Cold and Cough Flashcards
What is the most common cause of colds?
Rhinovirus
How is a cold transmitted?
Via self-innoculation of the nasal mucosa or conjunctiva through touch or inhalation
What is the peak viral period
2-4 days after inoculation
What is the frequency of episodes?
Children:6-10/year
Adults:2-3/year
Older adults(60+): 1/year
When dose the main cold season occur?
August thru early April
What are some risk factors of a cold?
High population density, respiratory allergies, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, sleep deprivation
What symptoms appear on days 1-3 of a cold?
Sore throat and then nasal side effects dominate on dates 2&3
Nasal drainage is clean, thin and watery
What symptoms occur on days 4-5 of a cold?
Cough may occur in approximately 20% of people
Secretions can thicken and color may change
What happens during days 6-14 of a cold?
Secretions return to clear as cold resolves
When should you not self-treat for a cold?
- oral temp is more than 100.4F
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- worsening of symptoms or new symptoms occur
- concurrent health conditions
6.AIDs or chronic immunosuppressive therapy - infants younger than 3 months of age
What are the goals of therapy when it comes to colds?
- prevent transmission of cold viruses
- reduce bothersome symptoms
Is it okay to recommend adequate rest as a non-pharmacologic option for colds?
Yes, there is no evidence but okay to recommend(placebo effect)
T or F: withholding dairy decreases cough and congestion
False, no evidence to support
What options are available to increase humidification?
Humidifiers and vaporizers(cool vapors only)
Saline nasal sprays or drops
Saline gargles(0.25-0.5 tsp or salt in 8oz warm water)
Steamy showers
What is the MOA of Zinc
Inhibits rhino virus binding and replications in the nasal mucosa thereby suppressing inflammation
What is the dosing for Zinc lozenges
1 lozenge (13mg/lozenge) every 2 hours while awake. Initiate at first sign of cold
T or F: Zinc reduces duration and symptoms when administered within 24 hours of cold symptom onset
True
What are side effects of zinc
Nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, irritation of oral mucosa, distortion of taste, copper deficiency
What is MOA of vit C
The antioxidant properties stimulate neutrophil and monocyte activity
T or F: Vit C is effective after a cold starts
False, proven to be NOT beneficial after symptoms start
What are side effects of vit C
Diarrhea and GI upset at 4g/day or more
What are the OTC treatment options available for congestion?
Saline nasal spray, decongestants, 1st gen antihistamines
What OTC treatment options are available for pharyngitis?
Saline gargles, local anesthetic sprays, lozenges, systemic analgesics
What OTC can help with sleeplessness during a cold
Nasal decongestant AND 1st gen antihistamine