Description

• Inflammation of nasal passages resulting from infection with various respiratory viruses
• Most cases are self-treated.
• Usually mild–moderate severity, self-limited
• System(s) affected: ENT; Pulmonary

Epidemiology

• Each virus has different seasonal peaks (e.g., rhinovirus: Late spring, fall)
• Cold climates do not increase susceptibility.
• Transmission:
  • Hand contact with contaminated skin/surface followed by contact with mucous membranes
  • Aerosolized particles from sneezing and coughing
• Viral shedding peaks after 48–72 hours of illness and can last up to 2 weeks.
• Virus may last up to 2 hours on skin or longer on environmental surfaces.

• Predominant age: Children > Adults:
  • Preschool children: 6–10 colds/year
  • Kindergarten: 12/year
  • Schoolchildren: 7/year
  • Adolescents/Adults: 2–4/year
• Predominant sex: Male = Female

Risk Factors

• Exposure to infected people
• Allergic disorders
• Smoking
• Immunosuppression
• Malnutrion

General Prevention

• Frequent handwashing, especially in children (1)[A]
• Limiting exposure to infected persons/children

Pathophysiology

Rhinoviruses infect the ciliated epithelium lining the nose, resulting in edema and hyperemia of nasal mucous membranes.

Etiology

• 1/200 virus strains from different virus families; many strains present within the same geographic region or patient family:
  • Rhinovirus, with >100 serotypes: 30–50%
  • Influenzavirus types A, B, C: 15%
  • Coronaviruses: 15%
  • Parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): 10%; more common in children
  • Enteroviruses, adenoviruses: <10%
• In 30% of cases, no pathogen is identified.

Commonly Associated Conditions

• Pharyngitis
• Sinusitis
• Otitis media
• Bronchitis
• Bronchiolitis
• Pneumonia
• Croup
• Asthma