What is an upper respiratory infection? It’s just a common cold! The peak season for the common cold is during the fall and winter seasons but you can actually catch a cold during springtime as well. Some people are more susceptible to catch a cold during the spring season due to the dramatic changes in weather, the air quality and increase of allergens which can compromise the immune system.

upper respiratory infection

DEFINITION:

The common cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by viruses

SYMPTOMS:

  • Congestion
  • Runny nose
  • Fever
  • Throat pain
  • Sneezing
  • Malaise

CAUSES:

Viruses, such as rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza virus, and many other viruses

DIAGNOSIS:

This illness is diagnosed clinically. In other words, by a history of symptoms and physical findings consistent with those symptoms. Lab tests are not needed to diagnose a cold.

TRANSMISSION:

Colds are caught from other people with colds.  Transmission includes inhaling the virus or by the virus touching the nose, eyes, or mouth.  Cold weather does not cause a cold. People do stay inside more during cold weather, allowing these viruses to be more easily transmitted from person to person. During spring, your immune system is already dealing with your seasonal allergies, so it doesn’t have as much resources to help fight off a cold if you come into contact with the illness. The incubation period is from 2-5 days.

TREATMENT:

  • Rest
  • Fluids
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tempra) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
  • Cold medications if indicated

DISCUSSION:

According to Nelson’s Textbook of Pediatrics, upper respiratory infections are the most common medical reason for work or school absenteeism, causing more than 25 million lost school days, and 21 million lost work days per year, and accounting for 7% of all visits to pediatricians. Over $2 billion are spent on cold medicines annually. Each year, colds like other viral illnesses, are contracted by coming in contact with people carrying a cold virus. The symptoms usually appear 2-5 days after exposure. Typically, a cold will start with a fever, sore throat, and runny nose. The congestion generally starts clear, turns yellow after three to four days, turns green, and then back to clear. This process usually takes about 10-14 days.

Antibiotics have no effect in the treatment of colds as colds are caused by viruses.  Many people expect to receive an antibiotic once the congestion turns green; however, the color change does not mean that bacteria are growing. It is just the body’s own white blood cells fighting the infection. The best treatments are rest, fluids, saline drops, cool-mist humidifiers, elevating the head of the bed, acetaminophen or ibuprofen, lozenges for older children, and suction with a bulb syringe for infants.

Although used frequently, cold medicines have been found to have minimal benefit. Vitamin C has never been shown to help with colds in any well-done study. Menthol in the humidifier also seems to be of no benefit and, in study after study, echinacea has been shown to be no better than a placebo.

As with most viruses, prevention seems to be the best medicine. Things that will help prevent colds include breast-feeding, good hand washing, and avoiding places where there are crowds of people. Once you get a cold, it is simply a matter of time until it goes away.

ONE DOCTOR’S OPINION:

I’ll admit it, I use cold medicines. I have no study that proves that they work, and sometimes there are some side effects from simple drowsiness to, very rarely, abnormal heartbeats and seizures. These days it is hard enough to convince people that they don’t need an antibiotic. If they leave the office without any prescription it can be frustrating. People want to do something, anything, to help their suffering child. I look at cold medicines as a way to get a child to sleep, which is probably the best thing for a cold. I have never seen any study showing that vitamin C or echinacea works for a cold. I think the problem is that people feel so lousy they just want to do anything to feel better. As long as these things don’t cause harm, I say, why not? The placebo effect (taking something you think will make you feel better which, lo and behold, does make you feel better) is a powerful thing. Antibiotics do not fall under this “no harm” clause, so don’t expect them for the treatment of a cold.

Written by Dr. Michael Bornstein, who has over 28 years of experience as a pediatrician. 

Disclaimer: The contents of this article, including text and images, are for informational purposes only and do not constitute a medical service. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.