. The destruction of DNA, RNA of a microorganism or a change in DNA occurs, leading to cell death. The technique is prescribed for the treatment of bactericidal rhinitis. At the same time, ultraviolet irradiation improves the functioning of protective functions at the affected area.

SUV (medium wave ultraviolet) is mainly used for the treatment of acute rhinitis. SWUV (short-wave ultraviolet) is an effective method because... A few minutes of irradiation are enough for the death of pathogenic bacteria to occur.

Endonasal electrophoresis and darsonval

If a viral or bacterial infection is accompanied by rhinitis, then one of these procedures is recommended for treatment. Both methods rely on the dissociation of the drug in an aqueous solution through which a weak electrical current is passed. Dissolved ions of the drug begin to penetrate the tissues and mucous membranes.

The active substance of the drug accumulates in the affected area, providing a therapeutic effect. A small part of the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream, spreading throughout the body. Procedures work on this principle.

Rinsing with saline solutions and local antiseptics

Such therapeutic procedures are especially effective for rhinitis, which occurs against the background of enlarged tonsils or purulent tonsillitis. Regular and proper washing leads to the death of pathogenic microflora and the removal of the inflammatory process.

Stages of the procedure:

1. Prepare a saline solution from 1/3 tsp. salt and 1 cup of boiled water (you can use a pharmaceutical antiseptic).
2. A medical syringe or bulb is filled with a medicinal solution.
3. The tip is inserted at a right angle into the nostril, opening the mouth and sticking out the tongue.
4. Using slow pressure, the product is injected (the solution should pass through the nasopharynx and pour out of the oral cavity).

The Cuckoo procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. The patient lies on his side, and using a special device, the doctor pours an antiseptic solution into one nostril. At the same time, the solution and adnexal contents are removed from the second nostril.

UHF method

The therapy method is based on the effects of ultra-high impulses. As a result, the capillaries in the nose expand and their permeability improves. Hyperemia occurs with pronounced fluid loss.

Due to local effects, metabolism improves and the anti-inflammatory effect is enhanced. UHF can heat tissue to a depth of 6 cm.

Dry heat, foot baths

These methods are prescribed for inflammatory rhinitis, which occurs against the background of impaired vascular tone. Both dry heat and foot baths stimulate the body's own forces to fight the disease.

Dry heat is applied to the affected area. At home, for such purposes they use a hot boiled egg, a heated bag of salt in a frying pan.

Foot baths are used not only for treatment, but also for the prevention of rhinitis. This method is actively used to treat children. To enhance the effect, you can add mustard powder to the water.

Centimeter wave therapy

A method of electrotherapy in which an electromagnetic field with a wavelength of 12.6 cm is exposed. Centimeter wave therapy has the following main properties:

• pain reliever;
• anti-inflammatory;
• metabolic;
• secretory.

Often prescribed for rhinitis that has developed after the use of vasoconstrictors.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is also an effective method of treating rhinitis. Manipulation is considered a dangerous type of procedure, so it should only be performed by a specialist with experience in this field, because needles are inserted into segmental and facial points.

The duration of acupuncture is determined by the doctor, who takes into account the severity of the disease and the characteristics of the patient’s body. To facilitate nasal breathing, only a few procedures are needed. But if the disease is advanced, then a course of treatment will be required - 10-14 days.

Does physiotherapy have any contraindications?

Parents are wondering whether physical therapy is effective for ARVI in a child and whether it is worth doing. Massage, inhalations and other procedures described above have proven themselves to be excellent. Just don’t forget that they have contraindications. Most physiotherapeutic techniques cannot be used for:

• bleeding tendency;
• high body temperature (more than 38 degrees);
• systemic blood diseases;
• stage 3 hypertension.

Physiotherapy at home

Physiotherapy in the treatment of children can be carried out at home. Of course, there are no installations for laser research or other expensive equipment at home, but it is quite possible to carry out inhalations and massage the child there.

Mustard plasters

Be sure to supplement home physiotherapeutic treatment of children with acute respiratory infections with the use of mustard plasters, because they improve blood circulation, accelerating the recovery process. Just remember to consult your doctor first - mustard plasters sometimes cause allergies in children.

Hot foot baths

A good physiotherapeutic treatment for ARVI in children at home is the use of hot foot baths. This procedure can be carried out on toddlers no younger than two years old. When you have a runny nose, warming your feet helps clear your nasal passages.

Essential oils

Does your baby have a cold? Then disinfect the apartment using an aroma lamp. Use eucalyptus, tea tree, fir, juniper or pine essential oil for this purpose - it will quickly destroy germs.

Complications and prevention

If you ignore therapy or treat rhinitis incorrectly, dangerous consequences can occur. The most common complications include the following pathologies:

• chronic rhinitis;
• acute sinusitis;
• persistent nasal congestion:
• otitis;
• pharyngitis;
• sinusitis;
• frontal sinusitis;
• conjunctivitis;
• inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes.

Rhinitis that is not completely cured can lead to the development of dangerous pathologies such as meningitis, inflammation of the trachea, and pneumonia.

To prevent the appearance of rhinitis, you should follow simple rules:

• avoid hypothermia;
• dress according to the season;
• Avoid ice-cold drinks and cold foods;
• regularly rinse and clean the nasal cavity;
• regularly ventilate the room;
• carry out wet cleaning daily;
• use a protective mask during epidemics of respiratory diseases;
• strengthen the immune system by taking complex vitamins;
• limit contact with allergens (for allergic rhinitis);
• spend a lot of time outdoors.

But it is also necessary to promptly treat colds and any forms of nasopharyngeal diseases (for example, deviated nasal septum, adenoids). Additional procedures, including physiotherapy, for runny nose and rhinitis give good results.