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The common cold is the conventional term used to describe a mild, self…
The common cold
is the conventional term used to describe a mild, self-limiting, upper respiratory tract infection characterized by nasal stuffiness and discharge, sneezing, sore throat, and cough.
symptoms
Sore or irritated throat — often the first symptom, typically has a sudden onset and resolves rapidly.
Nasal irritation, congestion, nasal discharge (rhinorrhoea), and sneezing — nasal discharge is often profuse and clear, but may become thicker and darker as the infection progresses (although this does not usually indicate that bacterial infection is present).
Cough develops in about 30% of people, typically after nasal symptoms have cleared.
Hoarse voice caused by associated laryngitis.
General malaise
diffrentials
Meningitis .
In infants and babies it may be characterized by a high fever; drowsiness; blank, staring expression; vomiting and loss of appetite; high-pitched screaming; floppiness; a tense or bulging fontanelle; or a non-blanching rash.
In older children and adults it may be characterized by fever, vomiting, stiff neck, photophobia, severe headache, muscular pains, fits, abdominal cramps, and/or confusion.
Upper airway obstruction —.
A nasal foreign body should be considered if a child has a persistent, unilateral nasal discharge in the absence of other symptoms.
COVID-19
Influenza
Streptococcal pharyngitis — .
Allergic rhinitis .
Glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis) .
Whooping cough (pertussis) —
MANAGEMTENT*
The natural history of the common cold is rapid onset, with symptoms peaking after 2–3 days, and typically resolving after 7 days in adults and 14 days in younger children, although a mild cough may persist for 3 weeks.
No treatments are available that can cure the common cold and most treatments are not effective at relieving symptoms
Explain that symptom relief and rest are the most appropriate management. Advise people that:
Antibiotics and antihistamines are ineffective and may cause adverse effects.
Adequate fluid should be taken during the course of the illness.
Healthy food is recommended, although no specific diet or mineral or vitamin supplementation is necessary — reassure parents that it is common for children to lose their appetite for a few days when they have a cold, and children with colds should eat only when they are hungry.
Adequate rest is advised — although staying off work or school is normally not necessary. Normal activity will not prolong the illness.
Advise the person or carer to use paracetamol or ibuprofen as an antipyretic and/or analgesic if needed for the following:
Adults and children aged 5 years and over, if the person has a headache, muscle pain, or fever.
Children aged under 5 years, if the child has a fever and appears distressed. When using paracetamol or ibuprofen in children with fever, advise the carer to:
Continue only as long as the child appears distressed.
Consider changing to the other agent if the child's distress is not alleviated.
Not to give both agents simultaneously.
Only consider alternating these agents if the distress persists or recurs before the next dose is due.
For detailed prescribing information on paracetamol and ibuprofen, see the CKS topics on Analgesia - mild-to-moderate pain, NSAIDs - prescribing issues, and Feverish children - management.
Advise about additional self-care measures that may help to relieve symptoms in some people.
Various additional over-the-counter products are available for children over 6 years of age and adults.
Advise the person or carer that transmission of the common cold cannot be completely prevented, but basic good hygiene measures may help to prevent spread. Good hygiene measures include:
Washing hands frequently with soap and hot water when the person has symptoms of the common cold, or comes into contact with someone who has symptoms.
Avoiding the sharing of towels.
For children, discouraging the sharing of toys with an infected child.
Offer the patient information leaflets Common cold and Treating coughs and colds in children available at www.bmj.com.
Additional self-care measures and treatments
The following remedies may help to relieve symptoms of the common cold in some people:
Steam inhalation may help to relieve congestion. Care should be taken to avoid scalding. Sitting in the bathroom with a running hot shower is a safe option.
Vapour rubs may soothe respiratory symptoms in infants and small children when applied to the chest and back (avoid application to the nostril area for safety reasons).
Gargling with salt water or sucking menthol sweets may help to relieve sore throat or nasal congestion.
Nasal saline drops may help relieve nasal congestion. Sterile sodium chloride 0.9% nasal drops are available on prescription or over the counter. One or two drops applied to the nostrils of infants has also been reported to help feeding.
FOLLOW UP: Safety netting
Advise that the person should seek medical advice if:
Fever persists for more than 3 days.
Symptoms are worsening after 5 days.
Symptoms have not improved after 10 days (note: it is normal for mild cough and congestion to persist for up to several weeks).
Concerning symptoms emerge (such as increasing symptoms of illness, lethargy, decreased responsiveness, or difficulty breathing).
Consider advising an earlier review for:
People with risk factors for complications.
Young children and babies — advise parents or carers to seek medical advice if their child develops dehydration, laboured breathing, or prolonged fever. See the CKS topic on Feverish children - risk assessment for more information.
prescribing
paracetamol
ibuprofen
simple linctus: pharmacy first
lozenges: helps soothe sore throat