Acute rhinitis (common cold, coryza)

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An inflammation of the nasal membranes including the nose, paranasal sinuses, throat, larynx, and often the trachea and bronchi.

Causes

  • Viruses

Signs and symptoms

  • Tickling sensation in nose
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Headache
  • Fever

Differential diagnosis

  • Allergic rhinitis
  • Bronchitis
  • Pertussis
  • Sinusitis

Complications

  • Acute or chronic sinusitis
  • Otitis media
  • Sleep disturbance or apnoea
  • Pneumonia

Treatment objectives

  • Treat symptoms
  • Most colds resolve spontaneously in 7−10 days

Non-pharmacological treatment

  • Bed rest
  • Drink warm fluids to maintain hydration
  • Administer steam inhalation

Pharmacological treatment

  • Relief pain and aches with paracetamol for 2 to 3 days
  • Do not give antibiotics as they will neither hasten recovery nor prevent complications

Note

  • Avoid cough syrups in children below 6 years
  • Avoid aspirin which may increase the risk of Reye's syndrome in children

Prevention

  • Avoid contact with infected persons
  • Advise parents to return if the condition worsens especially if breathing becomes difficult and laboured.