inflammation of the nasal cavities and nasopharyngeal areas

most common URI

acute (common cold)

chronic (allergenic hay fever)

Common Cold

(Viral Rhinitis)

self limited, afebrile

spread by dropley during sneezing and coughing

highly contagious

swelling of mucous membranes of nasal passages

can exacerbate herpes simplex virus

Common Cold Meds

Antihistamines

focus on symptom relief

dries respiratory secretions

relieves sneezing, pruritis, and rhinorrhea

meds--glaucoma

do not drive if using sedating drugs

relieve nasal obstruction due to edema

relieve inflammation via vasoconstriction

stimulate sympathetic nervous system

increase BP and HR