Today is our topic of discussion Common cold
Common cold
Definition:
A ‘common cold’ or ‘cold’ is a general term used to refer to a mild viral infection of the nose, throat, sinuses and upper airways. It is a self-limiting infection.
Cause:
Rhinoviruses & coronaviruses (mostly). It is possible to have several colds in a year.
Mode of transmission:
Direct contact:
Inhalation of droplets.
Indirect contact:
Sneezing onto an object and someone else touches that object few minutes later, may catch the virus if they then touch their mouth or nose.
Period of communicability:
2-3 days before symptoms begin & until symptoms have
Predisposing factor:
1. Adults usually have two to four colds a year; children can catch as many as 7 to 10.
2. Children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals can be at risk of developing more serious complications, such as a bacterial chest infection.
3. The common cold is more frequent during the winter months.
Incubation period:
Commonly 2-3 days (may be upto a week)
C/F:
Signs and symptoms:
1. Nasal congestion, nasal pain and irritation
2. Runny nose: Discharge usually clear and runny at first before becoming thicker and darker over the course of infection.
3. Scratchy throat
4. Sneezing
5. Adults and older children generally have a low fever or no fever. Young children often run a fever around 100-102°F.
6. Hoarse voice
7. General sense of feeling unwell
The uncommon features are:
1. Cough
2. Decreased appetite
3. Headache
4. Muscle aches
5. Sore throat
6. Feeling of pressure in ears and face
7. Loss of taste and smell
8. Irritation of eyes
Treatment:
Treatment of ‘common cold’ begins at home –
1. Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
2. Eating chicken soup helps to relieve the symptoms of a cold.
3. Steam inhalation (may be with menthol).
4. Gargling with salt water.
5. Nasal saline drops (Norsol® is available in our country).
Medications (these are optional):
1. Anti-pyretics and analgesics: Paracetamol (if temperature is > 100 °F), Ibuprofen and aspirin. Children under 16 years or breastfeeding women should not take aspirin.
2. Decongestants: Oral (Pseudoephidrine) and Nasal (Xylometazoline). Oral decongestants should not be prescribed in children under 6 years and in hypertensives.
3. Antihistamines or cough syrups: Less beneficial.
4. Antibiotics: Not recommended unless secondary bacterial infection is suspected.
5. Zinc supplements: Zinc syrup or tablets for 5 days helps to improve common cold.
Indication for hospitalization:
1. Breathing becomes difficult
2. Symptoms get worse or do not improve after 7 to 10 days.
3. Develops high fever (103 OF)
4. Coughing out of blood stained sputum
5. Chest pain develops
6. Develops lymphadenopathy
Complications:
1. Trigger of asthma symptoms in children with asthma.
2. Bronchitis
3. Ear infection
4. Pneumonia
5. Sinusitis
6. Otitis media
Prevention:
1. Washing hands: After nose-wiping, diapering, using bathroom, before eating and preparing food.
2. Always sneeze and cough into tissue papers.
3. Disinfect: Clean or disinfect commonly touched surfaces regularly to keep them free of germs.
4. Live in and maintain healthy environment: Congested housing increases the risk of infection.
5. Avoid sharing common towels and try to use own utensils.
6. Immunity enhancement by –
a. Avoiding smoking (both active and passive)
b. Avoiding unnecessary antibiotics 25 al altoit.com
c. Drink water
d. Taking healthy diet containing adequate fruits and vegetables. banque the
e. Get enough sleep
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