Acute viral nasopharyngitis physical examination

Acute viral nasopharyngitis Microchapters
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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

Usually, patients with acute viral nasopharyngitis appear ill. Physical examination of patients with acute viral nasopharyngitis is usually remarkable for runny nose, hyperemic nasal mucosa, and mild cervical lymphadenopathy.

Physical examination

The common cold is defined as nose inflammation along with various degrees of pharynx inflammation.

Appearance of the patient

Patient usually appears ill.

Vital signs

Temperature

• Fever is not usually present. Fever points more toward influenza than acute viral nasopharyngitis.

Blood pressure

• Blood pressure usually remains within normal limits.

Pulse rate

• Pulse may be normal or increased due to infection.

Respiration rate

• Tachypnea may be present.

Eyes

• Conjunctivae may be congested, with tearing of both eyes.

Head

• Tenderness of sinuses may be elicited if sinusitis is present.
• Cervical lymph nodes may be enlarged without tenderness.

Nose

• Nasal mucosa is usually red and hyperemic.
• Discharge may be in various colors, from yellow to green. However, the color of discharge gives no indication of the causative organism.

Throat

• The pharynx usually is normal on inspection. However, it may get inflamed with the spread of the infection.

Lungs

• Lungs are typically clear to auscultation.
• Crackles and rhonchi may be found if lower respiratory tract infection and pneumonia are present.