this is general topic useful for nursing students for references purpose and ,its create awareness for general public

1. COMMON COLDnidigantla. subrahmanyam
Dept. medical and surgical nursing
Asram nursing college
Andhra pradesh

2. Definition of common cold
 Defination: it an acute upper respiratory tract infection marked by inflammation of mucous
membranes of nose, throat ,eyes, and eustachian tubes and watery then purulent discharge and
caused by several viruses. Such as rhinovirus and adenovirus .

3. Causes of cold
1. Many types of viruses can cause a common cold, most common rhinoviruses
2. A cold virus enters the body through mouth ,eyes or nose .Then virus can spreads through droplets in the air
when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes or talks
3. Hand –to-Hand contacts from infected person
4. Sharing contaminated objects ,such as utensils,towels,toys or telephones.

4. Spreads of common cold

5. Risk factors
 Age. Any age people are prone to get, Children younger than 6 are at greatest risk of colds,
 Weakened immune system. Having a chronic illness or otherwise weakened immune system increases your risk.
 Season . Winter season ,rainy season people are more commonly get
 Smoking. cigarette smoke is highest risk of cold .
 Exposure. Over crowded places , share surfaces, poor hygiene

6. Signs and symptoms

8. Medical management
The most common cold medications for children and adults over the age of 6 includes the followings.
1. Decongestants help ease nasal congestion and stuffiness. oxymetazoline nasal (Afrin, Dristan 12-Hour Nasal
Spray)
2. phenylephrine nasal (Neo-Synephrine)
3. phenylephrine oral (Sudafed PE, Triaminic Multi-Symptom Fever and Cold)
4. pseudoephedrine (Sudafed
5. Antihistamines prevent sneezing and ease runny noses.
6. Pain relievers ease the general body aches that sometimes accompany a cold.

9. Natural home remedies

11. Is There a ‘Best’ Tea to Treat Colds?
1. Lemon tea
 2. Elderberry tea
 3. Echinacea tea
 4. Green tea
 5. Herbal tea with honey

12. Nursing Management of common cold
 No specific management for common cold
 Provide complete rest
 Home remedies can help to control
 Gargle salt water,for a sore throat, gargle 8 ounces of warm water mixed with
¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt
 Hydrate :Drink plenty of fluids, Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water that is
8 to 10 glasses ,juice,tea or clear broth. Avoid caffeinated drinks or alcohol,
which can cause dehydration.
 Take warm liquids ,like a Tea ,warm lemon water, and soup will help to
relieve congestion.

13. Nursing management
 Steam inhalation
 Saline nasal spray
 De breathing and coughing exercises
 Elevate the head to relieve cold
 Chest physiotherapy
 Provide spicy food
 Provide diversional therapy.

14. Nursing care

15. 9 Ways to Naturally Clear Up Your
Congestion
1. Natural decongestant remedies
2. Humidifier
3. Steam inhalation
4. Saline nasal spray
5. Neti pot: nasal irrigation devices

16.  Herbs and spices: Foods such as peppers, ginger , and garlic can reduce the gustatory rhinitis.
Spicy foods cause the body to make more mucus and lead to a runny nose.
 Elevated head
 Essential oils
 Hydration

17. When to see a doctor
 Pressure of pain around the forehead
 Colored nasal discharge colored (brown, green, or blood-tinged)
 Fever of 101 degrees or higher that persists for more than 24 hours
 Sweating ,shaking or chills
 Difficulty in swallowing
 A deep barking cough
 Difficulty breathing

18. complications
1. Acute ear infection (otitis media)
2. Asthma
3. Acute sinusitis
4. Other secondary infections: Streptococcal pharyngitis and pneumonia

19. Preventive measures
 Wash your hands: clean your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water, and teach the child the
importance of hand washing. If soap and water are not available ,use alcohol- based sanitizer.
 Disinfect your stuff: Clean kitchen and bathroom countertops with disinfectant, especially when someone in
your family has a cold . Wash children's toys periodically .
 Use tissues to cover the mouth: When children's sneeze and cough into tissues , Discard used tissues right
away ,then wash the hands carefully.
 Teach children to sneeze or cough: When child are coughing or sneezing bend of their elbow when they are
not having tissues.

20. Flu prevention

21. Preventive measures
 Don’t share : Don’t share drinking glasses or utensils with other family members. Use separate glass or
disposable cups when you or someone sick in the family .
 Steer clear of colds: Avoid close contact with anyone who has a cold.
 Choose your child care center wisely: Provide good hygiene practices and clear policies about when sick
children at home.
 Take care of yourself: Eating well, getting exercise and enough sleep, and managing stress might help you keep
cold at bay.