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Runny nose is an extremely troublesome ailment - both for a child and an adult. Most often it is a symptom of a viral or bacterial infection, and although it seems harmless in itself, it should not be underestimated. How to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial?
When we get a cold, we usually pay more attention to a sore throat and fever than to a runny nose. And although it is said that a runny nose treated lasts seven days and an untreated one week, the reality is often different. In order to deal with a runny nose efficiently and not to expose yourself to complications (e.g. otitis media and paranasal sinuses), it is worth knowing whether the runny nose was caused by viruses or bacteria.
Viral infection - characteristics
Viral infection, as the name suggests, is caused by viruses which, compared to bacteria, have a greater pathogenic capacity. This means that they multiply faster, have a greater ability to penetrate the body and damage tissues. Viruses are unable to multiply outside the host cell. Only when they penetrate into it, it is reproduced.
Viral infections, accompanied by a persistent and tiring runny nose, attack especially in autumn and winter, when the body's immunity is reduced. The duration of the viral infection is usually 5 to 7 days. Viral infection is initially mild and symptoms are progressive. The weakness of the body is usually the first to appear, followed by a runny nose, sore throat, and sometimes a cough. Additionally, the patient struggles with headache and muscle pain, chills and increased body temperature (up to about 37.5 - 38 degrees Celsius). Viral runny nose is profuse, colorless and watery. However, it may become cloudy and creamy over time. It makes breathing difficult and causes swelling of the mucosa.
In the case of viral infection, treatment is symptomatic. One of the most important things to keep in mind is the systematic removal of nasal secretions. You can also use a preparation that inhibits the production of secretions, opens the nose and accelerates the healing of the irritated mucosa, e.g.Nasic spray®ornasic®kids . Thanks to the combination of two active substances - xylometazoline (clears the nose) and dexpanthenol (accelerates healing and soothes irritations) - they bring relief andhelp in everyday functioning.
The consequence of an untreated runny nose may be inflammation of the middle ear, pharynx, paranasal sinuses, bronchi, trachea or lungs, therefore it should not be underestimated.
Bacterial infection - characteristics
Bacteria, unlike viruses, are microorganisms with a cell structure. They have a cell wall and a cilia that allows movement. Inside the cell wall is a cell membrane surrounding the cytoplasm, which contains ribosomes, a nucleoid containing bacterial DNA, and mesosomes. Importantly, bacteria are able to live independently outside the host organism. However, it should be remembered that bacterial infection may be the result of an untreated viral infection. A weakened organism is much more susceptible to infection with bacteria.
Bacterial infection is usually more severe, attacks violently. Its first symptoms are much more intense and may appear as early as 12 hours after the infection with the bacterium. There is a runny nose, a feeling of scratching in the throat, coughing. Bacterial rhinitis is dense, often purulent, and has a yellow-green color, so it is easy to distinguish from viral. In addition, sick people struggle with a fever exceeding 38 degrees Celsius, enlarged lymph nodes, and often also a headache, which may indicate sick sinuses. Persistent ear pain develops with a middle ear infection.
Treating a bacterial infection is a bit more difficult and usually takes more time. An antibiotic is used relatively often in the treatment of a bacterial infection, in contrast to a viral infection. Please note that the antibiotic should only be taken after consulting a doctor. The troublesome bacterial runny nose may persist for more than 10 days, therefore, as in the case of a viral infection, preparations that help to clear the nose and accelerate the healing of the irritated mucosa are used as an adjunct in the treatment. In addition to pharmacological treatment, you should not forget to regularly cleanse the nose of the residual secretion, which is the environment for the multiplication of bacteria.
If you are not sure what type of infection you are struggling with, the doctor will recommend a laboratory test, and more specifically the amount of C-reactive protein (CRP). For viral infection the result is below 40 mg / L, and for bacterial infection above 40 mg / L.