Common cold ( Coryza)

The common cold is one of the most common acute infection affecting the body. It can occur at all ages, both the sexes equally affected by it. Common cold is caused by virus & its spread occurs by direct contact or by airborne droplets. The virus may be rhinovirus, influenza virus or adenovirus. Secondary infection occurs by bacteria like streptococcus hemolyticus, pneumococcus, & staphylococcus.

Clinical features
Mainly there are 4 stages
A.) Ischaemic stage - after incubation of  1 to 3 days. In this burning in the nasopharynx, after that irritation and dryness in the nose, sneezing is also present.
B.) Hyperamic Stage:
In this stage rhinorrhoea becomes profuse. Blocking of the nose. The mucosa is hyperaemic. Anosmia , fever and headache may also present.
C. ) Stage of secondary infection - discharges becomes yellowish and greenish.
D.) Stage of resolution
It occurs in 5 to 10 days.

Secondary infection may spread and results in sinusitis,  acute otitis media,  pharyngitis,  laryngitis , bronchitis and pneumonia.