A Simple Guide to Coryza(Common Cold)

A Simple Guide to Coryza( Common Cold )
-----------------------------------

What is Coryza(Common Cold)?
---------------------------------------

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)?
------------------------------------

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)?
------------------------------------------------------------

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)?
-----------------------------------------------------------

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)?

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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)?

----------------------------------------------------------

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.

A Simple Guide to Vasomotor rhinitis

A Simple Guide to Vasomotor rhinitis
--------------------------------------

What is Vasomotor Rhinitis?
-----------------------------

Vasomotor Rhinitis is a condition which consists of a group of symptoms that include a runny nose, itchiness and sneezing, that are caused by irritation and congestion in the nose. It is brought about by changes in vascular tone and permeability.

What are the symptoms of Vasomotor rhinitis?
--------------------------------------------------

The symptoms of Vasomotor rhinitis include:
Recurring nasal inflammation
Sneezing
Runny nose
Profuse watery nasal discharge
Nasal membrane swelling

What causes Vasomotor rhinitis?
---------------------------------------

Vasomotor rhinitis occurs as a result of a response of the nasal membrane to
1.irritants such as smoke,
2.temperature changes and
3.stress.

Other causes of chronic rhinitis are blockage in the nose e.g. nasal polyps, enlarged adenoids and a deviated septum that impede mucus drainage and restrict air flow. Medications can cause rhinitis or worsen it in people with allergies, vasomotor rhinitis or a deviated septum.
Prolonged use of nasal decongestants can worsen rhinitis.
Some blood pressure medications such as beta blockers and vasodilators can cause rhinitis.

What is the difference between Allergic rhinitis and Vasomotor Rhinitis?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Allergic rhinitis could be seasonal or perennial (year round).
Seasonal rhinitis is due to pollen or mould spores.
Perennial rhinitis are due to allergens such as house dust mites, animal dander or moulds found on carpets or furniture upholstery and even some foods.

Non-allergic rhinitis can also be triggered by cigarette smoke and many other air pollutants, strong odours, exposure to cold and alcohol. Smoking and air pollution may also cause symptoms by damaging the cilia (hair cells) which moves mucus through the air passages.

Hormonal changes in pregnancy cause "Rhinitis in Pregnancy". The expecting mother will recover once the baby is delivered.

What treatments are available for Vasomotor rhinitis?
----------------------------------------------------------------

Treatments for Vasomotor rhinitis include:
Non-medical:
----------------
Avoid dry air
Keeping air moist
Vapourisers
Nasal Decongestant sprays are not recommended for treatment of vasomotor rhinitis

Complete avoidance of environmental allergens may be impossible but it can be minimised for example removing carpets and pets.
Use a pollen mask when mowing the grass or cleaning the house
Install an air purifier
Change the air filters monthly in heating and air conditioning systems
use cotton or synthetic materials such as Dacron in pillows and bedding
enclose mattress in plastic
keep windows closed during high pollen times
eliminate house plants
bathe pets frequently or even give away dander–producing pets.

Avoid Nasal irritants which can cause typical immune response seen with classical allergies. Examples include cigarette smoke, perfume, aerosol sprays, smoke, and smog and car exhaust

Nasal irrigation utilizing a buffered hyper tonic saline solution helps to reduce swollen and congested nasal and sinus tissues.
It also washes out thickened nasal secretions, irritants (smog, pollens, etc.), bacteria, and crusts from the nose and sinuses.
While irrigating the nose, it is best to stand over the sink and irrigate each side of your nose.
Aim the stream toward the back of your head, not at the top of your head.
For young children, the salt water can be put into a small spray container which can be squirted many times into each side of the nose.

Medical:
---------

Anti-histamines provide good relief for mild to moderate symptoms.
Newer antihistamines that are long-acting and less likely to cause drowsiness have been found to be useful.

Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine can help to shrink the swollen tissues caused by irritants and other causes. However decongestant nasal sprays are not advised because they cause a a rebound effect on nasal tissues(initially the nasal tissue shrinks but later they become more swollen)

Corticosteroids in the form of nasal spray reduce the immune response and may be prescribed to reduce severe symptoms.
These drugs are highly effective in allergic patients; but there is a potential for serious side effects when used over time. They are best used for the short term management of allergic problems, and their use must always be monitored by a physician.

Nasalcrom (cromolyn sodium): This spray helps to stabilize allergy cells (mast cells) by preventing release of allergy mediators, like histamine.

Immunotherapy:Allergy shots interfere with the allergic response. After identification of an allergen, small amounts of it are given back to the sensitive patient. Over time the patient will develop blocking antibodies to the allergen, and they become less sensitive and less reactive to the substance causing allergic symptoms. This is the best treatment provided the allergen is correctly identified.

Surgery:Nasal polyps, enlarged adenoids and deviated septums can be corrected with surgery. Obviously this should be done only after more conservative measures have been tried. Surgery is not a replacement for good allergy control and treatment.