Nasopharyngitis, also known as the common cold, is an infectious and inflammatory condition affecting the throat and nasal passages. Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, and congestion, and treatment involves over-the-counter pain relievers and decongestants. Children are at an increased risk of developing secondary infections, and nontraditional treatments may include warm compresses and supplements.
Nasopharyngitis is an infectious and inflammatory condition that affects the throat and nasal passages. Individuals who contract this viral infection show signs and symptoms that accompany acute viral nasopharyngitis or the common cold. Treatment generally involves the administration of over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and decongestants. Left untreated, this condition can contribute to the development of more serious infections, including strep throat and bronchitis.
Everyone has experienced the symptoms associated with the common cold. Most frequently caused by the rhinovirus, the disease is usually contracted through direct contact with an infected individual and contributes to the development of nasopharyngitis. Other viral infections that can trigger symptoms include the flu and some presentations of the coronavirus. When such viral infections settle in the upper respiratory system, the nasal passages and throat are directly affected.
Symptoms are easily recognized and diagnosed without testing and often include sneezing, coughing, and feeling unwell. This condition will typically induce inflammation and irritation of the throat and tonsils. The presence of infection in the upper respiratory system also often causes excessive mucus production, congestion, and secretion. In some cases, individuals with moderate to severe nasopharyngitis may develop fever.
Children who are ill with this type of disease are often considered to be at an increased risk of developing a secondary infection. It’s not uncommon for children to experience more pronounced symptoms than adults, and in general, that means an increased risk of complications. Additional symptoms, such as ear discomfort or a chronic cough, may be a sign of a secondary condition, such as an ear infection or pneumonia. Parents should monitor their children for signs of abnormally high fever, dehydration, and impaired breathing.
In the absence of a cure for the common cold and nasopharyngitis, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms until the infection has run its course. Individuals can often find relief with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, which can ease throat discomfort and reduce fever. Decongestants, while not usually recommended for children, can ease an adult’s nasal congestion by drying out excess mucus. Cough drops and syrups are often recommended to relieve a sore throat, although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends closely monitoring the use of such over-the-counter medications when given to children. Nontraditional treatments for the common cold may also include using warm compresses, gargling with salt water, and taking echinacea and vitamin C supplements.
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