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Influenza runny nose
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
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Flu-like rhinitis is mainly epidemic in nature and is accompanied by signs of a general flu infection. The symptoms are the same as those of acute non-specific rhinitis, with the only difference being that its clinical manifestations are much more pronounced, and the nasal discharge may contain hemorrhagic contents.
Symptoms and complications
The clinical course is characterized by high body temperature, severe headaches, general weakness, and sometimes general cerebral symptoms (asthenia, depression, etc.).
Influenza rhinitis most often causes complications in the form of acute otitis, sinusitis, laryngotracheitis. Inflammation of the lower respiratory tract (pneumonia) is also common. Complications also include late symptoms caused by the influenza virus affecting the neuroganglionic apparatus: anosmia, craniofacial pain syndromes, nasopharyngeal paresthesia, general and local vasomotor crises.
Treatment and prognosis
Treatment of influenza is general and local. The nature of the general treatment is determined by the severity of the influenza infection. Patients with severe intoxication are administered intramuscular donor anti-influenza globulin (γ-globulin) or, in the absence of the latter, anti-measles immunoglobulin. Hemodesis or rheopolyglucin are prescribed for detoxification. A pronounced therapeutic effect at the onset of the disease, especially with influenza A, is given by rimantadine, prescribed according to a special scheme. Locally at the onset of the disease, human leukocyte interferon is used - 5 drops in both halves of the nose every 1-2 hours for 2-3 days. Oxolin is used in the form of a 0.25% ointment, which is used to lubricate the nasal mucosa 3-4 times a day, as well as vasoconstrictor drops (naphthyzinum, sanorin, galazolin, etc.) to reduce the runny nose. To reduce vascular permeability, calcium preparations, ascorbic acid, and rutin are prescribed. Oxygen therapy is indicated, as well as, according to indications, agents that improve cardiac, respiratory, and nervous activity. Antibacterial therapy for influenza is prescribed only for secondary purulent complications and the development of protracted bronchitis, pneumonia, otitis, etc.
The prognosis is favorable, but in severe cases and complications it is serious, especially in the elderly and children.