Common Cold in Older Children and Adults

Pharmacotherapy for Respiratory Disorders
Common Cold in Older Children and Adults
Common cold defined, and drugs that would be prescribed to patients to treat its associated symptoms.
Definition
Common cold (medical name- viral upper respiratory tract infection) represents a contagious, self-limited illness triggered by various kinds of viruses. Other widely implicated viruses are para influenza, coronavirus, and adenovirus. Due to the constant development of novel cold viruses and the fact that a large number of diverse viruses may end up causing common cold, the human body can never develop resistance against each and every one of them, thereby making colds a common, recurrent issue (Blenkinsopp et al. 2013). In fact, it is the world’s most commonly occurring ailment and the main cause of school/work nonattendance and physician visits. US residents reportedly suffer roughly one billion colds yearly; annual school nonattendance due to colds stands at around twenty-two million days.
Transmission
Common colds are transmitted either through direct contact of disease-ridden secretions from infected surfaces or through inhalation of airborne viruses when affected persons cough or sneeze. Transmission from one individual to another typically occurs when the ailing individual touches or blows his/her nose followed by touching some other surface, object or individual (Ackerman, 2010). A healthy person who unfortunately ends up directly touching that surface or object consequently gets infected, usually following contact of their infected hands with their mouth, eyes, or nose. Generally, common colds spread anywhere between a couple of days prior to symptom emergence and complete cure. But it is largely at its most transmissible stage in the first 2-3 days of falling ill.
Signs and symptoms
Common cold’s symptoms and signs usually start emerging 2-3 days following infection development (which is known as the incubation period); however, this can vary based on what kind of virus has caused the cold. Further, the disease is most highly contagious in the first 2-3 days of emergence of symptoms. Typical signs and symptoms are: runny or stuffy nose, scratchy or sore throat, hoarseness, watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, earache, headache, appetite loss and body ache (Blenkinsopp et al. 2013).
Treatment
Adults and older children who develop common cold may be treated using widely-sold over-the-counter medication like throat lozenges, cough syrups, throat sprays, and cough drops. However, this can neither prevent nor reduce illness duration. Gargling using warm saltwater can provide relief from sore throat (Burns, 2013). Antihistamines, Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) and other decongestant medication can relieve nasal symptoms, in addition to the use of saline nasal sprays. But one must bear in mind the fact that these over-the-counter medicines can have adverse effects, and hence, need to be administered (or consumed) carefully, according to physician directions.
Side effects of common cold drugs on older children and adults, and measures I might take to help reduce negative side effects
Some of the commonly reported side effects of medications prescribed to treat common colds include sleepiness, lightheadedness, upset stomach, blurred vision, queasiness, edginess, dry throat/mouth/nose or constipation. It is imperative to notify one’s pharmacist or physician in case symptoms aggravate or persist (Burns, 2013). Patients need to remember that the physician who prescribes these drugs is well aware of the fact that its benefits outweigh side-effect risks. Most individuals consuming cold medication fail to display any acute side effects, which include: urination issues, shakiness, seizure, irregular/fast/slow heartbeat or mood/mental changes (e.g., hallucinations, confusion, etc.). In such instances, it is crucial to immediately seek medical attention. Seldom does a highly acute allergic response to cold medication occur. But in the event it does (for instance, the patient experiences breathing difficulties, rashes, swelling/itching of the throat, tongue or face, or severe dizziness), medical attention must be immediately sought.













References
Ackerman, J. (2010). Ah-choo! : the uncommon life of your common cold. New York: Twelve.
Blenkinsopp, A., Paxton, P. & Blenkinsopp, J. (2013). Symptoms in the Pharmacy : a Guide to the Management of Common Illness. Somerset: Wiley.
Burns, C. (2013). Pediatric primary care. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier.