common cold

What is the Common Cold?

The common cold, also known as a viral upper respiratory tract infection, is a mild and self-limiting illness that affects the upper respiratory system, including the nose, throat, and sinuses. It is caused by a virus, with rhinovirus being the most common cause.

Symptoms of the Common Cold

The symptoms of the common cold can vary from person to person but often include:

• Stuffy or runny nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Headache
• Low-grade fever
• Mild fatigue
• Chills
• Watery discharge from the nose that thickens and turns yellow or green

Causes of the Common Cold

More than 200 respiratory viruses can cause colds, with rhinovirus being the most frequent cause in the United States. Other viruses such as common human coronaviruses, parainfluenza viruses, adenoviruses, enteroviruses (including EV-D68), and human metapneumovirus can also cause colds.

Duration of the Common Cold

Colds usually go away on their own within one to two weeks, but some symptoms may last longer. Over-the-counter medications can provide temporary relief of symptoms and help you feel better, but they do not cure your illness.

References:

• [1] The common cold is a mild infection of the upper respiratory tract (which includes your nose and throat).
• [3] Colds usually go away on their own within one or two weeks, but some symptoms may last longer.
• [6] Signs and symptoms may appear in as little as two days after exposure to the virus. These may include coughing, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, headache, and fever.
• [9] The most common cause is a rhinovirus, and the most common symptoms are a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, and a ...
• [12] More than 200 respiratory viruses can cause colds. Rhinoviruses are the most frequent cause of colds in the United States.
• [15] A description puts something in words, like a portrait puts a person in paint. The lawnmower you came home with did not quite fit the description of the dishwasher you went shopping for.

Common Cold Symptoms

The common cold is a viral infection that affects millions of people worldwide every year. It is characterized by a range of symptoms, which can vary from person to person.

• Early symptoms: The first sign of the common cold is often a sore throat [1]. Other early symptoms include runny nose and coughing [1].
• Common symptoms: Runny or stuffy nose, sore or scratchy throat, cough, sneezing, watering eyes, low-grade fever, and mild body aches are all common symptoms of the common cold [2-5].
• Additional symptoms: Some people may also experience headaches, fatigue, and a general feeling of being unwell [2, 4].

It's worth noting that the common cold is often confused with other conditions such as flu or COVID-19, which can have similar symptoms. However, the severity and duration of these symptoms can vary significantly.

References:

[1] Early symptoms of the common cold include sore throat, runny nose and coughing. [2] May 24, 2023 — Runny or stuffy nose. Sore or scratchy throat. Cough. Sneezing. Generally feeling unwell. Slight body aches or a mild headache. Low-grade fever. [3] What are the symptoms of the common cold? · Stuffy, runny nose · Scratchy, tickly throat · Sneezing · Watering eyes · Low-grade fever · Sore throat · Mild hacking ... [4] Check if you have a cold · a blocked or runny nose · sneezing · a sore throat · a hoarse voice · a cough · feeling tired and unwell. [5] The common cold most often causes a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. You may also have a sore throat, cough, headache, or other symptoms.

Diagnostic Tests for Common Cold

The common cold, also known as upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), is a self-limiting illness that affects millions of people worldwide every year. While there are no specific diagnostic tests for the common cold, several tests can help rule out other conditions or confirm the presence of viral infections.

Tests That Are Not Useful

• Tests are of no use in diagnosing the common cold [2]. Only a tiny proportion of common cold cases do not resolve spontaneously.
• Complications, which are rare, may require further testing to determine their cause [2].

Tests for Other Conditions

• A throat swab, sputum culture, C-reactive protein (CRP), chest x-ray, and sinus CT scan can be used to diagnose other conditions that may present with similar symptoms, such as pneumonia or sinusitis [1].
• Viral testing can also be performed to confirm the presence of viral infections, but it is not specific for the common cold [6].

Tests That May Be Ordered

• In people with severe illness, testing for rhinovirus or a panel that detects both viruses and bacteria may be ordered [6].
• A CBC test can be used to diagnose infections such as cold and coughs by examining the white blood cell count [5].

Clinical Diagnosis

• Determining if you have the common cold involves considering your symptoms, and diagnosis is generally made clinically and presumptively without diagnostic tests [7, 8].
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing can be used to confirm the presence of viral infections, but it is not commonly used for diagnosing the common cold [8].

In summary, while there are no specific diagnostic tests for the common cold, several tests can help rule out other conditions or confirm the presence of viral infections. A clinical diagnosis based on symptoms and medical history is usually sufficient to diagnose the common cold.

References: [1] Oct 3, 2024 — Tests to consider · CBC · throat swab · sputum culture · C-reactive protein (CRP) · chest x-ray · sinus CT scan · viral testing. [2] by G Worrall · 2007 · Cited by 15 — Tests are of no use in diagnosing the common cold. Only a tiny proportion of common cold cases do not resolve spontaneously. Complications, which are rare ... [3] There are tests available to diagnose the flu. The most common test is the “rapid influenza diagnostic test.” This test can provide results in 30 minutes or ... [5] May 18, 2023 — The CBC test proves to be a valuable tool when diagnosing infections such as cold and coughs. By examining the white blood cell count, the test ... [6] Apr 24, 2024 — In people with severe illness, they may order testing for rhinovirus or can test as part of a panel that can detect both viruses and bacteria. [7] Mar 27, 2023 — There aren't any lab tests for diagnosing a common cold.10 Instead, determining if you have the common cold involves considering your symptoms. [8] Diagnosis of the common cold is generally made clinically and presumptively, without diagnostic tests, although polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is ...

