Cough and Cold Self Care PDF

Cough and Cold Management Page 4: Common Cold Etiology: o Caused by over 200 viruses. o Rhinovirus responsible for ~60% of colds. o Cold season typically late August to early April. Page 5: Which patient population suffer from colds more frequently? Patient Population: o Adults 60 years: 1 cold per...

Cough and Cold Management Page 4: Common Cold Etiology: o Caused by over 200 viruses. o Rhinovirus responsible for ~60% of colds. o Cold season typically late August to early April. Page 5: Which patient population suffer from colds more frequently? Patient Population: o Adults 60 years: 1 cold per year. o Children: 6-10 colds per year. o Colds more frequent in women age 20-30. Page 6: Common Cold Transmission: Not caused by cold exposure. Self-inoculation from viral-laden secretions or object Aerosol transmission Other factors increasing susceptibility: Smoking increase population density Sedentary lifestyle Small social circles Chronic stress Page 7: Common Cold Progression: 1-3 days: Sore/Scratchy Throat (1st!) Malaise Sneezing Rhinorrhea (clear) Low-grade fever (rarely over 100°F) 2-3 Days: Rhinorrhea (purulent) Peak of symptoms Peak viral concentration 4-5 days: Cough (101.5°, tooth pain, halitosis, upper respiratory tract symptoms >7 days with poor response to decongestants Treatment Goals: Limit transmission Page 17: Nonpharmacologic Therapy: o o o o Covering mouth when coughing/sneezing. Frequent hand washing. Use of hand sanitizers. Use of antiviral products Page 19: Exclusions to Self-Treatment: o Fever >101.5 o Chest pain o Shortness of breath o Chronic cardiopulmonary disease (asthma, COPD, CHF) o Immunocompromised (AIDS, steroids) o Frail elderly o Infants