Flu, constipation or allergic rhinitis?

Although we use the term “flu” broadly to refer to symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose and headache, flu, constipation, allergic rhinitis, and the different causes, symptoms, and treatments.

“Because the symptoms of these illnesses are similar, it is actually difficult to determine the cause unless a nasal swab test is performed to detect the viral agent.”Infectious disease physician Dr. Giovanna Sapienza explained to Boa Forma magazine.

Experts help clarify all doubts, explaining the differences between each condition and their respective treatments.

influenza

Influenza is an acute viral infection caused by the influenza virus. It is highly contagious and can cause serious complications in vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and people with weakened immune systems. Its main features include:

• Sudden onset: Flu symptoms usually appear quickly, with high fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and chills;
• Systemic symptoms:
  Influenza can cause systemic symptoms such as fever, severe headache, body aches, fatigue, and chills;
• Respiratory symptoms: The flu can cause respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat, congestion, and runny nose;
• complication: Influenza can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, which can be fatal in extreme cases;
• period: Flu symptoms usually last from one week to ten days.

The vaccine is the best way to avoid the flu and its complications, and it is necessary to receive a new dose every year because its composition changes depending on the type of virus most likely to spread.

This prevents about 70-90% of flu cases, but not other respiratory infections such as constipation. The preventive effect of the vaccine can be observed about two weeks after vaccination, so vaccination must be done before winter when infection rates are highest. Because the virus used in the vaccine has been inactivated in the laboratory, there is no chance that vaccination can cause influenza.

constipate

Constipation is a viral infection affecting the upper respiratory tract and is caused by several types of viruses, such as rhinovirus (40%), parainfluenza virus and RSV. Its main features include:

• Start step by step: Symptoms of constipation tend to come on gradually and are more noticeable than when you have the flu.
• Mild systemic symptoms: Constipation can cause mild systemic symptoms, such as low or no fever, and a general feeling of malaise;
• Respiratory symptoms: The most common symptoms of constipation include nasal congestion, runny nose, stuffy nose, sore throat, and mild cough;
• complication: Constipation rarely causes serious complications but may worsen pre-existing respiratory conditions in some people;
• period: Symptoms of constipation usually appear within two weeks.

There are currently no medications proven to be effective against the flu and constipation viruses, so treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms. The main symptomatic drugs used are analgesics and antipyretics to relieve fever.

allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane (lining) of the nose, and the cause may be allergic or infectious.

Non-allergic rhinitis can be caused by infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi, certain types of medications, hormones, and problems such as gastroesophageal reflux.

Allergic rhinitis occurs when the body becomes overheated or comes into contact with something considered foreign. It may have a genetic origin, but its cause remains unknown. A situation occurs when people come into contact with certain “gatilhos”, namely: animal hair; peeling skin; mofo; pollen; fragrance; fungi; some foods; medicines; bacteria; viruses; sudden changes in temperature; e and Mite exposure.

Its main features include:

• Chronic or recurring attacks: Allergic rhinitis often occurs due to exposure to specific allergens and can be a long-term condition;
• Minimal systemic symptoms: Typically, allergic rhinitis does not cause fever or severe systemic symptoms, but it may cause mild fatigue.
• Nassar symptoms: Characteristic symptoms include bloating, runny nose, nasal obstruction, and nasal congestion;
• Shaved throat: Allergic rhinitis can cause a sore throat, but sore throat is less common.
• period: Allergic rhinitis can be chronic and last throughout the allergy season.

After allergic rhinitis is diagnosed, it is necessary to identify the substances that cause allergies and avoid contact with them.