This is a complete common cold infection note including pathophysiology, prevention, and causes. Made by Mr. Wadza Bless (MAVERICK). MMCNTC

1. Chapter two
communicable diseases
CORYZA / COMMON COLD(CATARRH)

2. WHAT IS CORYZA
 The common cold/coryza is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that primarily affects the
respiratory mucosa of the nose, sinuses. The contagious disease is medically referred to as a viral
upper respiratory tract infection.
 CATARRH : The term catarrh, or postnasal drip, describes inflammation of the mucous membranes of
the nose and throat and the buildup of mucus in the back of the nose, throat, or sinuses as a response
to the immune system reacting to an infection or irritation, which causes the respiratory linings to
swell and produce mucous.

3. CAUSES OF COMMON COLD
 It is most often caused by infection with rhinoviruses (50-80%)
and It may also be due to infection by;
 Influenza viruses
 Parainfluenza viruses
 Respiratory syncytial virus
 Enteroviruses
 Adenovirus.
 Meta-pneumovirus

4. Cont
 Rhinovirus multiplies best at temperatures found in the nose.
 Rhinovirus infection rates peak from September to November and March to
May.
 Children are at higher risk with about 6 - 12 attacks per year while an adult
experiences 2 - 4 per year, the infection occurs most during falls, winter and
spring.

5. TRANSMISSION OF COMMON COLD
Typically via
 Airborne droplets (aerosols).
 Direct contact with infected nasal secretions on contaminated objects.
 Hand to hand and hand to body contact.

6. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
The URT performs vital functions;
 To warm, humidify, and filter air through several compartments (i.e., Nares/vestibules, nasal
cavity/meatus, nasopharynx, oropharynx, and pharynx) before the air reaches the lungs.
 This microbes are pathogenic in nature, affecting humans asymptomatically (immunological drive).
 Foreign materials(pollen, dust, food allergens, microbes from the outside make their way into the
respiratory tract, and or microbes move from their biome to another during ecological succession.

7. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
 The body reacts (release of prostaglandins and histamin causing inflammatory process) to the
presence of these bodies. As a defense mechanism, mucous membranes become engorged with
blood, tissues swell causing congestion of the sinuses and most likely the eustachian tube.
 Sneezing, coughing and others like sour throat occurs when this bodies irritates the epithelial
linings of the respiratory walls.
 Glands and goblet cells in attempt to expel them produce more mucous secretions that traps
large, small particles and pathogen accounting for the postnasal drip.

8. CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS
 Symptoms of the common cold may appear two days after exposure and last for about three
weeks. Cough may linger for sometime even as other symptoms resolve.
 Children and infants might be feverish in some cases but usually rare in adults.
 Runny nose (Nasal discharge may have a yellow- or green-colored tint).
 Stuffy nose
 Muscle ache
 Headache (usually mild)
 Body aches(usually mild)
 Fatigue(usually mild)

9.  Loss of appetite sometimes
 Sneezing
 Cough
 Sore throat
 Chest congestion, discomfort (mild to moderate)
 Nasal congestion
 Watery eyes
 NB : Symptoms might last longer in people who smoke.
CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS CONT

10. DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis is by;
 Physical examination and presenting history;
 Swelling in the nostrils.
 Stuffy nose.
 Red, irritated throat.
 Swollen lymph nodes (lumps) in the neck.
 Clear lungs.
 Sputum smear.
NB: There's no approved biochemical test for common cold.

11.  NB; Both antibiotics and antiviral medications are in effective against most viruses that cause the
common cold. A cold normally last up to ten (10) days; however symptoms may stay longer as
said earlier.
 Saline drops and spray can be used in relieving symptoms.
 You can relieve headache or fever using Aspirin, Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. Do not give Aspirin
to children under age 16.
 Nasal decongestants may also help to relieve the symptoms.
 For children 6 months or younger, give only acetaminophen. For children older than 6 months,
give either acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
 Multivitamin tablets may also be taken to improve quick recovery.
MEDICAL TREATMENT

12. NURSING MANAGEMENT-NUTRITION
Although there is really no way of treating or curing the common cold, the following measures may
help ease the symptoms:
 Drink plenty fluids and keep well hydrated.
Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents
dehydration, being dehydrated when infected can may you feel worse.
 Soothe a sore throat. A saltwater gargle — 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in an 8-ounce
glass of warm water — can temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat. Children younger than
6 years are unlikely to be able to gargle properly.
 Steam inhalation helps ease the symptoms in some people.
 You can also try ice chips, sore throat sprays, hard candy.

13.  Honey in hot tea may help with coughs.
 Eat lots of vitamin rich fruits and vegetables regularly so that your
immune system remains strong.
NURSING MANAGEMENT-NUTRITION

14. REST AND SLEEP
 Rest. Your body needs rest to heal.
 Adjust your sleeping position. When you lie horizontally, your mucus will be at a standstill.
This can result in congestion and cough. When you go to bed, try propping your head up with
pillows to help gravity work better for you. Sleeping at a sloped angle allows the fluid in your
sinuses to keep flowing to avoid congestion and other cold symptoms.
 Meditate. Keep stress at bay so your body can focus on keeping your immune system in check.
Daily meditation breaks can ease stress and help you stay calm: Just close your eyes and focus on
your breathing for a few minutes (or longer if you can swing it!).
 Take warm baths before bed.

15. EDUCATION
Educate client on the need to use prescribed drugs only.
Educate on remedies that works and those that don’t work.
Education on the signs and symptoms of coryza.
Create the awareness on personal hygiene and the ways of prevention.
Education on measures to prevent spread of infection; self isolation, proper disposal of used tissues etc.
Educate client on prognosis of condition and encourage the need to seek health care when symptoms prolong.
Advice client on proper lifestyles that promote relief

16. PREVENTION OF COMMON COLD
 As there are so many cold causing viruses and substances, it has been difficult for scientist to
develop a vaccine. However, there are so many precautions that can be taken to avoid catching the
common cold.
Some of these include;
 Avoid close contact with someone infected with common cold.
 Eat lot of vitamin rich fruits and vegetables regularly so that your immune system remains strong.
 When sneezing or coughing, make sure it's done into a tissue. Discard the tissue carefully, safely
and wash your hands.
 If someone sneezes into your hands make sure to wash them with soap and water immediately.

17. If someone have no tissue or a handkerchief, cough into the inside (crook) of your elbow rather than your hands.
Wash your hands regularly; cold viruses can be transmitted from one person to another by touch.
Keep surfaces in your settings clean - especially in the kitchen or bathroom and places dominated most.
Avoid touching your face especially you mouth and nose.
Avoid holding onto side riles when climbing storey buildings, wash your hands immediately if you do.
PREVENTION OF COMMON COLD

18. COMPLICATIONS OF COMMON COLD
Being infected with common cold can lead to the
following complications;
• Acute bronchitis
• Pneumonia ( inflammation of the alveoli).
• Sinusitis

19. PROGNOSIS OF COMMON COLD
• The common cold is generally mild
and self - limiting with most
symptoms generally improving in
a week. Half of cases go away in
10 days and 90% in 15 days.