Common Cold (Acute Coryza)

This highly infectious URTI, which is often mistakenly referred to as ‘the flu’, produces a mild systemic upset and prominent nasal symptoms.

Common viral causes: rhinovirus, coronavirus, parainfluenza, RSV, adenovirus, influenza

Typical clinical features

• Malaise and tiredness

• Sore, runny nose

• Sneezing

• Sore throat

• Slight fever

Other possible symptoms:

• Headache

• Hoarseness

• Cough

The watery nasal discharge becomes thick and purulent in ~24 hrs and persists for up to a week. Secondary bacterial infection is uncommon.

Management

Advice to the patient includes:

• adequate sleep and rest 24–48 h if feeling weak

• aspirin or paracetamol (up to 8 tabs/d for adults)

• steam inhalations using menthol or Friar’s Balsam for blocked nose only

• gargle aspirin in lemon juice for sore throat (avoid aspirin in children)

• vitamin C powder or tablets—2 g/d for 5–7 d (clinical trials for this, zinc lozenges and echinacea inconclusive): but used prophylactically reduces risk of infection

• increase fluid intake → copious fluids

• stop smoking (if applicable)

• use cough drops or syrup for a dry, troublesome cough