| ID | 84 |
|---|---|
| Name | VIRAL RHINITIS (common COLD) |
| Cause | |
| Signs Symptoms | |
| Diagnosis | |
| Investigations | |
| Management | |
| Introduction | The nonspecific inflammatory symptoms presented in the early phases of many diseases that affect the upper respiratory and digestive tract known as common cold, which is characterized by headache, nasal congestion, watery rhinorrhoea, sneezing, and sore throat accompanied by general malaise. Nasal examination usually shows reddened, edematous mucosa and a watery discharge. It is usually caused by viruses e.g rhinovirus, adenovirus, echovirus, syncytial virus (rhinoviruses are the most common causes). Occasionally the presence of purulent nasal discharge suggests bacterial infection. Predisposing factors are: i. debilitating diseases, ii. overcrowding iii. history of contacts |
| History | |
| Etiology | |
| Clinical Features | Clinical features: 1. The onset is sudden, tickling and burning sensation in the nose & sneezing. 2. Profuse watery nasal discharge. 3. Malaise, sore throat, slight rise of temperature. 4. Head feels ‘stuffed’. 5. If bacterial infection occurs there may be-a. Presistent rise of temp, b. Purulent discharge from the nose, c. Headache and pain all over the sinuses and ears, d. Pre-existing lung diseases may be aggravated, e. The discharge from the nose which becomes thick and yellow can disturb in nasal breathing. 6. Complication may develop e.g sinusitis, infection of lower resp. tract, otitis media |
| Preventions | |
| Treatment | Treatment: 1. Analgesics e.g paracetamol. 2. Nasal decongestants: i. Oxymetazoline or xylometazoline or phenylephrine drop or spray are very effective for short period treatment, ii. Pseudoephedrine 30-60mg every 4-6 hours or 120mg twice daily may be helpful in relieving rhinorrhea and nasal congestion, iii. Benzoin or steam inhalation- may also play role as decongestant. 3. Antihistamine preparations- help to reduce irritation, sneezing & secretion. 4. Topical intranasal corticosteroids e.g flunisolide 2 sprays in each nostril twice daily; or intranasal anticholinergic e.g ipratropium 0.06% 2-3 sprays every 8 hours as required; or a short tapering course of oral prednisone may help during the process of withdrawal. 5. Vitamin C in high doses may be helpful as supportive therapy. 6. If bacterial infection- a course of appropriate antibiotic should be given. 7. Isolation of the patient is most important. |
| Complications | |
| Prognosis | |
| Types | |
| Classification | |
| Observation | |
| Pathology |
© Pakistan Drug Directory. All Rights Reserved.
Designed By: Pakistan Drug Directory Team