Description An infection of the...
Description
An infection of the upper airway that usually lasts 2-4 days. Patients often experience low grade fevers, fatigue, nasal congestion or runny nose and a dry cough. Almost always caused by a virus. There are many viruses that cause this infection and they are contagious.
Symptoms
Symptoms tend to start with nasal congestion or runny nose and sore throat followed by a cough. The cough is usually dry or it produces small amounts of white clear sputum. The mucous from the runny nose (rhinorrhea) is clear. Fever is often present although not as high as with other viral illnesses such as the flu. Muscle aches (myalgias) and headaches are common. The headache tends to be mild to moderate in severity.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Occasionally a chest x-ray may be done to rule out pneumonia.
Tests:
X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Occasionally a chest x-ray may be done to rule out pneumonia.
Tests:
X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice
Treatment
Antibiotics are of no use. Patients are treated for their symptoms with: acetaminophen (Tylenol), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn or Aleve), cough medicine, and decongestants.