Viral Rhinitis (Common Cold) Flashcards
What are some other names for Viral Rhinitis
- Common cold
- Acute viral rhinitis
- URI
- Viral rhinosinusitis
- Nasopharyngitis
What is viral rhinitis
- Viral infection of the nose sinuses and throat
*all age groups are susceptible
*adult patient 1 to 3 episodes per year
*common in childhood
*under 5 years 6 to 12 episodes
*MC pediatric infection
What are the causes of viral rhinitis
- Rhinovirus (MC)
- Adenovirus
- Seasonal coronavirus
- RSV bocavirus
How is viral rhinitis transmitted
- Airborne droplets or direct contact with infected secretions
*incubation period 2 to 4 days
When is viral rhinitis most present (season)
- Spring
- Fall
*being in the rain or cold wether does not increase the risk of a cold
How if viral rhinitis usually treated
- Benign and self limited
*patient will be able to fight it off
What are some signs and symptoms of viral rhinitis
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion
- Drainage PND
- Sneezing
- Headache
- Watery eyes
- Cough
- Low grade fever
*symptoms present in early phases of many disease that affect upper respiratory tract
What are some objective findings on the PO ENT exam
- Erythematous, edematous, nasal mucosa and turbinates
- Coryza (general inflammation of the mucus membranes)
- Hyposmia (decreased sense of smell)
- mucosal discharge (no purulence)
- Clear rhinorrhea
- Pharyngeal erythema
What are the DDx of viral rhinitis
- Allergic rhinitis
- Sinusitis
- AOM
- Streptococcus pharyngitis
- Mononucleosis
- New med ?
How is the diagnoses of viral rhinitis made
- Per DDx and clinical judgement
*patient presentation and H & P - > 80% with viral URI will have abnormal CT sinus scan
What is the treatment of viral rhinitis
Self limited no cure
*treat symptoms only
1. OTC oral decongestants
2. Intranasal corticosteroid (fluticasone)
3. zinc gluconate
4. Buffered hypertonic saline
5. Antipyretics
6. Cough syrups
7. Prevent transmission
What should you not use to treat viral rhinitis
- No ATB
- NO topical / Intranasal decongestants
- PO antihistamines are not effective
What is rhinitis medicamentosa
- Caused by frequent use of Afrin (Oxymetazoline)
*can develop rebound nasal congestion and permanent hyperplasia of the turbinates (need surgery)
How long does it take for viral rhinitis to resolve
- Up to 10 days
*may be mild Eustachian tube dysfunction, transient middle ear effusion
*can see clear fluid behind the ear
What must you consider if the patient has been sick for more than 2 weeks
- Investigate for possible double sickening
*the effects of the VR could bring on another sickness
