Medical expert of the article
New publications
Corey's runny nose
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Measles rhinitis is part of the classic measles syndrome of “rhino-ocular catarrh”, which is a prodromal sign of this infectious disease.
Symptoms
Characterized by the appearance of signs of catarrhal rhinitis, which is preceded by the appearance of whitish spots on the lower nasal conchae, on the surface of which a bran-like peeling of the epithelium is found (pathognomonic for measles symptom of Velsky-Filatov-Koplik). A sharp edema of the mucous membrane and interstitial tissue causes obstruction of the nasal passages, which is not amenable to the action of vasoconstrictors. First serous, then profuse purulent discharge from the nose indicates the activation of saprophytic banal microbiota. The catarrhal period of rhinitis (2-3 days) is replaced by a period of erosions and even ulcers that can spread beyond the nasal cavity, to the upper lip, nasopharynx, oral cavity (enanthem), pharynx, larynx. In case of skin lesions, crusts are formed, upon elimination of which pigment spots remain on the skin.
Complications
Complications of measles rhinitis are divided into local and those arising at a distance. Local complications include various forms of otitis and otomastoiditis, sinusitis. Complications arising at a distance include laryngitis, laryngotracheitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. The danger of measles laryngitis is the occurrence of laryngeal obstruction and asphyxia. Late complications, as many authors admit, include ozena and various degrees of atrophic rhinitis caused by neurotrophic damage to the nasal mucosa by measles toxin.
[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ], [ 5 ]
Diagnostics
The diagnosis is based on the symptoms described above and the clinical picture of measles infection (characteristic measles rash), as well as on epidemiological data. The combination of enanthem with conjunctivitis is taken into account.
[ 6 ], [ 7 ], [ 8 ], [ 9 ], [ 10 ], [ 11 ]
Treatment
Treatment of measles rhinitis is divided into general and local. General treatment includes appropriate treatment prescribed by a pediatrician. Local treatment includes care of the mucous membrane of the mouth and nose (drinking, rinsing the mouth with boiled water after meals). If thickened mucus and pus accumulate in the nasal cavity, proteolytic enzymes are administered, and careful mechanical toilet is performed. Instillation of 10-20% sodium sulfacyl solution into the conjunctival sac and nasal cavity, 1-2 drops 2-3 times a day, is also indicated. For a painful cough caused by catarrhal inflammation of the larynx and trachea, young children are prescribed pertussin (1 teaspoon or dessert spoon 3 times a day), older children and adults - non-narcotic antitussives (glauvent, libexin, tusuprex, etc.).
Forecast
The prognosis for measles is generally favorable, but recovery is slow. For 2-8 weeks or more, convalescents may experience asthenic syndrome - a symptom complex characterized by irritability, physical weakness, increased mental fatigue, and unstable mood; it may be the initial manifestation of all mental illnesses. The infection contributes to the exacerbation of chronic diseases, and sometimes endocrine diseases occur. Fatal outcomes are rare in older children with measles complicated by encephalitis.