The Viral Rhinosinusitis (Common Cold)
Not yet clinically reviewed
This protocol was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia and Ward Guide apps for educational use. Follow your hospital's own policies and consult seniors when in doubt.
Features
- Nasal congestion, clear rhinorrhea, and hyposmia.
- Associated malaise, headache, and cough.
- Erythematous, engorged nasal mucosa without intranasal purulence.
- Symptoms are self-limited, lasting less than 4 weeks and typically, less than 10 days.
Prevention
- Prevention of influenza virus infection by boosting the immune system using the annually created vaccine may be the most effective management strategy.
Treatment
Cap- Ostavir-Flu (oseltamivir) 75mg PO x BD for 5 days (For high risk patients only i.e. young children, pregnant women, and adults older than 65 years of age)
- Nasal irrigation with hypertonic saline (3-5%)
- Tab- Fexet D (Fexofenadine 60mg + pseudoephedrine 120mg) PO x BD for 5 days
- Xynosine (xylometazoline) nasal spray, 2 sprays in each nostril BD for 3 days.
- Withdrawal of the drug after prolonged use leads to rhinitis medicamentosa, an almost addictive need for continuous usage. Treatment of rhinitis medicamentosa requires mandatory cessation of the sprays, and this is often extremely frustrating for patients.
- Fluni Tarisin (flunisolide) nasal spray, 2 sprays in each nostril twice daily
- Atem (ipratropium 0.06%) nasal spray, 2-3 sprays every 8 hours as needed 'OR'
- Tab- Deltacotrel (oral prednisone) 5mg, 3 tablets PO x BD for 7-10 days and then tapered.