Acute viral nasopharyngitis natural history, complications and prognosis
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Differentiating acute viral nasopharyngitis from other diseases |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmed Younes M.B.B.CH [2]
Overview
If left untreated, common cold resolves completely within 7-10 days. Common complications of acute viral nasopharyngitis include sinusitis, otitis media and exacerbation of reactive airway disease. Prognosis is generally excellent and 50% of patients recover completely within 7 days and 90% of patients recover within 15 days.
Natural History
If left untreated, common cold resolves completely within 7-10 days.
Complications
Majority of common cold bouts pass without complications. However, complications might develop due to swelling of the nasal mucosa which facilitates the infection of the lower respiratory tract or the middle ear mucosa.
Otitis media
Common cold may cause obstruction of eustachian tubes and predisposes to otitis media.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is suspected when the symptoms of common cold are prolonged not responding to treatment.
Pneumonia and lower respiratory tract infections
Although RV is not usually invading the lower respiratory tract mucosa. It may facilitate invasion of other viruses or bacteria.
Exacerbation of reactive airway disease
Asthma is an established risk factor for developing acute viral nasopharyngitis. Also, RV has been implicated in inducing attacks of acute asthma.
Prognosis
Prognosis is generally excellent with 50% of patients recover completely within 7 days and 90% of patients recover within 15 days. Complications usually occur in immunocompromised patients or at extremes of age.