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Questions and Answers
A sore throat caused by a cold is typically of moderate to severe pain.
A sore throat caused by a cold is typically of moderate to severe pain.
False
Antibiotics are effective in treating viral infections like the common cold.
Antibiotics are effective in treating viral infections like the common cold.
False
Increased fluid intake is recommended as a non-pharmacologic therapy for colds.
Increased fluid intake is recommended as a non-pharmacologic therapy for colds.
True
A child can blow their nose effectively before the age of four.
A child can blow their nose effectively before the age of four.
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Chills, malaise, and arthralgia are common symptoms of the flu.
Chills, malaise, and arthralgia are common symptoms of the flu.
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Vitamin C and Echinacea have been proven to speed up recovery from a cold.
Vitamin C and Echinacea have been proven to speed up recovery from a cold.
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It's possible to prevent every cold with effective methods.
It's possible to prevent every cold with effective methods.
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Saline nasal sprays can help hydrate mucosal membranes during a cold.
Saline nasal sprays can help hydrate mucosal membranes during a cold.
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A cold is a viral infection that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract.
A cold is a viral infection that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract.
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Rhinoviruses are responsible for most colds in both adults and children.
Rhinoviruses are responsible for most colds in both adults and children.
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Phenylephrine has a high oral bioavailability of approximately 80%.
Phenylephrine has a high oral bioavailability of approximately 80%.
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Coughing is a predominant symptom that appears within the first two days of a cold.
Coughing is a predominant symptom that appears within the first two days of a cold.
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The flu is caused by bacteria.
The flu is caused by bacteria.
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Mixed decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine, have both direct and indirect activity.
Mixed decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine, have both direct and indirect activity.
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Influenza is generally associated with mild cold-like symptoms.
Influenza is generally associated with mild cold-like symptoms.
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Intranasal decongestants are recommended for children over the age of 12 only.
Intranasal decongestants are recommended for children over the age of 12 only.
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Most colds resolve within one week.
Most colds resolve within one week.
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Ephedrine can be used up to four times daily for adults and children older than 12 years.
Ephedrine can be used up to four times daily for adults and children older than 12 years.
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Flu season usually occurs between July and October.
Flu season usually occurs between July and October.
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Topical decongestants can be safely used for longer than 5 days without any concerns.
Topical decongestants can be safely used for longer than 5 days without any concerns.
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It is common for patients with a cold to experience a high fever above 37.8°C.
It is common for patients with a cold to experience a high fever above 37.8°C.
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Cough associated with postnasal drip is an indication for decongestant use.
Cough associated with postnasal drip is an indication for decongestant use.
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Nonprescription decongestants are approved by the FDA for self-treatment of sinusitis-related nasal congestion.
Nonprescription decongestants are approved by the FDA for self-treatment of sinusitis-related nasal congestion.
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Adverse effects are less common with systemic decongestants compared to topical ones.
Adverse effects are less common with systemic decongestants compared to topical ones.
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Decongestants should be avoided by patients with hypertension without medical advice.
Decongestants should be avoided by patients with hypertension without medical advice.
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Nonprescription antihistamines are effective in reducing rhinorrhea and sneezing due to colds.
Nonprescription antihistamines are effective in reducing rhinorrhea and sneezing due to colds.
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Combination products of decongestants and antihistamines have shown benefits in adults.
Combination products of decongestants and antihistamines have shown benefits in adults.
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Vitamin C has shown consistent effectiveness in reducing the frequency of the common cold.
Vitamin C has shown consistent effectiveness in reducing the frequency of the common cold.
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Aspirin can be safely used in children with viral illnesses.
Aspirin can be safely used in children with viral illnesses.
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Guaifenesin has proven to be effective in treating natural colds.
Guaifenesin has proven to be effective in treating natural colds.
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Garlic may prevent occurrences of the common cold, according to multiple studies.
Garlic may prevent occurrences of the common cold, according to multiple studies.
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Doses of zinc lozenges exceeding 75mg per day have been shown to decrease the duration of colds.
Doses of zinc lozenges exceeding 75mg per day have been shown to decrease the duration of colds.
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The head should be in a downward position when administering nasal drops.
The head should be in a downward position when administering nasal drops.
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Antibacterial agents like chlorhexidine are recommended for treating all sore throats.
Antibacterial agents like chlorhexidine are recommended for treating all sore throats.
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Benzocaine can be administered to children under the age of 3 in lozenge form.
Benzocaine can be administered to children under the age of 3 in lozenge form.
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Systemic analgesics can help reduce the pain associated with sore throat.
Systemic analgesics can help reduce the pain associated with sore throat.
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Gargling with saltwater has been proven effective in treating sore throats.
Gargling with saltwater has been proven effective in treating sore throats.
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Patients with flu-like symptoms do not need a referral if symptoms last longer than 2 weeks.
Patients with flu-like symptoms do not need a referral if symptoms last longer than 2 weeks.
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Lozenges can help soothe the throat by stimulating saliva production.
Lozenges can help soothe the throat by stimulating saliva production.
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Nasal drops are easier to administer with the head tilted backward.
Nasal drops are easier to administer with the head tilted backward.
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Products marketed for nighttime use usually contain a sedating antihistamine.
Products marketed for nighttime use usually contain a sedating antihistamine.
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Oxymetazoline is highly absorbed after intranasal administration and is not recommended during pregnancy.
Oxymetazoline is highly absorbed after intranasal administration and is not recommended during pregnancy.
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The FDA recommends nonprescription cold medications for children younger than 2 years.
The FDA recommends nonprescription cold medications for children younger than 2 years.
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Combination products can be taken without considering the risks of unnecessary drug use.
