•           Commonly caused byviruses like Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Coronavirus, Adenovirus.

•           Seen more commonly in children.

•           Secondary bacterial infection: Streptococcus pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenza etc.

Clinical Features

•           Malaise

•           Nasal discharge-clear and watery or mucopurulent

•           Sneezing

•           Muscle aches and headache

•           Loss of sense of smell

•           Loss of appetite

•           On anterior rhinoscopy, nasal mucosa congested and edematous. Pharynx appears slightly congested.

•           Mildly enlarged, non-tender cervical lymph nodes.

Management            -

A.  Non pharmacological

•           Washing hands to prevent transmission.

•           Rest and plenty of fluids.

B.  Pharmacological

1.   Analgesics

•   Paracetamol (Oral, IM) -

Adults                                    0.5-1 gm every4-6 hours upto maximum of 4 gms

Children                                1Omgkg every 4-6 hours

•   Ibuprofen (Oral)

Adults                                   400 mg q4-6 hrs

Children                                10mg/kg 8 hourly (6-1 2yrs).

2.   Decongestants: (Oral)

•   Phenylephreine                         5mg HS

•   Pseudophedrine

                  Adults                  60 mg P0 q4-6 hrs

                  Children              5-30 mg P0 q4-6 hrs Syrup: 3mg/ml

3.   Antihistamines

•   Cetirizine (Oral)

                  Adults (6 yrs and older)                   5-10mg once daily

                  Children (4-6yrs)                             2.5 mg once daily to max of 5mg a day

•   Chlorpheniramine (Oral)

                  Adults                                               4mg every 4-6 hrs as needed

                  Children (6-l2yrs)                            2mg three to four times a day

4.   Antibiotics-required when secondary infection supervenes

•    Ampicillin

                  Adults                                               250 - 500mg 6 hourly

                  Children                                            50- 100 mg/kg/day P0 divided 6 hourly

•   Amoxicillin

                  Adults                                                500mg P0 q12 hr

                  Children                                            25-30 mg/kg/day divided q 12 hr