nasopharyngitis

Nasopharyngitis: A Common Contagious Throat Disease

Nasopharyngitis, commonly known as the common cold, is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract, including the nose, throat, and sinuses. It is a minor and contagious disease that can be caused by viruses, with rhinovirus being one of the most common culprits [2][4].

Symptoms

The symptoms of nasopharyngitis typically include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Cough
• Irritation of the throat
• Fever (often causes fever in young children that may last up to 72 hours)
• Mild fatigue (tiredness)
• Postnasal drip (mucus that accumulates in the back of your nose and drips down into your throat)

These symptoms can vary from person to person, but they usually resolve on their own within a week or ten days [4].

Causes

Nasopharyngitis is primarily caused by viruses, with rhinovirus being one of the most common culprits. In some cases, it can be caused by bacteria. The infection occurs when a virus infects your nasopharynx, causing inflammation and symptoms [3][4].

Demographics

Nasopharyngitis is more common in young children and adolescents, particularly during the fall and winter months when people spend more time indoors and pathogens can spread more easily [2].

Common Signs and Symptoms of Nasopharyngitis

Nasopharyngitis, commonly known as the common cold, can manifest in various ways. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and may vary from person to person.

• Runny Nose or Nasal Congestion: A runny nose is often one of the first signs of nasopharyngitis. The nasal discharge may be watery at first but can become thick and yellow as the infection progresses [1][3].
• Coughing: Coughing is another common symptom, which can range from a mild tickle to a more productive cough [4][11].
• Sneezing: Sneezing is often accompanied by a runny nose and can be a sign of nasopharyngitis [8][12].
• Sore Throat: A sore throat can be caused by the inflammation of the pharynx, which is a common symptom of nasopharyngitis [3][9].
• Headache: A low-grade fever, headache, fatigue, and malaise are variably present in people with nasopharyngitis [11].
• Fever: While not always present, a mild fever can be a sign of nasopharyngitis [6][10].

Other Possible Symptoms

In some cases, nasopharyngitis can lead to other complications such as:

• Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eyes)
• Sinus infection
• Ear infection
• Bronchitis

It's essential to monitor your symptoms and contact a doctor if you experience any of these complications or if your symptoms worsen over time [14].

References

[1] - Context result 3: Nasopharyngitis is another name for the common cold. It is a mild infection of the nose and throat that can produce symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, and coughing.

[2] - Context result 4: Symptoms can include nasal congestion, a sore throat, and a cough.

[3] - Context result 1: Doctors use the term nasopharyngitis specifically to refer to swelling of the nasal passages and the back of the throat. ... Symptoms will usually ...

[4] - Context result 5: The first sign of the common cold is often a sore throat. Other early symptoms Early symptoms of the common cold include sore throat, runny nose and coughing.

[5] - Context result 6: Signs and symptoms · Runny nose or nasal congestion · Cough · Sneezing · Sore throat

[6] - Context result 7: Low-grade fever, headache, fatigue, and malaise are variably present.

[7] - Context result 11: Common symptoms include nasal congestion and discharge, moist and productive cough, sneezing, and sore throat.

Diagnostic Tests for Nasopharyngitis

Nasopharyngitis, commonly known as a cold, can be diagnosed based on symptoms and medical history. While diagnostic tests are not always necessary, they may be used to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions.

• Rapid Antigen Detection Tests (RADT): These tests can detect the presence of certain viruses that cause nasopharyngitis, such as influenza or respiratory syncytial virus [8]. However, their sensitivity is variable and influenced by factors like the type of virus and the timing of testing.
• Throat Culture: This test involves taking a sample from the back of the throat to detect the presence of bacteria that can cause pharyngitis. While it has been considered the ideal standard for diagnosis, its sensitivity is also variable [7].
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): This molecular test can detect the genetic material of viruses or bacteria that cause nasopharyngitis. It may be used to confirm a diagnosis or rule out other conditions.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC can show signs of infection, such as leucocytosis, which is consistent with acute viral nasopharyngitis [5].
• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-reactive Protein: These blood tests can indicate inflammation in the body, but they have a low predictive value for diagnosing nasopharyngitis [6].

