Respiratory Conditions and Common Cold

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Questions and Answers

What symptom is typically associated with pyogenes infections?

Severe headache

Mild throat pain

Itchy skin

Persistent fever (correct)

Which condition indicates a potential exclusion for self-care in managing symptoms?

Abdominal pain

Fever exceeding 100.4°F (correct)

Occasional rash

Mild sore throat

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of pyogenes?

Chest tightness

Difficulty swallowing

Cough

Tremors (correct)

What is a recommended self-care treatment for managing symptoms of pyogenes?

Saline gargles Signup and view all the answers

Children with pyogenes may experience additional symptoms. Which of the following is one of those symptoms?

Nausea and vomiting Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom does NOT align with a pyogenes infection?

Sinus congestion Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided during self-treatment of symptoms if a patient is immunocompromised?

Limit contact with others Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a nonpharmacologic treatment suggestion for managing symptoms?

Antibiotic medication Signup and view all the answers

What typically follows the initial sore throat in a common cold?

Malaise and nasal symptoms Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is least likely to be present in the onset of a cold?

High-grade fever Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a cold from influenza regarding symptom onset?

Influenza has a gradual onset while cold has abrupt onset Signup and view all the answers

In a typical cold, when does coughing usually begin?

Around day four or five Signup and view all the answers

What type of nasal discharge is observed during the initial phase of a cold?

Clear and thin Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common complication of a cold?

Otitis media Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of sore throat cases in adults is due to Streptococcus pyogenes?

5-15% Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is often associated with influenza but rarely seen in a cold?

High fever Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes a common cold's nasal discharge over time?

Changes from thick to purulent then back to clear Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom commonly differentiates bacterial pharyngitis from viral infections?

Fever and chills Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Respiratory Conditions

Common cold is caused by over 200 viruses, rhinovirus being most common
Symptoms typically include sore throat, followed by malaise and nasal symptoms (watery eyes, sneezing).
Nasal discharge often changes from thin, watery to thick, purulent.
Low-grade fever is possible.
Symptoms typically last 7-14 days.
Complications include otitis media, bronchitis, asthma exacerbations, and sinusitis.

Signs and Symptoms of a Cold

Sore throat is often the initial symptom in ~50% patients.
Malaise, nasal symptoms, watery eyes, and sneezing generally follow the sore throat, predominantly between days 2 and 3.
Coughing typically begins by day 4 or 5 in 30% of patients.
Nasal discharge can quickly change in nature to a thicker, purulent form within 2 days, then re-thinning over time as the cold resolves.
Symptoms often persist for 7-14 days.
Potential complications include otitis media, bronchitis, asthma exacerbations, and sinusitis.
Low-grade fevers are possible (generally not above 100°F).

Is It a Cold or the Flu?

Cold: Gradual onset, sore throat usually comes first, followed by nasal congestion, and if present, thick, purulent discharge.
Influenza: Abrupt onset, initial symptoms can be similar to a cold, but is generally more severe than a cold, nasal discharge is not typically thick and purulent.

Sore Throat (Pharyngitis)

Swollen and irritated mucosa of the oropharynx (throat) often due to infection.
Can be viral or bacterial.
Bacterial (Streptococcus pyogenes) is common in children and adults (5-15% in adults, and 20-30% in children).
Other potential causes include other infections, allergies, and irritations.
Symptoms include abdominal pain and/or nausea/vomiting in children (in addition to the usual sore throat/infection-related symptoms).

Self-Care Exclusions

Fever (over 100.4°F) with symptoms
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Worsening of symptoms during treatment, or development of new symptoms.
People with compromised immune systems should avoid treatment with OTC medications, and consult a professional.
Infants younger than three months, and frail patients of advanced age.

Nonpharmacologic Treatments

Rest
Adequate fluid intake
Humidification
Saline gargles
Limit contact with others
Hand washing
Proper sneezing technique (covering mouth and nose)

Medications:

Nasal decongestants (nasal sprays or oral) temporarily reduce swelling/stuffiness.
Antihistamines may help control some allergy or cold symptoms, but isn't a strong recommendation for just a cold.
Cough suppressants and expectorants may assist with coughs, depending on the subtype or cause.
Analgesics help with pain.

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Description

This quiz covers the common cold, a respiratory condition caused by various viruses, primarily rhinovirus. It explores symptoms, duration, and potential complications such as otitis media and bronchitis. Test your knowledge on the signs and effects of this prevalent illness.