Page 119 - Community pharmcy practice E-book 2025

02/11/2025, 00:29

Upper respiratory track disorders

1. Common Cold

Etiology
• The Common Cold is an acute viral infection of the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat,
sinuses, trachea) caused by many viruses (most frequently Rhinovirus).
• Transmission occurs via droplet spread (sneezing, coughing), direct contact with infected
nasal secretions or fomites, then inoculation of mucosal surfaces.
• No specific cure; management is symptomatic. Pharmacist role: distinguish self-care
appropriate cases from those needing referral, guide safe OTC symptom relief, counsel on
prevention and appropriate use.

Symptoms
• Early stage (days 1-3): sore or tickly throat, sneezing, runny nose (clear discharge), nasal
congestion.
• Peak/active stage (days 4-7): worsening nasal symptoms, cough, hoarseness, fatigue,
body aches, sometimes low-grade fever (especially in children).
• Late stage (days 8-10+): gradual resolution; cough may linger.

Referral Cases
Pharmacists should refer or advise physician evaluation if any of the following “red flag”
features are present:
• Fever ≥39 °C in adults, or high/persistent fever in children.
• Symptoms lasting more than about 10 days or worsening instead of improving.
• Severe symptoms: chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, productive or bloody
sputum, signs of lower-respiratory tract involvement (bronchitis, pneumonia).
• Infants (especially <2–3 months), immunocompromised, chronic cardiopulmonary
disease, or onset of complications (sinusitis, otitis media).

118