When to Use Diagnostic Tests

Diagnostic tests are not always necessary for diagnosing nasopharyngitis. In fact, most cases of colds do not require testing, and healthcare professionals rely on symptoms and medical history to make a diagnosis [1]. However, if there is concern about antibiotic initiation or the presence of group A Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis, rapid antigen detection tests may be used.

References

[1] Healthcare professionals do not need special tests to diagnose a cold. [5] Laboratory findings consistent with diagnosis of acute viral nasopharyngitis include positive viral culture, positive PCR, and leucocytosis. [6] A complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein have a low predictive value and usually are not used for diagnosing nasopharyngitis. [7] Throat cultures have been the ideal standard for diagnosis, but their sensitivity is variable and is influenced by many factors. [8] Patients with a score of 2 or 3 should be tested using RADT or throat culture; positive results warrant antibiotic therapy.

Treatment Options for Nasopharyngitis

Nasopharyngitis, also known as the common cold, can be treated with various medications to alleviate symptoms and reduce the contagious period.

• Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) or acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) can help relieve headaches, fever, and body aches [1][2].
• Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and diclofenac can be used to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms [3].
• Corticosteroids: Single-dose corticosteroids such as dexamethasone may be prescribed to reduce the severity of symptoms, although evidence for this approach is limited [4].
• Antihistamines: Histamine H1 antagonists can help relieve coughs and upper respiratory symptoms associated with allergies and the common cold [5].

It's essential to note that antibiotics are not effective in treating nasopharyngitis as it is a viral infection. However, if you experience severe dehydration or other complications, consult your healthcare provider for proper guidance.

References:

[1] Treatment for nasopharyngitis is mostly supportive and can include comfort measures like sipping cold or warm beverages... (Search Result 1) [2] The aim of the treatment is speeding up symptom resolution, reducing the contagious time span... (Search Result 2) [3] European guideline on the management of AP recommends the use of analgesics and anti-inflammatories as non-antibiotic drug treatment. Ibuprofen and diclofenac are slightly more... (Search Result 2) [4] Single-dose corticosteroids like dexamethasone may be given to reduce the severity of symptoms, although the evidence for this approach is limited. Symptomatic treatment with gargles and acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents... (Search Result 4) [5] Histamine H1 antagonists can help relieve coughs and upper respiratory symptoms associated with allergies and the common cold... (Search Result 5)

Differential Diagnosis of Nasopharyngitis

Nasopharyngitis, also known as the common cold, can be challenging to diagnose due to its non-specific symptoms and overlapping features with other conditions. Here are some differential diagnoses that should be considered:

• Acute Sinusitis: This condition involves inflammation of the sinuses and can present with similar symptoms to nasopharyngitis, such as nasal congestion and facial pain.
• Adenovirus: Adenoviruses are a common cause of respiratory infections, including nasopharyngitis. However, they can also cause other conditions like pharyngitis and bronchitis.
• Afebrile Pneumonia Syndrome: This condition involves inflammation of the lungs without fever and can present with similar symptoms to nasopharyngitis, such as cough and shortness of breath.
• Allergic Rhinitis: Allergies can cause nasal congestion and runny nose, which can be mistaken for nasopharyngitis.
• Bronchiolitis: This condition involves inflammation of the small airways in the lungs and can present with similar symptoms to nasopharyngitis, such as cough and wheezing.
• Bronchitis: Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes and can present with similar symptoms to nasopharyngitis, such as cough and shortness of breath.

Key Points

• Nasopharyngitis should be differentiated from other conditions that cause runny nose, cough, and constitutional symptoms.
• A systematic approach to diagnosis is essential to identify patients who require testing and treatment for bacterial infections or serious conditions like acute human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
• The interprofessional team plays a crucial role in caring for patients with nasopharyngitis.

References

[4] Aug 18, 2023 — Differential Diagnoses · Acute Sinusitis · Adenovirus · Afebrile Pneumonia Syndrome · Allergic Rhinitis · Bronchiolitis · Bronchitis · Coxsackieviruses. [11] Upper respiratory tract infections involve the nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx, and large airways. This activity examines when an upper respiratory tract infections should be considered on differential diagnosis and how to properly evaluate it. [13] Differential Diagnosis There are numerous causes for pharyngitis (Table 3), and there is an overlap with nasopharyngitis. The diagnosis is made predominantly from historical data and physical findings.