Viral infection of the upper respiratory tract
Etiology:
1.rhinovirus
2.parainfluenza virus
3.respiratory syncytial virus
4.coronaviruses
5.adenovirus
Modes of transmission/spread
1.Direct contact: person to person
most contagious in first 3 days of symptom onset
incubation period of 5 days
2.Indirect contact: viruses can survive more than 5 hours on the following:
fomites
skin
fingers touching contaminated surfaces then mucous membranes
3.Aerosoled
coughing
sneezing
Manifestations:
nasopharyngeal dryness and stuffiness
excessive nasal secretions
tearing at the eyes
typically clear and watery secretions
inflammation and erythmatous upper respiratory tract mucus membranes
sore throat
hoarseness
headache
generalized malaise
chills
fever
exhaustion
duration – 7 days
Diagnosis
Hx
symptoms, onset, duration
Treatment: OTC remedies
1.Antihistamines
used to dry nasal secretions
may act to dry bronchial secretions
may worsen cough
may cause dizziness, drowsiness and impaired judgment
2.Decongestants – sympathomimetic agents
constrict blood vessels to decrease swelling
may result in systemic vasoconstriction
may elevate blood pressure
should be avoided in those with HTN, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes
3.Vitamin C
studies show contradictory results
4.Zinc Lozenges – studies also show variable results
