Features of intoxication syndrome
Rhinovirus infection is characterized by an acute onset. However, despite the rapid start, systemic manifestations remain minimal. This is the mildest infection in the group of acute respiratory viral diseases.
Intoxication syndrome is almost completely absent or extremely mild.
- Temperature response: runs at subfebrile levels.
- Pain syndrome: headache is rare and mild; myalgia (muscle pain) is completely uncharacteristic of this infection.
Physical examination and patient appearance
During the clinical examination, the pediatrician should pay attention to the child's appearance. Characteristic signs include pallor of the facial skin, as well as puffiness (pastosity).
Upon oropharyngeal examination (pharyngoscopy), changes are minimal—oropharyngeal mucosal hyperemia is very mild, which helps distinguish rhinovirus from other infections presenting with a prominent pharyngitis picture.
Catarrhal syndrome
Catarrhal syndrome in this pathology has a clear localization. The leading and often the only prominent clinical symptom is pronounced rhinitis (profuse rhinorrhea).
The infection proceeds with an isolated lesion of the nose. Meanwhile, the pathological process does not descend further. The following are strictly ruled out:
- Laryngeal involvement (no hoarseness or barking cough).
- Tracheal involvement.
- Bronchiolar involvement (no expiratory dyspnea).
Important diagnostic marker: cough is absent. In addition, lymphadenopathy is not characteristic of the patient's objective status in this disease.
RHINO: R — Rhinitis (pronounced), H — Hyperthermia absent (minimal), I — Intoxication absent, N — No cough, O — Onset acute.
Class and exam questions
Is there a cough or shortness of breath in rhinovirus infection?
No, cough and expiratory dyspnea are absent because the infection presents with an isolated nasal lesion without involvement of the trachea and bronchioles.
How severe is the intoxication?
Intoxication is practically absent: temperature is subfebrile, myalgia is absent, headache is rare and mild.
What changes are detected during pharyngeal and facial examination?
The patient's face is usually pale and puffy, and oropharyngeal hyperemia is very mild.
What else to study on this topic
- Pathogenesis of isolated nasal mucosa injury
- Differential diagnosis of rhinitis and laryngeal lesions
- Causes of facial puffiness in severe rhinorrhea
- Mechanisms of absence of systemic intoxication in acute viral rhinitis
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