Podcast
Questions and Answers
The common cold is primarily caused by bacteria.
The common cold is primarily caused by bacteria.
False
Symptoms of a cold usually appear 1 to 3 days after infection.
Symptoms of a cold usually appear 1 to 3 days after infection.
True
Coughing is a predominant symptom of a cold appearing by day 2.
Coughing is a predominant symptom of a cold appearing by day 2.
False
The flu is caused by DNA viruses.
The flu is caused by DNA viruses.
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A slight fever above 37.8°C is commonly associated with colds.
A slight fever above 37.8°C is commonly associated with colds.
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Influenza symptoms often develop suddenly and are debilitating.
Influenza symptoms often develop suddenly and are debilitating.
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Physical assessment of a patient with a cold may show a markedly red pharynx.
Physical assessment of a patient with a cold may show a markedly red pharynx.
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Colds can only occur in the winter months.
Colds can only occur in the winter months.
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A sore throat caused by a cold typically presents with severe pain.
A sore throat caused by a cold typically presents with severe pain.
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Antibiotics can effectively treat viral infections such as colds.
Antibiotics can effectively treat viral infections such as colds.
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Decongestants help relieve sinus and nasal congestion by constricting blood vessels.
Decongestants help relieve sinus and nasal congestion by constricting blood vessels.
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Children can effectively blow their noses before the age of 4.
Children can effectively blow their noses before the age of 4.
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Vitamin C, Echinacea, and zinc are proven to help recover faster from colds.
Vitamin C, Echinacea, and zinc are proven to help recover faster from colds.
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Colds can last longer than a week without indicating a more serious illness.
Colds can last longer than a week without indicating a more serious illness.
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A low-grade fever is a common symptom associated with colds.
A low-grade fever is a common symptom associated with colds.
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Increased humidification can help alleviate cold symptoms.
Increased humidification can help alleviate cold symptoms.
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Phenylephrine is considered a direct-acting decongestant.
Phenylephrine is considered a direct-acting decongestant.
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Pseudoephedrine has a high oral bioavailability of approximately 85%.
Pseudoephedrine has a high oral bioavailability of approximately 85%.
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Mixed decongestants have both direct and indirect activity.
Mixed decongestants have both direct and indirect activity.
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Topical decongestants can be used continuously for more than 5 days without concern.
Topical decongestants can be used continuously for more than 5 days without concern.
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Xylometazoline is classified as a short-acting decongestant.
Xylometazoline is classified as a short-acting decongestant.
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Decongestants are effective for treating nasal congestion associated with sinusitis without restrictions.
Decongestants are effective for treating nasal congestion associated with sinusitis without restrictions.
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Adults should only use one drop of ephedrine in each nostril up to four times daily.
Adults should only use one drop of ephedrine in each nostril up to four times daily.
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Decongestants can be contraindicated in patients taking MAO inhibitors.
Decongestants can be contraindicated in patients taking MAO inhibitors.
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Decongestants can worsen conditions sensitive to adrenergic stimulation, like diabetes mellitus.
Decongestants can worsen conditions sensitive to adrenergic stimulation, like diabetes mellitus.
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Antihistamines are effective as solo treatments for rhinorrhea and sneezing caused by colds.
Antihistamines are effective as solo treatments for rhinorrhea and sneezing caused by colds.
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Clinicians should be cautious of patients buying large amounts of pseudoephedrine due to potential illegal use.
Clinicians should be cautious of patients buying large amounts of pseudoephedrine due to potential illegal use.
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Vitamin C has consistently been shown to reduce the severity of the common cold.
Vitamin C has consistently been shown to reduce the severity of the common cold.
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Guaifenesin has been proven to be effective for treating natural colds.
Guaifenesin has been proven to be effective for treating natural colds.
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Aspirin-containing products are safe for children with viral illnesses.
Aspirin-containing products are safe for children with viral illnesses.
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Garlic has strong evidence supporting its use in preventing the common cold.
Garlic has strong evidence supporting its use in preventing the common cold.
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Combining decongestants with antihistamines is a common practice in over-the-counter products.
Combining decongestants with antihistamines is a common practice in over-the-counter products.
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Products for nighttime use typically contain a stimulating antihistamine.
Products for nighttime use typically contain a stimulating antihistamine.
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Oxymetazoline is the preferred topical decongestant during pregnancy.
Oxymetazoline is the preferred topical decongestant during pregnancy.
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The FDA recommends the use of nonprescription cold medications for children younger than 2 years.
The FDA recommends the use of nonprescription cold medications for children younger than 2 years.
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Combination products are always safer and more effective than single ingredient medications.
Combination products are always safer and more effective than single ingredient medications.
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Health care providers should advise parents to follow dosing instructions carefully for children's cold medications.
Health care providers should advise parents to follow dosing instructions carefully for children's cold medications.
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Using handkerchiefs is recommended to limit the spread of viruses.
Using handkerchiefs is recommended to limit the spread of viruses.
