Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which symptom is not typically associated with viral nasopharyngitis?
Which symptom is not typically associated with viral nasopharyngitis?
What is the most common cold-causing virus mentioned?
What is the most common cold-causing virus mentioned?
Which group is not specifically mentioned as being at higher risk for viral nasopharyngitis?
Which group is not specifically mentioned as being at higher risk for viral nasopharyngitis?
Which of these is not an over-the-counter medication for treating symptoms?
Which of these is not an over-the-counter medication for treating symptoms?
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Which method is not suggested for preventing the spread of nasopharyngitis?
Which method is not suggested for preventing the spread of nasopharyngitis?
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What should be done if there is a recurrence of nasopharyngitis?
What should be done if there is a recurrence of nasopharyngitis?
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What can be used to soothe a sore throat, according to the text?
What can be used to soothe a sore throat, according to the text?
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Which symptom lasts between 1 week to 10 days or longer?
Which symptom lasts between 1 week to 10 days or longer?
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Study Notes
Nasopharyngitis
- Nasopharyngitis is an inflammation of the nasal passages and the back of the throat, also known as a cold or upper respiratory infection.
Causes of Nasopharyngitis
- Nasopharyngitis can be spread through:
- Tiny air droplets when an infected person sneezes, coughs, blows their nose, or talks.
- Touching contaminated objects, such as doorknobs, toys, and phones.
- Touching the eyes, nose, or mouth after coming into contact with the virus or bacteria.
- Nasopharyngitis can spread rapidly in group settings, including offices, classrooms, daycare centers, and institutions.
Symptoms of Viral Nasopharyngitis
- Common symptoms include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Sore or scratchy throat
- Watery or itchy eyes
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Body aches
- Low fever
- Post-nasal drip
- Symptoms typically appear within 1-3 days of infection and last for 1-10 days or longer.
Groups at Risk
- Babies and children are at higher risk for colds due to their developing immune systems.
- School children are especially at risk due to the easy spread of the virus in classrooms.
- People who are in close contact with someone infected are also at higher risk.
- Anyone in a group setting where one or more people have colds is at risk.
- People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to nasopharyngitis.
Diagnosing Viral Nasopharyngitis
- Diagnosis typically involves a doctor asking questions about symptoms and performing a physical examination of the nose, throat, and ears.
- A swab test may be conducted to detect the virus.
- Swollen lymph nodes may be a sign of nasopharyngitis.
- If symptoms persist, referral to an ENT specialist may be necessary.
Treatment of Viral Nasopharyngitis
- Focus is on treating symptoms, as antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections.
- Symptoms typically improve on their own within a few days.
- Rest periods, drinking plenty of fluids, and over-the-counter remedies can help alleviate symptoms.
- Over-the-counter medications that can help relieve symptoms include:
- Zinc supplements
- Cough suppressants
- Nasal sprays
- Antiviral medications for influenza
- Vapor rubs
- Saline nasal sprays
- Decongestants
- Lozenges
- NSAIDs
- Mucus thinners
Alternative Treatments
- Using a humidifier or vaporizer can help relieve congestion.
- Breathing in steam from hot water or a shower can help relieve congestion.
- Eating chicken soup may help alleviate symptoms.
- Dissolving ½ teaspoon of salt in warm water and gargling it can help relieve a sore throat.
- Adding honey to warm water can help soothe a sore throat (not recommended for children under 1 year old).
- Avoiding smoking and second-hand smoke can help prevent nasopharyngitis.
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Description
Learn about the causes and transmission of nasopharyngitis, including how bacteria and viruses can spread through air droplets and contact with contaminated objects.
