Management of Common cold (acute coryza)
This highly infectious URTI, which is often mistakenly referred to as ‘the
flu’, produces a mild systemic upset and prominent nasal symptoms.
Common viral causes: rhinovirus, coronavirus, parainfl uenza, RSV,
adenovirus, infl uenza.
Typical clinical features
• malaise and tiredness
• sore, runny nose
• sneezing
• sore throat
• slight fever
Other possible symptoms:
• headache
• hoarseness
• cough
The watery nasal discharge becomes thick and purulent in ~24 hrs and
persists for up to a week. Secondary bacterial infection is uncommon.
Management Advice to the patient includes:
• rest 24–48 h if feeling weak
• aspirin or paracetamol (up to 8 tabs/d for adults)
• steam inhalations using menthol or Friar’s balsam for blocked nose
only
• gargle aspirin in lemon juice for sore throat (avoid aspirin in children)
• vitamin C—2 g/d for 5–7 d (clinical trials for this, zinc lozenges and
echinacea inconclusive)
• increase fl uid intake
• stop smoking (if applicable)
• use cough drops or syrup for a dry, troublesome cough
This highly infectious URTI, which is often mistakenly referred to as ‘the
flu’, produces a mild systemic upset and prominent nasal symptoms.
Common viral causes: rhinovirus, coronavirus, parainfl uenza, RSV,
adenovirus, infl uenza.
Typical clinical features
• malaise and tiredness
• sore, runny nose
• sneezing
• sore throat
• slight fever
Other possible symptoms:
• headache
• hoarseness
• cough
The watery nasal discharge becomes thick and purulent in ~24 hrs and
persists for up to a week. Secondary bacterial infection is uncommon.
Management Advice to the patient includes:
• rest 24–48 h if feeling weak
• aspirin or paracetamol (up to 8 tabs/d for adults)
• steam inhalations using menthol or Friar’s balsam for blocked nose
only
• gargle aspirin in lemon juice for sore throat (avoid aspirin in children)
• vitamin C—2 g/d for 5–7 d (clinical trials for this, zinc lozenges and
echinacea inconclusive)
• increase fl uid intake
• stop smoking (if applicable)
• use cough drops or syrup for a dry, troublesome cough