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Nondrug measures can be effective in alleviating cold symptoms.
Nondrug measures can be effective in alleviating cold symptoms.
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Excessive doses of analgesics are encouraged to manage cold symptoms.
Excessive doses of analgesics are encouraged to manage cold symptoms.
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The optimal position for administering nasal drops is with the head tilted backward towards the ceiling.
The optimal position for administering nasal drops is with the head tilted backward towards the ceiling.
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Viral infections account for between 70% and 90% of all cases of sore throat.
Viral infections account for between 70% and 90% of all cases of sore throat.
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Chlorhexidine is an example of an antifungal agent.
Chlorhexidine is an example of an antifungal agent.
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Lidocaine spray is licensed for individuals aged 10 and older.
Lidocaine spray is licensed for individuals aged 10 and older.
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Most sore throats can be treated with antibacterial agents due to their bacterial origin.
Most sore throats can be treated with antibacterial agents due to their bacterial origin.
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Benzocaine can be safely given to children as young as 3 years old in lozenge form.
Benzocaine can be safely given to children as young as 3 years old in lozenge form.
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Gargling with aspirin has been proven to be an effective remedy for sore throat.
Gargling with aspirin has been proven to be an effective remedy for sore throat.
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It is recommended to use antibacterial and antifungal agents routinely for sore throats.
It is recommended to use antibacterial and antifungal agents routinely for sore throats.
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Study Notes
Colds
- Colds are viral infections of the upper respiratory tract.
- Symptoms are usually self-limiting.
- Patients often self-medicate with nonprescription products.
- Pathophysiology is limited to the upper respiratory tract, affecting the pharynx, nasopharynx, nose, and paranasal sinuses.
- More than 200 viruses can cause colds, with rhinoviruses being a major cause in children and adults.
Pathophysiology of Colds
- Primarily affects the upper respiratory tract.
- Structures affected include the pharynx, nasopharynx, nose, and paranasal sinuses.
Clinical Presentation of Colds
- Symptoms appear 1-3 days after infection.
- Initial symptom is often a sore throat.
- Followed by nasal symptoms (sneezing, discharge, congestion) by day 2 or 3.
- Cough may appear by day 4 or 5 (less frequent symptom).
- Physical assessment may reveal a slightly red pharynx.
- Postnasal drainage, nasal obstruction, and mildly tender sinuses are possible.
- Headache, low-grade fever, and general malaise may also occur.
- Most colds resolve within 1 week.
Myths and Truths About Common Colds
- Myth 1: Catching a cold by being in cold weather is false.
- Myth 2: Colds lasting longer than a week are not necessarily colds.
- Myth 3: Nonprescription medications may not accelerate recovery from colds.
- Myth 4: Vitamin C, echinacea, and zinc may not accelerate recovery from colds.
- Myth 5: Antibiotics don't help with viral infections.
- Myth 6: There's no way to prevent colds is false.
Treatment of Colds
- The goal of treatment is to prevent transmission of cold viruses and reduce bothersome symptoms.
- Antibiotics are ineffective due to the viral nature of the infection.
- Non-pharmacological therapy includes increased fluid intake, adequate rest, nutritious diet, and increased humidification (steamy showers, humidifiers, vaporizers). Saline nasal sprays can ease congestion.
Local Anesthetics
- Products containing local anesthetics are available for temporary sore throat relief.
- Some contain antiseptics, menthol, or camphor.
- Local antiseptics are ineffective against viral infections.
Systemic Analgesics
- Aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen are effective for treating aches and fever.
- Aspirin should not be used in children with viral illnesses due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
Antihistamines
- Monotherapy with nonprescription antihistamines is not effective in reducing symptoms of colds.
- However, a combination of first-generation antihistamines and decongestants may show benefit in adults.
Zinc Lozenges
- Doses above 75mg per day of acetate salts may decrease cold duration.
Combination Products
- Often include decongestants, antihistamines, analgesics, expectorants, and antitussives
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Drug use during pregnancy and lactation needs careful consideration and balance between risk and benefit.
- Oxymetazoline is a preferred topical decongestant during pregnancy.
Children
- FDA does not recommend nonprescription cold medications for children under 2 years old due to risks.
Patient Counseling
- Non-drug measures may alleviate cold symptoms.
- Explain appropriate non-drug measures for specific symptoms.
- Explain potential side effects, drug interactions, and precautions.
- Explain when medical care is warranted.
- Recommend using disposable tissues instead of handkerchiefs.
Referral
- Reasons for referral include duration of symptoms longer than two weeks, severe symptoms, complications, and conditions affecting the immune system.
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Description
This quiz covers the essentials of colds, focusing on viral infections of the upper respiratory tract. Learn about their symptoms, clinical presentation, and pathophysiology, which primarily affects the pharynx, nasopharynx, nose, and paranasal sinuses. Test your understanding of how more than 200 viruses, particularly rhinoviruses, can cause these common infections.
