common cold/rhinitis management

Question 1

How should patients be reassured about the common cold?

Answer 1

Reassure that the common cold is self-limiting.

Question 2

When do symptoms of the common cold typically peak and resolve?

Answer 2

Symptoms may peak after 2-3 days and typically resolve within 2 weeks.

Question 3

What should be considered if a patient has key symptoms of the common cold?

Answer 3

Consider potential SARS-CoV-2 infection if they have any key symptoms.

Question 4

What general advice should be given to patients with the common cold?

Answer 4

Encourage rest, adequate fluid intake, and a healthy diet.

Question 5

What medications can be used for symptomatic relief of the common cold?

Answer 5

Encourage the use of paracetamol or ibuprofen for symptomatic relief (antipyretic/analgesic).

Question 6

What is the advice regarding the use of paracetamol and ibuprofen in children under 5 years?

Answer 6

Paracetamol and ibuprofen should not be given simultaneously in children under 5 years. They can be alternated if the child appears to be distressed when given only one and should continue only as long as the child appears distressed.

Question 7

What remedies can be tried for symptomatic relief of the common cold?

Answer 7

For symptomatic relief, remedies such as steam inhalation, vapour rubs, gargling salt water, and nasal saline drops can be tried.

Question 8

What over-the-counter cough and cold products should be avoided in children under 6 years?

Answer 8

Over-the-counter cough and cold products should not be used in children under 6 years.

Question 9

What ingredients in cough and cold products should be avoided in children under 6 years?

Answer 9

Ingredients to be avoided in children under 6 years include antitussives (dextromethorphan and pholcodine), expectorants (guaifenesin and ipecacuanha), topical and oral decongestants (ephedrine, oxymetazoline, phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine, and xylometazoline), and antihistamines (brompheniramine, chlorphenamine, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, promethazine, and triprolidine).

Question 10

What can be used for cough in children over 1 year old?

Answer 10

Honey and lemon with water can be used for cough in children over 1 year old.

Question 11

summary of common cold management

Answer 11

Common Cold (NICE CKS 2022)
 Reassure that the common cold is self-limiting
 Symptoms may peak after 2-3 days and they will typically resolve within 2 weeks
 Consider potential SARS-CoV-2 infection if they have any key symptoms (see COVID-19
guidance)
 Encourage rest, adequate fluid intake and a healthy diet
 Encourage the use of paracetamol or ibuprofen for symptomatic relief (antipyretic/ analgesic)
o Not to be given simultaneously in children <5 yrs
o Can alternate these agents if child appears to be distressed when given only one o Continue only as long as child appears distressed
 For symptomatic relief can try the following remedies: o Steam inhalation
o Vapour rubs
o Gargling salt water o Nasal saline drops
 If < 6 years over-the-counter cough and cold products should not be used; ingredients that should be avoided are:
o Antitussives (dextromethorphan and pholcodine)
o Expectorants (guaifenesin and ipecacuanha)
o Topical and oral decongestants (ephedrine, oxymetazoline, phenylephrine,
pseudoephedrine, and xylometazoline)
o Antihistamines (brompheniramine, chlorphenamine, diphenhydramine, doxylamine,
promethazine, and triprolidine)
 Honey and lemon with water can be used >1 yr for cough
Cough
As above

Question 12

Laz summary on rhinitis

Answer 12