Description The virus most ofte...
Description
The virus most often associated with the common cold. The virus causes an infection of the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat). It is very contagious and spreads through the air or by direct contact with an infected person. The disease resolves on its own.
Symptoms
Runny nose, sore throat, cough, watery eyes, sneezing, congestion, fever.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed.
Do I need this test?
Don't order sinus computed tomography (CT) or indiscriminately prescribe antibiotics for uncomplicated acute rhinosinusitis. Viral infections cause the majority of acute rhinosinusitis and only 0.5 percent to 2 percent progress to bacterial infections. Most acute rhinosinusitis resolves without treatment in two weeks. Uncomplicated acute rhinosinusitis is generally diagnosed clinically and does not require a sinus CT scan or other imaging. Antibiotics are not recommended for patients with uncomplicated acute rhinosinusitis who have mild illness and assurance of follow-up. If a decision is made to treat, amoxicillin should be first-line antibiotic treatment for most acute rhinosinusitis.
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT)
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed.
Do I need this test?
Don't order sinus computed tomography (CT) or indiscriminately prescribe antibiotics for uncomplicated acute rhinosinusitis. Viral infections cause the majority of acute rhinosinusitis and only 0.5 percent to 2 percent progress to bacterial infections. Most acute rhinosinusitis resolves without treatment in two weeks. Uncomplicated acute rhinosinusitis is generally diagnosed clinically and does not require a sinus CT scan or other imaging. Antibiotics are not recommended for patients with uncomplicated acute rhinosinusitis who have mild illness and assurance of follow-up. If a decision is made to treat, amoxicillin should be first-line antibiotic treatment for most acute rhinosinusitis.
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT)
Treatment
Symptomatic treatment with analgesics, decongestants, antihistamines, and cough suppressants are the mainstays of therapy. Good hand washing and avoidance of infected persons can prevent the disease.