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Infectious Disease – Common Cold
COMMON COLD BASICS DESCRIPTION
Acute viral infection of the upper respiratory tract
The study of epidemiology
The prevalence
• Two to four colds are reported annually by the average adult.
• Children often report six to ten colds annually.
The frequency
RISK FACTORS
An estimated 1 billion colds occur in the US each year.
• Winter, which causes individuals to congregate inside; • Hand contact with an infected person; • Remaining in a confined space with an infected person
• People with immunocompromised conditions; • Children with undeveloped immune systems
• Psychological stress and smoking enhance susceptibility
GENERAL PREVENTION:
• Wash your hands often; • Avoid touching your nose or eyes.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY:
A contagious viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory system, it is spread by infected people's aerosol, nasal secretions, or saliva.
• Self-restricting
Etiology
• Coronavirus (10–15%) • Rhinovirus (30–50%)
• Influenza (5–15%)
• Less often are respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, enterovirus, metapneumovirus, and parainfluenza.
Acute bronchitis, pharyngitis, pharyngolaryngitis, and rhinorrhea
History of Diagnosis
• 1–3 Rhinorrhea
Sneezing, nasal blockage, laryngitis or throat irritation, coughing, chilliness, and occasionally conjunctivitis, headaches, muscle aches, shivering, and anorexia
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION • Symptoms of upper respiratory tract illness • Fever is unusual
Initial laboratory testing for diagnosis and interpretation
Unless a differential diagnosis is required or problems are expected, no laboratory testing is necessary.
Follow-up and Particular Points to Remember
usually not necessary unless problems are suspected or a differential diagnosis is sought.
Imaging First Step
Not necessary unless problems are suspected or a differential diagnosis is sought.
Follow-up and Particular Points to Remember
Not necessary unless problems are suspected or a differential diagnosis is sought.
Diagnostic/Other Procedures: Usually not necessary
Isolating viruses and directly detecting their antigens
Serology-tests for virus neutralization Sputum and/or throat culture
Testing for influenza viruses
- Nasal discharge culture
DIAGNOSIS DIFFERENTIAL:Infectious
Pneumonia, whooping cough, sinusitis, and influenza are all considered noninfectious.
The condition known as allergic rhinitis
MEDICATION FOR TREATMENT
No antiviral medications with proven benefits
ADDITIONAL MEDICATION
Overall Actions
• Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin to treat fever and aches and pains (4)
• Decongestants: Nasal: Rebound effect in individuals who use them for longer than three days; oral: Benefits uncertain
Ipratropium bromide nasal spray: Suggested for both children and adults with nasal congestion; Dextromethorphan: A cough remedy for adults; Antihistamines: First-generation antihistamines to alleviate symptoms in adults
Considerations for Children
• Due to the possibility of Reye's syndrome, children and teenagers should not use aspirin.
• Children should not use codeine, dextromethorphan, or antihistamines.
Referral Issues
Extreme symptoms
Other Treatments
Zinc, vitamin C, and echinacea (5) are not advised for active treatment.
Continuing Care Follow-Up Suggestions
If a cough lasts more than three weeks, it may be a sign of pertussis or pneumonia.
Monitoring of Patients
DIET is typically not necessary.
Drinking lots of water is advised.
PATIENT EDUCATION: Stress that the common cold does not require antibiotics.
Reduce contact with cold-stricken individuals; wash your hands frequently, avoid sharing towels, and drink lots of water. Advise against using nasal drops or sprays excessively as they may create rebound congestion.
• To prevent droplets from spreading, cover your mouth and nose with your arm instead of your hands when you cough or sneeze.
PROGNOSIS
In most cases, the illness is mild and self-limiting.
DIFFICULTIES
Pneumonia, otitis media, sinusitis, pharyngitis, acute bronchitis, and exacerbation of asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, and chronic bronchitis
COMMON COLD BASICS DESCRIPTION
Acute viral infection of the upper respiratory tract
The study of epidemiology
The prevalence
• Two to four colds are reported annually by the average adult.
• Children often report six to ten colds annually.
The frequency
RISK FACTORS
An estimated 1 billion colds occur in the US each year.
• Winter, which causes individuals to congregate inside; • Hand contact with an infected person; • Remaining in a confined space with an infected person
• People with immunocompromised conditions; • Children with undeveloped immune systems
• Psychological stress and smoking enhance susceptibility
GENERAL PREVENTION:
• Wash your hands often; • Avoid touching your nose or eyes.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY:
A contagious viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory system, it is spread by infected people's aerosol, nasal secretions, or saliva.
• Self-restricting
Etiology
• Coronavirus (10–15%) • Rhinovirus (30–50%)
• Influenza (5–15%)
• Less often are respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, enterovirus, metapneumovirus, and parainfluenza.
Acute bronchitis, pharyngitis, pharyngolaryngitis, and rhinorrhea
History of Diagnosis
• 1–3 Rhinorrhea
Sneezing, nasal blockage, laryngitis or throat irritation, coughing, chilliness, and occasionally conjunctivitis, headaches, muscle aches, shivering, and anorexia
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION • Symptoms of upper respiratory tract illness • Fever is unusual
Initial laboratory testing for diagnosis and interpretation
Unless a differential diagnosis is required or problems are expected, no laboratory testing is necessary.
Follow-up and Particular Points to Remember
usually not necessary unless problems are suspected or a differential diagnosis is sought.
Imaging First Step
Not necessary unless problems are suspected or a differential diagnosis is sought.
Follow-up and Particular Points to Remember
Not necessary unless problems are suspected or a differential diagnosis is sought.
Diagnostic/Other Procedures: Usually not necessary
Isolating viruses and directly detecting their antigens
Serology-tests for virus neutralization Sputum and/or throat culture
Testing for influenza viruses
- Nasal discharge culture
DIAGNOSIS DIFFERENTIAL:Infectious
Pneumonia, whooping cough, sinusitis, and influenza are all considered noninfectious.
The condition known as allergic rhinitis
MEDICATION FOR TREATMENT
No antiviral medications with proven benefits
ADDITIONAL MEDICATION
Overall Actions
• Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin to treat fever and aches and pains (4)
• Decongestants: Nasal: Rebound effect in individuals who use them for longer than three days; oral: Benefits uncertain
Ipratropium bromide nasal spray: Suggested for both children and adults with nasal congestion; Dextromethorphan: A cough remedy for adults; Antihistamines: First-generation antihistamines to alleviate symptoms in adults
Considerations for Children
• Due to the possibility of Reye's syndrome, children and teenagers should not use aspirin.
• Children should not use codeine, dextromethorphan, or antihistamines.
Referral Issues
Extreme symptoms
Other Treatments
Zinc, vitamin C, and echinacea (5) are not advised for active treatment.
Continuing Care Follow-Up Suggestions
If a cough lasts more than three weeks, it may be a sign of pertussis or pneumonia.
Monitoring of Patients
DIET is typically not necessary.
Drinking lots of water is advised.
PATIENT EDUCATION: Stress that the common cold does not require antibiotics.
Reduce contact with cold-stricken individuals; wash your hands frequently, avoid sharing towels, and drink lots of water. Advise against using nasal drops or sprays excessively as they may create rebound congestion.
• To prevent droplets from spreading, cover your mouth and nose with your arm instead of your hands when you cough or sneeze.
PROGNOSIS
In most cases, the illness is mild and self-limiting.
DIFFICULTIES
Pneumonia, otitis media, sinusitis, pharyngitis, acute bronchitis, and exacerbation of asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, and chronic bronchitis
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