Combination products can be taken without considering the risks of unnecessary drug use.
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Nondrug measures for cold symptoms may not relieve discomfort effectively.
Nondrug measures for cold symptoms may not relieve discomfort effectively.
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Patients should avoid using dispensing devices when giving medications to children.
Patients should avoid using dispensing devices when giving medications to children.
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It is advisable to share hard towels to limit viral spread.
It is advisable to share hard towels to limit viral spread.
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Washing hands frequently can help reduce the spread of viruses.
Washing hands frequently can help reduce the spread of viruses.
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Study Notes
Colds
- A viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, commonly known as the common cold.
- Usually self-limiting, but symptoms can be troublesome, leading to self-medication and use of over-the-counter products.
- Primarily affects the pharynx, nasopharynx, nose, and paranasal sinuses.
- Caused by over 200 viruses, with rhinoviruses being the most common in children and adults.
- Viral and bacterial co-infections are rare.
Pathophysiology of Colds
- Primarily limited to the upper respiratory tract.
- Affects the respiratory structures such as the pharynx, nasopharynx, nose, and paranasal sinuses.
Clinical Presentation of Colds
- Symptoms typically appear 1-3 days after infection.
- Initial symptom is often a sore throat.
- Nasal symptoms (sneezing, nasal discharge, congestion) usually develop within 2-3 days.
- Cough can appear after 4-5 days (less common).
- Physical examination may reveal a slightly red pharynx, evidence of postnasal drainage, nasal obstruction, and mildly-to-moderately tender sinuses.
- Headache, low-grade fever (rarely above 37.8°C), and general malaise are also possible but not common.
- Most colds resolve within one week.
Myths and Truths about the Common Cold
- Myth #1: You can catch a cold by not wearing a jacket in chilly weather.
- Myth #2: If your symptoms last longer than a week, it's not a cold.
- Myth #3: Nonprescription cold medicines can help you recover faster.
- Myth #4: Vitamin C, Echinacea, and zinc will make you better faster.
- Myth #5: If you have a cold, taking an antibiotic can't hurt and might even help.
- Myth #6: It's hopeless! There's nothing you can do to ward off colds.
Treatment of Colds
- No cure exists for colds.
- The goal of treatment is to prevent transmission and reduce bothersome symptoms.
- Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections.
Non-Pharmacologic Therapy
- Increased fluid intake
- Adequate rest
- Nutritious diet as tolerated
- Increased humidification (e.g., steamy showers, humidifiers, vaporizers)
- Saline nasal sprays or drops
- Salt gargles
Pharmacologic Therapy (Decongestants)
- Treat sinus and nasal congestion.
- Alpha-adrenergic agonists (sympathomimetics) constrict blood vessels, reducing nasal congestion.
- Three types: direct-acting, indirect-acting, and mixed decongestants.
- Systemic nonprescription agents include pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine.
Influenza vs. Colds
- Influenza is caused by RNA viruses (types A, B, and C).
- Type A and B are the most virulent forms, producing flu symptoms.
- Type C produces mild cold-like symptoms.
- Symptoms of the flu are often more severe, including sudden onset, fever (37.8°C-38.9°C), chills, malaise, marked limb aches, insomnia, fatigue, a non-productive cough, and loss of appetite.
- Influenza usually resolves in 5-7 days, although it can last longer.
Local Anesthetics
- Various products containing local anesthetics help relieve sore throats.
- Some also contain antiseptics, menthol, and camphor, but these ingredients are not effective against viral infections.
Systemic Analgesics
- For aches and fever associated with colds, systemic analgesics (e.g., aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen) are effective.
- Aspirin-containing products should not be used in children with viral illnesses due to Reye's syndrome risk.
Antihistamines
- Monotherapy with non-prescription antihistamines is not effective in reducing rhinorrhea and sneezing associated with colds.
- However, a combination of first-generation antihistamines and decongestants may provide some benefit in adults.
Zinc lozenges
- Doses above 75mg per day of acetate salt may be effective in shortening the duration of a cold.
Combination Products
- Decongestants and antihistamines are often marketed in combination with analgesics, expectorants, and antitussives, for the convenience of patients.
- Daytime vs. nighttime products differ primarily in the inclusion of sedating antihistamines.
Pregnancy
- Drug use should be carefully considered during pregnancy and lactation, balancing potential risks and benefits.
- Oxymetazoline is often a recommended topical nasal decongestant.
Children
- FDA does not recommend nonprescription cold medications for children under 2 due safety concerns and limited efficacy.
Patient Counseling and Referral
- Nondrug measures can help ease discomfort.
- Explanations of side effects, drug interactions, and worsening signs are essential.
- Referral is recommended when symptoms worsen, symptoms last longer than two weeks, or are accompanied by extremely high temperatures, tonsillar exudates, dysphagia or a compromised immune system.
Limiting Viral Spread
- Use disposable tissues instead of handkerchiefs.
Sore Throat
- Viral infections account for a significant portion of sore throat cases (70%-90%).
- Medications may help relieve symptoms but rarely cure the infection quickly.
Acute Otitis Media
- Often follows a common cold.
- Can result from virus spread to the middle ear via the Eustachian tube.
- Inflammation of tympanic membrane (eardrum) causes pus buildup.
- Symptoms include ear pain, rubbing or tugging of the ear, and irritability.
- Referral to a general practitioner is appropriate for examination.
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Description
This quiz explores the causes, symptoms, and treatments for colds and flu. It covers essential facts about viral infections, the efficacy of treatments, and non-pharmacologic therapies. Test your knowledge on how to differentiate between colds and flu and the best preventive measures.
