PATHOLOGY

1. The Common Cold
KHAWAJA TAIMOOR SHAHID
M.Phil Zoology, M.Ed
Department of Zoology
Superior College M.B.DiN

2. Coryza
Common ColdSyndrome includes
rhinitis, tonsilitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis
(including croup - barking cough),
pharyngo-laryngitis etc.
Sometimes Influenza (the flu) and
sinusitis are characterized as a
common cold syndrome.

3. The Common Cold
 The common cold is a viral infection of the
upper respiratory tract
 Usually last approximately 7 days
 Associated with a number of viruses
– Ex. Rhinoviruses, parainfluenza viruses
 Season of the year, age, and prior exposure
are important factors in the type of virus
causing the infection and the type of
symptoms that may occur

4. Mode of transmission
 Very contagious
 Spread from person to person
 Usually from nasal secretions and from
fingers of the affected person
 Most contagious in the first 3 days after
symptoms begin
 Viruses can last up to 5 hours on the skin
and hard surfaces

5. Symptoms
 Begins with a feeling of dryness and
stuffiness in the nasopharynx (nose)
 Nasal secretions (usually clear and watery)
 Watery eyes
 Red and swollen nasal mucous membranes
 Headache
 Generalized tiredness
 Chills (in severe cases)

6. Symptoms cont..
 Fever (in severe cases)
 Exhaustion (in severe cases)
If the pharynx and larynx (throat) becomes
involved:
• Sore throat
• Hoarseness

7. Treatment of common cold
 Antihistamines
 Decongestants
 Pain Relievers
 Cough suppressants
 Nasal Strips
 Antibiotics are ineffective!!!

8. When do I see the doctor?
 See your doctor if you have:
 Temperature over 101 degrees for more
than 48 hours
 A cough with pain in the chest
 Shortness of breath
 Persistent sore throat, without a runny or
stuffy nose

9. Consult doctor if…
 Your throat is very red and it hurts to
swallow
 No improvement within 7 days
 Severe headache with a fever
 Worsening pain in one or both ears
 Any chronic medical condition
– Ex. Asthma or diabetes

10. Prevention
 GOOD HANDWASHING!
 Cough and sneeze into arm or tissue, not
into your hand
 Aerosol sprays (ex. Lysol)
 Antibacterial sanitizers (ex. Purell)

11. Comparison of Influenza
and the Common Cold

12. Features Influenza Common
cold
Onset Abrupt More gradual
Fever Common Uncommon
Myalgia (pain
in a muscle)
Severe common Uncommon
Arthralgia (pain
in a joint)
Severe common Uncommon
Anorexia
(eating disorder)
Common Uncommon
Headache Severe common Mild,
uncommon

13. Cough (dry) Common severe Mild to
moderate
Malaise
(a general feeling of
discomfort, illness)
Severe Mild
Fatigue,
weakness
More common
than with the
common cold lasts
2 to 3 weeks
Very mild,
short lasting
Chest
discomfort
Common severe Mild to
moderate
Stuffy nose Occasional Common
Sneezing Occasional Common
Sore throat Occasional Common

14. The common cold
may be caused
by more than
100 different viruses.

15. Medications can help
relieve cold symptoms, but
only time
can cure a cold.

16. Although many people are
convinced that a cold results
from:
1. exposure to cold weather
2.from getting chilled or
overheated
3.fatigue, or sleep deprivation.
these conditions have little or
no effect on the development or
severity of a cold.