I. Cold
Cold, as we all know, is also called acute upper respiratory tract infection in a broad sense (narrowly defined as acute rhinitis), a general term for acute inflammation of the external nostrils to the lower edge of the cricoid cartilage, including the nasal cavity, pharynx or larynx. About 70% to 80% of acute upper respiratory tract infections are caused by viruses, and another 20% to 30% are caused by bacteria, mainly through airborne transmission of sneeze and droplets containing viruses, or through contact with contaminated hands and utensils. The onset of the disease does not distinguish between age, gender, occupation and region, and people with low immune function are susceptible. The disease is usually mild, short-lived, self-healing and has a good prognosis.
Clinical manifestations
The main symptoms are nasal symptoms, such as sneezing, nasal congestion, clear watery nose, but also cough, dry throat, itching or burning sensation or even post-nasal drip. 2-3 days later, the nasal discharge becomes thicker and may be accompanied by sore throat, headache, lacrimation, dull taste, breathlessness, hoarseness, etc. Sometimes, hearing loss is caused by pharyngodynia. In severe cases, there is fever, mild chills and headache. Physical examination reveals congestion, edema, and secretions in the nasal mucosa, and mild congestion in the pharynx. Usually heals in 5-7 days, but complications can lead to prolonged disease course.
III. Laboratory tests
(A) Blood test
Because of the viral infection, the white blood cell count is often normal or low, with an increase in the proportion of lymphocytes. In bacterial infection, white blood cell count, neutrophilia and left shift of nucleus may be observed.
Complications
A few patients may have acute sinusitis, otitis media, tracheobronchitis, and a few patients may have viral myocarditis.
V. Treatment
Since there are no effective antiviral drugs, symptomatic treatment is the main focus, pay attention to rest, drink more water, keep indoor air circulation and prevent secondary bacterial infections.
(a) Symptomatic treatment
1, rest, pay attention to bed rest, drink more water, keep indoor ventilation and prevent cold.
2, antipyretic and analgesic, with headache and fever peripheral muscle pain can be applied to antipyretic and analgesic drugs such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, etc. as appropriate.
3, anti-nasal congestion, nasal congestion, nasal mucosa congestion and edema, sore throat can be applied to cold preparations containing pseudoephedrine hydrochloride.
4.Anti-allergic Patients with frequent sneezing and excessive runny nose can choose anti-allergic such as chlorpheniramine maleate or benadryl as appropriate, this drug has adverse reactions such as dizziness and drowsiness.
5. Cough suppressants, such as codeine, dextromethorphan, pentoxifylline, etc., can be given to those with obvious cough.
(B) Etiological treatment
1.Anti-viral drug infection
Currently commonly used are amantadine, morpholine guanidine (ABOB), ribavirin (virazole) and oseltamivir
2.Antibacterial drug treatment
It is now clear that antibacterial drugs are not needed for the common cold. Unless there is evidence of bacterial infection such as elevated white blood cells, pus moss in the throat, yellow sputum and runny nose or recurrent fever, oral penicillin, first-generation cephalosporins, macrolides or quinolones may be used according to local epidemiological history and experience. Antibacterial drugs are not applied for pure viral infections.
(C) Chinese medicine treatment
Chinese herbal medicines with antipyretic and antiviral effects can also be used to help improve symptoms and shorten the course of the disease.
Prevention
Emphasis should be placed on prevention, regular diet, improved nutrition, avoiding cold and rain and overexertion.
VII. Recommended medication
Recommended anti-cold medications: 1.
1.Food therapy: boil water with onion, ginger and red pond and drink it hot.
2, Chinese medicine: lotus flower clear distemper capsule, cold and fever clearing punch.
3, compound cold preparations: compound aminophenalkamine capsule (trade name: fast, sense of health, etc., treatment of fever, headache, nasal congestion, sore throat), neo-contek (to treat nasal congestion and runny nose), phenomethamine tablets (trade name Tylenol, treatment of headache and fever, nasal congestion, cough, sore throat).
4, antiviral drugs: moringa (ABOB), ribavirin (virazole) and oseltamivir (oseltamivir).
5, antibacterial drugs: you know.
6, hormones, prednisone tablets, dexamethasone, etc., you get the idea.