CORYZA(COMMON COLD)
introduction
the Common Cold or coryza is the most common infection to affect humans with adults having an
average of 2-4 infections each year, and a child, 6-8 infections each year
it is self-limiting with most resolving in 7-10 days although many develop complications such as otitis
media
they appear to be more frequent in cold weather, although the explanations for this have not been
determined but could involve, lower immunity, lower humidity allowing droplets to spread further as
aerosols, temperature-induced changes of Respiration.
COMMON COLD (CATARRH, ACUTE CORYZA)
The term common cold refers to an infectious, acute inflammation of the mucous membranes of the
nasal cavity characterized by nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing, sore throat, and general malaise
° Viral rhinitis is the most frequent viral infection in the general population with the average adult
contracting one to three colds per year.
Colds are highly contagious because virus is shed for about 2 days before the symptoms appear
and during the first part of the symptomatic phase.
• The term is also used when the causative virus is influenza (the flu).
CAUSES - Viruses
1. Commonly by rhinovirus (30-80%)
• Others include:
2. Coronavirus
3. Influenza virus
4. human parainfluenza virus
5. respiratory syncytial virus
6. Adenovirus
7. enterovirus
8. metapneumovirus
Incubation period: Usually between 1-4 days Rapid onset
MODE OF TRANSMISSION
tis spread by airborne droplet sprays emitted by the infected person which include
1. Talking
2. Sneezing
3. Coughing
4. Also transmitted through contact with infective nasal secretions or contaminated objects e.g. through
direct hand contact
5. Transmission is common in day cares and at schools due to the close proximity of many children with
little immunity and frequently poor hygiene
6. Rhinovirus-caused colds are most infectious during the first three days of symptoms; they are much
less infectious afterwards.
RISK FACTORS
1. Physical and emotional stress
2. Allergies that affect the nose and throat
3. Compromised immune status
CLINICAL FEATURES
1. low-grade fever
2. Nasal congestion
3. Rhinorrhea or watery nasal discharge (runny nose)
5. Sneezing
6. Tearing watery eyes
7. "scratchy" or sore throat
8. General malaise
9. chills, and often headache and muscle aches.
10. As the illness progresses, cough usually appears.
11. In some people, the virus exacerbates herpes simplex commonly called a cold sore (Herpes labialis
12. Cold symptoms may last 2 to 14 days, with typical recovery in 7 to 10 days.
DIAGNOSIS
History and physical examination
MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
1. Medically the individual is treated symptomatically
2. Analgesics and antipyretics for headache and fever respectively e.g. Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)
3. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, relieve aches and pains.
4. Antihistamines (cetirizine, cinnarizine) are used to relieve sneezing, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion.
5. Antiviral medications including amantadine (Symmetrel) and rimantadine (Flumadine). These
medications can reduce the severity of symptoms and may reduce the duration of the common cold.
6. Inhalation of steam or heated, humidified air has been a mainstay of home remedies for com cold
sufferers, but the value of this therapy has not been demonstrated
7. Herbal medicines (eg, echinacea, zinc lozenges, zino nasal spray) are frequently used to fie
the common cold
8. Nasal decongestants to break mucus.
9. Antibiotics are given only if complications sets in
10. Warm salt-water gargles soothes the sore throat
11. Intake of vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
12. Petroleum jelly soothes a raw nose.
13. Saline nasal spray reduces nasal congestion
PROGNOSIS
1. Coryza is not dangerous except in very young or debilitated children.
2. It clears up within few days
3. The only danger is that the infection may spread down to affect the lower respiratory organs
4. Secondary bacterial infections and pneumonia may occur
NURSING INTERVENTIONS
1. Patient is advised to have enough bed rest at home for the body's own process to clear the condition.
2. He is educated to:
a. Take in plenty fluids to help liquefy the mucus to decongest the nasal cavity
b. Cover the mouth and nostrils with clean handkerchief or tissue during sneezing and coughing
3. Wash hands with soap and water frequently (or use of alcohol-based antibacterial cleaning agents)
after blowing or wiping the nose, coughing or sneezing before handshaking with other persons. It
remains the most effective measure to prevent transmission of organisms
4. Saline nasal spray reduces nasal congestion
5. Avoid being in crowded places to prevent spread of the condition.
6. Properly dispose of tissues and wash and dry handkerchiefs used.
7. During the cold season, advise patients with a chronic illness or a compromised immune system to
avoid crowded situations and other persons who have obvious cold symptoms.
8. Frequent hand washing and avoiding hand-to-face contact help prevent direct spread
9. Teach the patient to recognize the symptoms of secondary bacterial infection, such as a temperature
higher than 100.40 F (38° C); tender, swollen glands; severe sinus or ear pain; or significantly worsening
symptoms
10. In the patient with pulmonary disease, signs of infection include a change in consistency, color, or
volume of the sputum.
COMPLICATIONS
1. Pharyngitis
2. Tonsillitis
3. Otitis media (due to blockage of Eustachian tubes
4. Sinusitis
5. Bronchitis
6. Pneumonia
7. Laryngitis