Common Cold Flashcards
icubation period of common cold
1-3 days , can be transmitted
transmission of the common cold
contaminated skin surface or environmental surface
aerosols in the air
direct hit by large particles
risk factors for common cold
smoking - damages cilia allergic disorders affecting nose or pharynx increased pop density sedentary lifestyle chronic stress
pahtogenesis of common cold
virus binds to receptors on nasal epithelial cells, virus replicates and infected cells rupture triggering host defence mechanism. release of inflammatory mediators cause vasodilation and icnreas vascular permeability in the sinus tissue, cholinergic stimulation as well
stages of a cold
starts with sore throat and dry unproductive cough for about 2 days
later get a productive ough due to body clearing mucus and postnasal drip syndrome
differential diagnosis of common cold
sinusitis
pharyngitis
influenza
difference of duration in AR and cold
ar - weeks to months immediately after exposure
cold - 7-10 days with gradual appearance
difference of nasal secretions in AR and cold
ar- watery clear
cold - clear and watery then thich and white
different symptoms between AR and cold
AR- itchy, allergic shiner, nose crease
cold - cough, fever, aches, pains, sore throat
red flags for common cold
fever over 38.5 and more than 3 days chest pain, difficult breathing green yellow discharge under 1 (otitis media) resp conditions elderly severe throat pain prolonged congestion with discharge sever head ache and neck pain dehydration
treatment goals for colds
prevent transmission
reduce bothersome symptoms
non pharms for a cold
increase fluid intake avoid smoking hand washing increase humidy salt water gargle bed rest normal saline hot fluids
how can a first gen AH help in a cold
anticholinergic effects dries nasal mucosa
useful for congestion, zneezing, and runny nose
post nasal drip
how does normal saline help in a cold
lossen thick nasal mucus
should you use topical antitussive
evidence lacking and may cause air flow resistance in nasal cavity only use on chest