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.