Cough and Cold - Assessment Flashcards
Cough and Cold
Nonspecific term used to describe a spectrum of acute infections that may involve the nose,
sinuses, pharynx, larynx and trachea
What are possible causes (3)?
virus,
bacteria,
or fungi
Cough and Cold
Most viral infections are self‐limited, resolve spontaneously and are managed symptomatically
What are possible Complications (3)?
Influenza,
respiratory syncytial virus,
COVID
Cough and Cold
Viral Rhinitis (Common Cold) is the most common infectious disease caused by more than 200 different viruses, list the common ones:
◦ Rhinovirus is the most common (30‐50%) → more
common in the spring and fall
◦ Coronavirus (10‐20%) → more common during mid‐
winter and early spring
◦ Also RSV, adenovirus, parainfluenza, enterovirus
Cough and Cold
Viral Rhinitis (Common Cold)
Estimated __% of time lost from work and __% of absences from school are due to the common cold
40%
30%
Cough and Cold
Viral Rhinitis (Common Cold)
Transmission: (3)
◦ Hand contact with secretions that contain the virus
◦ Small‐particle aerosols in the air
◦ Direct inhalation of large‐particle aerosols from an
infected person
Cough and Cold
Viral Rhinitis (Common Cold)
Generally ____‐limiting
self‐limiting
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Viral Rhinitis (Common Cold)
Can predispose to ___ complications and exacerbate ___
bacterial
asthma
Cough and Cold
Viral Rhinitis Pathophysiology
Is Viral Rhinitis Pathophysiology completely understood?
No
Cough and Cold
Viral Rhinitis Pathophysiology
Contact between virus and nasal mucosa likely important for initiation of infection,
then –>
Virus attaches to cell → replicates and kills the cell → cell bursts and releases new viruses → body releases inflammatory mediators (bradykinins and interleukins)
Cough and Cold
Viral Rhinitis Pathophysiology
The inflammatory reaction prevents the spread of the virus but causes symptoms like –> (2)
• Increase in vascular permeability, glandular secretion,
and vasodilation
• Cholinergic stimulation = increased mucous gland
secretion and sneezing
Cough and Cold
Viral Rhinitis Pathophysiology
Viral replication peaks in __ hrs, shedding can continue up to _ weeks
48 hrs
3 weeks
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Viral Rhinitis – Signs and Symptoms
• Symptoms peak in ___ days and generally resolve around day _ but can last up to _ weeks
• Sore throat – generally resolves in a few days (usually
occurs __ )
• Nasal Congestion & Rhinorrhea (usually occurs ___ )
- Discharge is clear and watery at the beginning and
can become purulent
What are the other signs and symptoms? (5)
2‐4 days 7, 3
1 st
2 nd
- Sneezing (during the first few days)
- Cough (can last 1‐2 weeks, dry at the beginning and
can become productive) - Headache
- Chills, malaise
- Fever (infrequent in adults but common in children)
Cough and Cold
Differential Diagnosis of the Common Cold
Slide 10 - table
Look at slide 10 table
Pharyngitis: inflamm of the pharynx and get sore throat (ppl assume strep throat)
No nasal discharfe or congestion
- Fever may be present
- Cough is usally absent and headache not often
- 3 days
Rhinosinusitis
- Often viral, but very painful when it's bacterial and pain spreads through jawline - Discharges purenlent, fever persistent - Antibiotics needed - No sore throat, post nasal drip that can cause cough - Congestion, aches and pains in facial area, tenderness and tooth pain
Allergic rhibitis - Fever is absent - Like a common cold - Congestion, sore throat with post nasal drip Flu - Severe aches and pains - Fever that is high
Cough and Cold
Cough and Cold Assessment
Always inquire about past history, which 2 types of past histories to ask?
Past medical history
Past social history
Cough and Cold
Cough and Cold Assessment
Examples of past medical history to ask:
allergies
personal or family history of asthma or atopy
any recent respiratory infections
any immunosuppressive conditions or medications
cancer
medication history
sick contacts
