A Simple Guide to Coryza(Common Cold)

A Simple Guide to Coryza( Common Cold )
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What is Coryza(Common Cold)?
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Coryza or Common Cold is one of the most common infections contracted by humans.It is characterised by inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, with sneezing, sore throat, and mild coughing.

What causes Coryza (Common Cold)?
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The Common Cold is caused by one of the viral infections of the upper respiratory tract. There are over 200 different viruses which can cause a common cold.

Some of the common viruses include: rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), coronavirus, parainfluenza.

What are the Symptoms of Coryza(Common Cold)?
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Generally the common cold viruses produces mild but uncomfortable symptoms:

1.Runny nose
2.Sneezing
3.Nasal congestion
4.Tiredness
5.Headache especially around the eyes and forehead
6.Fever low grade rare

Symptoms usually last less than two weeks.

What is the Treatment of Coryza(Common Cold)?
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Usually a common cold runs its course without complications in one to two weeks.
Because there is no cure for a viral infection, treatment is aim at relieving symptoms.

1.Rest is the most important part of treatment. A rested patient will recover faster.

2.Adequate warm Fluids helps to keep the mucus membranes moist to allow infected mucus to flow better and also to replace wet mucus lost during the runny nose.

3.If there is any fever, headaches and pains, paracetamol can be given to relieve symptoms.

4.Oral (tablet or syrup) decongestants may also relieve nasal symptoms.
Antihistamines may be of some benefit in reducing mucus production.

5.Decongestant sprays can relieve block nose temporarily, but should not be used for more than three days. Longer use can lead to rebound congestion with more symptoms of congestion.

6.Antibiotics and vitamin C are not helpful in relieving symptoms of the common cold.

What are the Complications of Coryza(Common Cold)?

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Very rarely young children may develop bronchiolitis, viral pneumonia, and croup.

Some infants less than 3 months of age are particularly susceptible to developing secondary bacterial lower respiratory infections.

Two thirds of people over 60 years who live in the community and develop a rhinovirus infection can be expected to develop a lower respiratory tract illness.

Acute otitis media occurs in 2% of people with a cold.

Bacterial infection of the paranasal sinuses occurs in 0.5% of people with a cold.

People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who have a rhinovirus infection are more likely to have a longer duration of illness, a more severe illness, and to cough for longer afterwards than those without lung disease.

What is the Prognosis of Coryza(Common Cold)?

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The median duration of a common cold is a week.

Rarely the commn cold will last up to 2 weeks.

In smokers with a rhinovirus infection the cough is more likely to be troublesome and prolonged.