[6] Common Cold (Coryza) Flashcards

1
Q

What is the common cold? (Honestly, writing this card feels patronising)

A

A viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract

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2
Q

What parts of the upper respiratory tract does a cold affect?

A
  • Nose
  • Throat
  • Sinuses
  • Larynx
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3
Q

How common is the common cold? (Should I really be asking this?)

A

It is the most common infection in children

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4
Q

By what routes is the common cold most typically spread?

A
  • Aerosol

- Direct contact with nasal secretions or contaminated objects

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5
Q

Can the viruses survive outside the body?

A

Yes, for a prolonged period of time

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6
Q

Where is transmission of the common cold most common?

A

In day-care or at school

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7
Q

Why are these common settings for cold transmission?

A

Due to close proximity of children with little immunity and frequently poor hygiene

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8
Q

What are the symptoms of a cold related to?

A

The response of the immune system to the virus

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9
Q

What are the common causative organisms of the common cold?

A
  • Rhinovirus
  • Coronavirus
  • RSV
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10
Q

What are the risk factors for developing a cold?

A
  • Poor immune function
  • Poor sleep
  • Malnutrition
  • Close contact with others
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11
Q

What are the symptoms of a common cold?

A
  • Clear or mucopurulent nasal discharge
  • Nasal blockage
  • Cough
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12
Q

How long may a cough persist for following a cold?

A

Up to 4 weeks

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13
Q

How is a cold diagnosed?

A

Clinically

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14
Q

What are the differentials for a cold?

A
  • Allergic rhinitis
  • Bronchitis
  • Pertussis
  • Sinusitis
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15
Q

What is the management of a cold?

A

Symptomatic treatment with OTC remedies e.g. pain relief, hydration, decongestion etc.

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16
Q

Are antibiotics useful in treating a cold?

A

No.

17
Q

What is important to explain to parents when managing a patient with a cold?

A

That antibiotics won’t help and the disease is self-limiting

18
Q

Why is parent education important?

A

To reduce anxiety and prevent future appointments for the same problem

19
Q

What analgesics can be used?

A

Paracetamol and ibuprofen

20
Q

What are the potential complications of a cold?

A
  • Secondary bacterial infection resulting in sinusitis, pharyngitis or otitis media