Most common URI

Inflammation of the nasal cavities and nasopharyngeal areas

Acute (common cold)

Chronic (allergic hay fever)

"Common cold"

Self limited, afebrile

Spread by droplet during sneezing & coughing or direct contact

Highly contagious - virus is shed 2 days before S/Sx appear & several days into symptomatic phase

Acute local inflammatory response

Swelling of mucous membranes or nasal passages

Immunity produced only to individual virus

Nasal congestion

Profuse nasal discharge (coryza)

Sneezing

Coughing

Sore Throat

Low grade fever

Chills

HA

Malaise

Muscle aches

Can exacerbate Herpes Simplex virus in some poeple causing cold sores

Focus on symptom relief

Dries respiratory secretions via anticholinergic effect

Assess contraindications: asthma, lower respiratory disease (aggravated by drying secretions), glaucoma, decreased GI motility, BPH, urinary problems, heart disease

Teaching:

- Do not drive if using sedating rx

- Notify MD for confusion, chest tightness, wheezing, bleeding

- Do not drink alcohol

- Suck on hard candy or ice chips for dry mouth

Relieve nasal obstruction due to edema & inflammation via vasoconstriction

Avoid in clients w/ HTN, DM, thyroid disease, pregnant

Evaluate for med interatctions: MAOIs & HTN meds

Teaching:

- Use nasal sprays <3 days

- Increase fluids

- May cause nervousness, shakiness or difficulty sleeping

Teach to avoid excessive use

Rhinitis medicmentosoe - rebound effect from overuse of OTC nasal spray

Corticosteroid - reduce severe congestion, inhibits inflammatory response

Nursing - do not abruptly stop taking

Teach - begin 2 weeks before pollen season (not immediate response)

Sinuses become congested when drainage obstructed

Can follow URI from viral or allergic rhinitis

Most resolve spontaneously, life threatening if untreated

Types:

Acute - rapid onset, purulent drainage

Subacute - persistant purulent drainage for 3 months or less despite Tx

Chronic - Symptoms lasting longer than 3 months

Nasal endoscopy

Sinus X-rays

MRI sinus