Nelson - Ch. 379 The Common Cold Flashcards
MC pathogens associated with common cold
Rhinoviruses
Less common causes of common cold
1) RSV 2) Human metapneumovirus 3) Parainfluenza 4) Adenovirus
Young children have an average of ___ colds per year
6-8
T/F The incidence of common colds decreases with age
True
Viruses that cause common colds are spread by these 3 mechanisms
1) Direct hand contact 2) Inhalation of small particle aerosols 3) Deposition of large particle aerosols that land on conjunctiva after sneezing
Efficient mech of transmission for rsv and rhinovirus
Direct contact
Efficient spread of transmission of influenza and coronavirus
Small particle aerosols
Why is the immunity from common cold viruses short-lived
1) Mucosal Ig induced by previous infection is short-lived 2) Brief incubation period allows establishment of infection before immune memory responses
T/F In common colds, severity of illness is moderated by preexisting immunity
T
Viral shedding of most respiratory viruses peaks ___ days after inoculation often coinciding wih symptom onset
3-5 days
Aspect of common colds that predisposes to bacterial sinusitis or otitis media
Obstruction of sinus ostia or eustachian tube from inflammation
Responsible for most common cold symptoms rather than direct damage to the respiratory tract
Host immune system
Symptoms of the common cold vary by age and virus. In infants, ___ and ___ predominate. ___ is uncommon in children and adults.
Fever and nasal discharge; fever
The usual cold persists for approx ___, although 10% lasts for 2 weeks
1 week
T/F Nasal eosinophils is characteristic of allergic rhinitis
T
T/F Nasal neutrophils is characteristic of bacterial superinfection
F
Reduces frequency of influenza-associated otitis media
Oseltamivir
Viruses most efficiently transmitted via direct contact
1) Rhinoviruses 2) RSV
Viruses most efficiently transmitted via small-particle aerosols
1) Influenza viruses 2) Coronaviruses
The effect of the antihistamines on rhinorrhea appears to be related to the ___ properties of these drugs
Anticholinergic
First symptom of common cold
Sore or scratchy throat
Fever, headache or facial pain, or periorbital edema or persistence of rhinorrhea or cough >14 days
Sinusitis
Persistent rhinorrhea with onset in the 1st 3 months of life
Congenital syphilis
The most important task of the physician caring for a patient with a cold is to
Exclude other conditions that are potentially more serious or treatable
A nasal smear for eosinophils may be useful if ___ is suspected
Allergic rhinitis
T/F A predominance of PMNs in the nasal secretions is characteristic of bacterial superinfection
F, uncomplicated colds
T/F Ribavirin, which is approved for treatment of severe RSV infections, has no role in the treatment of the common cold
T
___ reduces the duration but not the severity of symptoms of a common cold if begun within 24 hr of symptoms.
Zinc
Rebound effect from discontinuation of topical adrenergic agents used for a prolonged period for rhinitis
Rhinitis medicamentosa
Major adverse effects associated with the use of antihistamines
1) Sedation 2) Paradoxical hyperactivity
Topical anticholinergic agent that produces an effect comparable to antihistamines but is not associated with sedation
Ipratropium bromide
___ has a modest effect on relieving nocturnal cough and unlikely to be harmful in children older than 1 yr of age
Honey
Honey should be avoided in children younger than 1 yr of age because
Risk of botulism
T/F Vitamin C, guaifenesin, and inhalation of warm, humidified air are no more effective than placebo for the treatment of cold symptoms
T
T/F There is no evidence that the common cold or persistent acute purulent rhinitis of less than 10 days in duration benefits from antibiotics.
T
MC complication of a cold
Acute otitis media
