Common cold - Symptoms, Causes, Images, and Treatment Options

Diseases

Highlights & Basics

Key Highlights

Common cold is usually self-limited and resolves within a few days. Most people experience at least one common cold per year.
Diagnosis is generally clinical, based on history and exam. Investigations may be required when symptoms worsen or do not resolve in the usual timeframe.
Treatment includes reassurance that this is a self-limiting condition, rest, adequate fluid intake, and symptom relief. Antibiotics are not recommended.
Complications include bacterial infections such as otitis media, sinusitis, or pneumonia.

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History & Exam
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Definition

Epidemiology

Etiology

Pathophysiology

Citations

Key Articles

Harris AM, Hicks LA, Qaseem A, et al. Appropriate antibiotic use for acute respiratory tract infection in adults: advice for high-value care from the American College of Physicians and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ann Intern Med. 2016 Mar 15;164(6):425-34.[Abstract][Full Text]
Jefferson T, Del Mar CB, Dooley L, et al. Physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020 Nov 20;11:CD006207.[Abstract][Full Text]
van Driel ML, Scheire S, Deckx L, et al. What treatments are effective for common cold in adults and children? BMJ. 2018 Oct 10;363:k3786.
De Sutter AI, Eriksson L, van Driel ML. Oral antihistamine-decongestant-analgesic combinations for the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022 Jan 21;1:CD004976.[Abstract][Full Text]
Isbister GK, Prior F, Kilham HA. Restricting cough and cold medicines in children. J Paediatr Child Health. 2012 Feb;48(2):91-8.[Abstract]
Smith SM, Schroeder K, Fahey T. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications for acute cough in children and adults in community settings. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014 Nov 24;(11):CD001831.[Abstract][Full Text]
Kenealy T, Arroll B. Antibiotics for the common cold and acute purulent rhinitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 Jun 4;(6):CD000247.[Abstract][Full Text]

Other Online Resources

The BMJ: what treatments are effective for common cold in adults and children?
The BMJ: treatments for cough and common cold in children - practice pointer
FDA: use caution when giving cough and cold products to kids
CDC: rhinoviruses
CDC: preventing and treating common cold

Referenced Articles

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