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Upper Respiratory Tract Infections


The Common Cold (Acute coryza)

It is an acute, usually afebrile, viral infection of the respiratory tract, with inflammation in any or all airways, including the nose, paranasal sinuses, throat, larynx, and often trachea and bronchi.

Etiology - Many viruses cause the common cold including Picornavirus (rhinoVirus), Influenza and parainfluenza viruses, Respiratory syncytial virus, Corona- and adenovirus group.

Infections may be facilitated by excessive fatigue, emotional distress, or allergic nasopharyngeal disorders and during the mid-phase of the menstrual cycle.

Symptoms and signs - onset is abrupt after a short (1 to 3 days) incubation period. Illness generally begins with nasal or throat discomfort followed by sneezing, rhinorrhea, and malaise.

The disease is afebrile and pharyngitis is usually present. Nasal secretions, watery and profuse during 1st or 2nd day of symptoms, become more mucous and purulent. Hacking cough associated with scanty sputum often lasts into the 2nd week. When no complications occur, symptoms normally resolve in 4 to 10 days.

Diagnosis- Symptoms, and signs are nonspecific. Bacterial infections, allergic rhinorrhea, and other disorders also cause upper respiratory tract symptoms at onset. Differentiation depends
on the season and the course of the Symptoms. Fever more severe symptoms usually indicate influenza.



Prophylaxis - Immunity is virus type-specific. Because of numerous types and strains of known viruses causing URT, it is difficult to produce a useful vaccine.

Treatment
• A Warm, comfortable environment and measures to prevent the direct spread of infection are recommended for all persons.

• Antipyretics and analgesics are given to control fever and malign.

• Nasal decongestants are used if patients have nasal congestion. Steam inhalation is also used in nasal congestions to help mobilize secretions and relieve chest tightness.

• Treat persistent cough with cough suppressants.

• Ascorbic acid or high doses of citrus juices have no scientific benefit.

• Antibiotics are not effective against viruses, so they are not recommended unless a specific bacterial complication develops.

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