Common cold

this is general topic useful for nursing students for references purpose and ,its create awareness for general public

1. COMMON COLD nidigantla . subrahmanyam Dept. medical and surgical nursing Asram nursing college Andhra pradesh

2. Definition of common cold Defination : it an acute upper respiratory tract infection marked by inflammation of mucous membranes of nose, throat ,eyes, and eustachian tubes and watery then purulent discharge and caused by several viruses. Such as rhinovirus and adenovirus .

3. Causes of cold Many types of viruses can cause a common cold, most common rhinoviruses A cold virus enters the body through mouth ,eyes or nose .Then virus can spreads through droplets in the air when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes or talks Hand –to-Hand contacts from infected person Sharing contaminated objects ,such as utensils,towels,toys or telephones.

4. Spreads of common cold

5. Risk factors Age. Any age people are prone to get, Children younger than 6 are at greatest risk of colds, Weakened immune system. Having a chronic illness or otherwise weakened immune system increases your risk. Season . Winter season ,rainy season people are more commonly get Smoking. cigarette smoke is highest risk of cold . Exposure. Over crowded places , share surfaces, poor hygiene

6. Signs and symptoms

7. Medical management The most common cold medications for children and adults over the age of 6 includes the followings. Decongestants help ease nasal congestion and stuffiness. oxymetazoline nasal (Afrin, Dristan 12-Hour Nasal Spray) phenylephrine nasal (Neo-Synephrine) phenylephrine oral (Sudafed PE, Triaminic Multi-Symptom Fever and Cold) pseudoephedrine (Sudafed Antihistamines prevent sneezing and ease runny noses. Pain relievers ease the general body aches that sometimes accompany a cold.

8. Natural home remedies

9. Is There a ‘Best’ Tea to Treat Colds? Lemon tea 2. Elderberry tea 3. Echinacea tea 4. Green tea 5. Herbal tea with honey

10. Nursing Management of common cold No specific management for common cold Provide complete rest Home remedies can help to control Gargle salt water,for a sore throat, gargle 8 ounces of warm water mixed with ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt Hydrate :Drink plenty of fluids, Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water that is 8 to 10 glasses , juice,tea or clear broth. Avoid caffeinated drinks or alcohol, which can cause dehydration. Take warm liquids ,like a Tea ,warm lemon water, and soup will help to relieve congestion.

11. Nursing management Steam inhalation Saline nasal spray De breathing and coughing exercises Elevate the head to relieve cold Chest physiotherapy Provide spicy food Provide diversional therapy.

12. Nursing care

13. 9 Ways to Naturally Clear Up Your Congestion Natural decongestant remedies Humidifier Steam inhalation Saline nasal spray Neti pot: nasal irrigation devices

14. Herbs and spices: Foods such as peppers, ginger , and garlic can reduce the gustatory rhinitis. Spicy foods cause the body to make more mucus and lead to a runny nose. Elevated head Essential oils Hydration

15. When to see a doctor Pressure of pain around the forehead Colored nasal discharge colored (brown, green, or blood-tinged) Fever of 101 degrees or higher that persists for more than 24 hours Sweating ,shaking or chills Difficulty in swallowing A deep barking cough Difficulty breathing

16. complications Acute ear infection (otitis media) Asthma Acute sinusitis Other secondary infections: Streptococcal pharyngitis and pneumonia

17. Preventive measures Wash your hands: clean your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water, and teach the child the importance of hand washing. If soap and water are not available ,use alcohol- based sanitizer. Disinfect your stuff: Clean kitchen and bathroom countertops with disinfectant, especially when someone in your family has a cold . Wash children's toys periodically . Use tissues to cover the mouth: When children's sneeze and cough into tissues , Discard used tissues right away ,then wash the hands carefully. Teach children to sneeze or cough: When child are coughing or sneezing bend of their elbow when they are not having tissues.

18. Flu prevention

19. Preventive measures Don’t share : Don’t share drinking glasses or utensils with other family members. Use separate glass or disposable cups when you or someone sick in the family . Steer clear of colds: Avoid close contact with anyone who has a cold. Choose your child care center wisely: Provide good hygiene practices and clear policies about when sick children at home. Take care of yourself: Eating well, getting exercise and enough sleep, and managing stress might help you keep cold at bay.