Common Cold Treatment Options

The common cold, also known as upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), is a viral infection that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. While there is no cure for the common cold, various over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help alleviate symptoms.

• Pain Relievers: Adults can take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), or aspirin to relieve headaches and fever. However, do not give children or teenagers aspirin [1].
• Decongestants: Phenylephrine oral (Sudafed PE, Triaminic Multi-Symptom Fever and Cold) and pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help reduce nasal congestion.
• Cough Suppressants: Cough suppressants like phenylephrine oral (Sudafed PE, Triaminic Multi-Symptom Fever and Cold) and pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can relieve coughing [2].
• Antihistamines: Over-the-counter antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine block the action of histamine, a chemical released during an allergic reaction. They can also make you sleepy [3].

Important Notes

• Antibiotics do not work against viruses and will not help alleviate cold symptoms [4].
• Rest, drinking plenty of liquids, humidifying the air, and using saline nasal rinses are essential for recovery [5].
• Influenza virus infections have been successfully treated with antiviral drugs such as amantadine, rimantadine, and zanamivir. However, these medications are not effective against the common cold [6].

Safe Treatments for Children

For children, safe and effective treatments include nasal saline irrigation, menthol rub, and honey (for children 12 months and older) [7].

Medications Used to Treat Cold Symptoms

Some medications used to treat cold symptoms include: * Diphenhydramine systemic * Acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine systemic * Diphenhydramine systemic

References:

[1] Jul 12, 2024 — Adults can take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or aspirin. Do not give children or teenagers aspirin.

[2] phenylephrine oral (Sudafed PE, Triaminic Multi-Symptom Fever and Cold); pseudoephedrine (Sudafed). Cough suppressants.

[3] Over-the-counter antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine block this process and can relieve those symptoms. They can also make you sleepy ...

[4] Apr 24, 2024 — The common cold has no cure but should improve on its own. Antibiotics don't work against viruses and won't help you feel better.

[5] May 24, 2023 — Rest. Drink plenty of liquids. Humidify the air. Use saline nasal rinses. Antibiotics do not treat cold viruses. They are used to ...

[6] by SB Mossad · 1998 · Cited by 104 — Influenza virus infections have been successfully treated with drugs such as amantadine, rimantadine, and zanamivir.

[7] by KC DeGeorge · 2019 · Cited by 97 — Safe and effective treatments for cold symptoms in children include nasal saline irrigation, menthol rub, and honey (for children 12 months and ...

The differential diagnosis of the common cold involves identifying other conditions that may present with similar symptoms, making it essential to consider a range of possibilities when diagnosing this condition.

Possible Differential Diagnoses

• Acute bronchitis: This is a sudden onset of coughing and mucus production, which can be mistaken for the common cold. However, acute bronchitis typically presents with a more prominent cough and may be accompanied by fever [5].
• Allergic rhinitis: This condition can cause similar symptoms to the common cold, including sneezing, runny nose, and congestion. However, allergic rhinitis is often associated with a gradual onset of symptoms and may be triggered by specific allergens [4].
• Asthma exacerbation: In some cases, asthma symptoms can mimic those of the common cold, particularly if there is an increase in coughing and wheezing. However, asthma typically presents with more severe respiratory symptoms and may be accompanied by a history of asthma [3].
• Acute otitis media: This condition involves inflammation of the middle ear and can cause symptoms such as fever, ear pain, and discharge. While it is not directly related to the common cold, it can present with similar symptoms in some cases [3].

Key Points to Consider

• The differential diagnosis of the common cold requires a thorough evaluation of the patient's symptoms, medical history, and physical examination findings.
• Other conditions such as acute bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma exacerbation, and acute otitis media should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
• A correct diagnosis can only be made by considering all possible causes and ruling out other conditions through a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic testing.

References:

[1] - The common cold is an acute, usually afebrile, self-limited viral infection causing upper respiratory symptoms, such as rhinorrhea, cough, and sore throat [8]. [2] - Other causes of the common cold include influenza viruses, parainfluenza viruses, adenoviruses, enteroviruses, and metapneumovirus. Although it is often associated with viral infections, non-infectious disorders can also present with similar symptoms [2]. [3] - The differential diagnosis of the common cold includes noninfectious disorders as well as other upper respiratory tract infections. Allergic rhinitis (Chapter ...), asthma exacerbation, and acute otitis media should be considered in the differential diagnosis [7]. [4] - The differential diagnosis for the Common Cold; Acute bronchitis, Gradual, Prominent, persistent, dry or wet; Allergic rhinitis, Gradual, Common, ... [5] [5] - Differential Diagnosis for the Common Cold; Acute bronchitis, Gradual, Prominent, persistent, dry or wet; Allergic rhinitis, Gradual, Common, ... [5] [6] - Symptoms include sore throat, sneezing, blocked, and/or runny nose, headache, cough, malaise, and low-grade fever. The condition is associated with viral infections, but non-infectious disorders can also present with similar symptoms [6]. [7] - The differential diagnosis of the common cold includes noninfectious disorders as well as other upper respiratory tract infections. Allergic rhinitis (Chapter ...), asthma exacerbation, and acute otitis media should be considered in the differential diagnosis [7] [8] - The common cold is an acute, usually afebrile, self-limited viral infection causing upper respiratory symptoms, such as rhinorrhea, cough, and sore throat [8].