Respiratory Conditions and Common Cold

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.