Downloaded 631 times
Uploaded bySanil Varghese
Common cold
The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that usually lasts 7 days. It is caused by a number of viruses like rhinoviruses and parainfluenza viruses. Symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fatigue. While antibiotics are ineffective for treatment, over-the-counter medications can provide relief from symptoms. Good handwashing and covering coughs/sneezes are recommended for prevention. The common cold should be distinguished from influenza, which has a more abrupt onset and causes higher fevers and more severe body aches.
More Related Content
More from Sanil Varghese
Common cold
- 1.
- 2. Coryza Common Cold Syndromeincludes rhinitis, tonsilitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis (including croup), pharyngo-laryngitis etc. Sometimes Influenza (the flu) sinusitis are characterized as a common cold syndrome. and
- 3. The Common Cold Thecommon cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract Usually last approximately 7 days Associated with a number of viruses – Ex. Rhinoviruses, parainfluenza viruses Season of the year, age, and prior exposure are important factors in the type of virus causing the infection and the type of symptoms that may occur
- 4. Mode of transmission Verycontagious Spread from person to person Usually from nasal secretions and from fingers of the affected person Most contagious in the first 3 days after symptoms begin Viruses can last up to 5 hours on the skin and hard surfaces
- 5. Symptoms Begins with afeeling of dryness and stuffiness in the nasopharynx (nose) Nasal secretions (usually clear and watery) Watery eyes Red and swollen nasal mucous membranes Headache Generalized tiredness Chills (in severe cases)
- 6. Symptoms cont.. Fever (insevere cases) Exhaustion (in severe cases) If the pharynx and larynx (throat) becomes involved: • • Sore throat Hoarseness
- 7. Treatment of commoncold Antihistamines Decongestants Pain Relievers Cough suppressants Nasal Strips Antibiotics are ineffective!!!
- 8. When do Isee the doctor? See your doctor if you have: Temperature over 101 degrees for more than 48 hours A cough with pain in the chest Shortness of breath Persistent sore throat, without a runny or stuffy nose
- 9. Consult doctor if… Yourthroat is very red and it hurts to swallow No improvement within 7 days Severe headache with a fever Worsening pain in one or both ears Any chronic medical condition – Ex. Asthma or diabetes
- 10. Prevention GOOD HANDWASHING! Coughand sneeze into arm or tissue, not into your hand Aerosol sprays (ex. Lysol) Antibacterial sanitizers (ex. Purell)
- 11. Common Cold Syndrome isa general term of acute inflammatory disease of the upper respiratory tracts such as nasal cavity, tonsils, pharynx and larynx etc.
- 12. Comparison of Influenza andthe Common Cold
- 13. Features Influenza Common cold Onset Abrupt More gradual Fever Common Uncommon Myalgia Severe common Uncommon Arthralgia Severecommon Uncommon Anorexia Common Uncommon Headache Severe common Mild, uncommon
- 14. Cough (dry) Common severe Mildto moderate Malaise Severe Mild Fatigue, weakness More common than with the common cold lasts 2 to 3 weeks Very mild, short lasting Chest discomfort Common severe Mild to moderate Stuffy nose Occasional Common Sneezing Occasional Common Sore throat Occasional Common
- 15. The common cold maybe caused by more than 100 different viruses.
- 16. Medications can help relievecold symptoms, but only time can cure a cold.
- 17. Although many peopleare convinced that a cold results from: 1. exposure to cold weather 2. from getting chilled or overheated 3. fatigue, or sleep deprivation. these conditions have little or no effect on the development or severity of a cold.
- 18. On the otherhand, research suggests that : psychological stress allergic disorders affecting the nasal passages or throat menstrual cycles may have an impact on a person's susceptibility to colds.
- 20. Common cold UP TO6 COMMON COLDS/YEAR IN ADULTS AND 8 COMMON COLDS/YEAR IN CHILDRENS ACCEPTABLE.
- 21. Common Cold Viruses VIRUSES SEROTYPE %COLD RHINOVIRUS +100 60 CORONAVIRUS 2 15 INFLUENZA 3 < 10 PARA INFLUENZA 4 < 10 RSV 2 <10 ADENOVIRUS 47 < 10 ENTROVIRUS +40 < 10
- 24.