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Acute rhinitis (acute runny nose) - Causes and pathogenesis
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Causes of acute rhinitis (acute runny nose)
In the etiology of acute catarrhal rhinitis, the main significance is the decrease in local and general resistance of the organism and the activation of microflora in the nasal cavity. Usually this occurs with general or local hypothermia, which disrupts the protective neuro-reflex mechanisms. Weakening of local and general immunity with hypothermia of the whole body or its parts (legs, head, etc.) leads to an increase in the pathogenic activity of saprophytic microorganisms in the nasal cavity, in particular staphylococci, streptococci, and some others, especially in people who are not hardened to cold and sudden changes in temperature. The effects of hypothermia manifest themselves more quickly in people with reduced resistance, especially against the background of chronic diseases, in patients weakened by acute diseases.
The development of acute traumatic rhinitis is usually caused by trauma to the nasal mucosa by foreign bodies. Damage to the mucosa may be associated with manipulations, including surgical operations in the nasal cavity. In some cases, the cause of acute traumatic rhinitis is a professional factor or environmental conditions: particles of mineral dust, coal, metal, which can damage the nasal mucosa, exposure to smoke, gas, aerosols.
Pathogenesis of acute rhinitis (acute runny nose)
Morphological changes in the nasal mucosa generally correspond to the classic picture of acute inflammation development. In the first hours (rarely 1-2 days) of the disease, the nasal mucosa is hyperemic and dry, then abundant serous exudate appears, and it becomes moist and edematous. The epithelium and submucous layer are infiltrated with lymphocytes, the cylindrical epithelium loses cilia, the amount of mucus in the exudate increases, and the cavernous spaces are filled with blood. Exudate accumulates in places under the epithelium, bubbles often form, desquamation of the epithelium and erosions of the mucous membrane are detected.
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