Common cold is a acute inflammation of the mucous membrane of the cavity

 

              

 COMMON COLD

 

Common cold is a acute inflammation of the mucous membrane of the cavity. Common cold or acute viral rhinitis or acute naso-pharyngitis is generally due to infection by one or other of a group of identified viruses. In addition to naso pharynx , the accessory para nasal sinuses and the middle ears are generally involved.

 

        Pathophysiology and causes:

 

Although many different viruses can cause acute naso pharyngitis, the rhinoviruses are the most common infectious agent. There is oedema and vasodilatation in the sub mucosa. Separation and possible sloughing of the superficial cell and the production of mucous that is at first profuse and purulent is feature of common cold. It can be caused by beta haemolytic streptococcus and some allergic condition can also cause common cold.

 

 

 

Clinical Features:

·          The incubation period for common cold is usually about 2 days with a range of 1 or 6 days.

·         Sore throat, cough may occur.

·         The ear feels heavy common cold become fretful, irritable and restless

·         They may have vomiting.

·         Nasal obstruction causes difficulty in sucking and breathing in infants because they can not breath easily through the mouth.

·         Headache is severe cases and malaise.

·         Infants with ‘stuffy nose’ will neither sleep nor feed well until the nasal airway is cleared.

 

Complication:

        

          Infants are more prone to complication like otitis media, bronchiolitis, and bronco pneumonia, during a cold, persistent sinusitis is more frequent in older children than in infants. Purulent rhinitis is another complication.

 

Treatment:

 

         Since infants and children who have common cold are generally cared for at home by the parents, they need to be educated about the child’s need for rest and isolation from other family members and sources of further infection and to provide adequate fluid and nutrition.

 

·         Symptomatic treatment of common cold is effective.

·         Nasal decongestant to relieve nasal congestion may be prescribed by the physician.

·         Antibiotic may be given in cases of proven streptococcal infection.

 

Health Education to the Patient and Parent:

 

·         Advise to avoid contact with infected person like hand shaking.

·         Avoid the child from allergic substances and crowds.

·         Cover the child’s mouth while coughing and sneezing.

·         Advise to do handwashing properly to prevent cross infection.

·         Use disposable tissues papers and discard them hygienically.

·         Advise to take good food which should be free from allergy and should be fresh.

 

Home Care Management Common Cold:

 

·         Avoid contact with infected persons.

·         Child should cover the mouth while coughing or sneezing.

·         Adequate hand washing to prevent cross infection.

·         Away from allergic substances & crowds.

·         Use disposable tissue paper.

·         Adequate nutritous diet.