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Questions and Answers
What are some common symptoms of the common cold? (Select all that apply)
The common cold is caused by bacteria.
False
What is the most frequently associated pathogen in the common cold?
Rhinovirus
Influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone above the age of ________
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Match the following drugs used for the common cold with their category: Analgesic, Decongestant, Expectorants & Antitussives, Antihistaminic
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What is the safest expectorant approved by the FDA as an OTC medication?
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Paradoxical CNS stimulation is more likely to occur in children than in adults when taking first-generation antihistamines.
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What is the main purpose of antitussives?
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FDA approved OTC antitussives include Codeine, Dextromethorphan, Diphenhydramine, camphor, and ____________.
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Study Notes
Definition and Epidemiology
- The common cold is a benign, self-limited syndrome caused by several families of viruses.
- It is the most common infectious disease in the world, affecting people of all ages.
- Over 30 million days are lost from work or school each year due to the common cold.
Etiology
- The human coronaviruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and rhinoviruses are the most common pathogens causing the common cold.
- Rhinovirus is the most frequently associated pathogen (30-80%).
- Over 200 different viruses can cause the common cold.
Transmission
- The common cold virus is typically transmitted via:
- Droplets
- Direct contact with infected nasal secretions
- Fomites (contaminated objects)
- The virus can survive for prolonged periods in the environment (> 18 hrs for rhinoviruses).
Signs and Symptoms
- Cold symptoms usually appear 2-3 days after exposure to a source of infection.
- Symptoms include:
- Sore throat
- Sneezing
- Nasal congestion and discharge (rhinorrhea)
- Cough
- Low-grade fever
- Headache
- Malaise
- Symptoms usually last for 1-2 weeks.
Complications
- Pneumonia (especially in children)
- Sinusitis
- Ear ache (otitis media)
Diagnosis
- The diagnosis of the common cold is clinical, based on reported symptoms and/or observed signs.
- Physical examination may reveal:
- Pharyngeal erythema
- Nasal mucosal swelling and congestion
- Adenopathy (typically absent or minimal)
- Clear lung examination
Treatment
- Medicine cannot cure the common cold, but it can relieve symptoms.
- Non-pharmacologic treatment:
- Adequate fluid intake
- Adequate rest
- Steam inhalation
- Normal saline drops in the nostrils
- Petroleum jelly on the skin under the nose
- Pharmacologic treatment:
- Analgesics
- Decongestants
- Expectorants
- Antitussives
- Antihistamines
Prevention
- There is no vaccine that can protect against catching colds.
- Prevention measures include:
- Staying away from anyone who smokes or has a cold
- Washing hands thoroughly and frequently
- Covering the nose and mouth with tissue when coughing or sneezing
- Not using the same towels or eating utensils as someone who has a cold
- Not picking up other people's used tissues
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Description
The common cold is a mild upper respiratory viral infection involving nasal congestion, sneezing, sore throat, cough, fever, headache, and malaise. Learn about the symptoms and background of this common illness.
