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Viral Rhinitis (Common Cold)

Last updated: March 2025

Common Cold (Viral Rhinitis | Coryza): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Article Summary

Viral rhinitis, commonly known as the common cold,is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa caused by viral infections. It leads to symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, and congestion. This guide provides an overview of the causes, symptoms, nursing care and effective treatment options for viral rhinitis (coryza).

Contents of this article


  1. Topic Overview
  2. What is Common Cold
  3. Causes of Common Cold
  4. Symptoms of Common Cold
  5. Treatment of Common Cold
  6. Nursing care of Common Cold
  7. Complications of Common Cold


What is Common Cold?

Common cold – alternative names: Coryza, Viral Rhinitis. This refers to a contagious, upper respiratory tract infection that is self-limiting and caused by a virus. It can also be defined as a viral, contagious, self-limiting upper respiratory tract infection. Over 200 viruses cause or bring about common cold,with rhinovirus accounting for about one third to half of all common colds. The common six viruses known to produce the signs and symptoms of viral rhinitis are rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus, coronavirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza virus,and adenovirus.Each virus may have multiple strains. For example, there are over 100 strains of rhinovirus, which accounts for 50% of all colds. Colds are highly contagious.

Incidence of Common Cold

Frequency increases in the winter months or cold seasonswhen people stay indoors and overcrowding is more common.
Other factors such as chilling, fatigue, physical and emotional stress, and compromised immune status may increase susceptibility.


Causes - Mode of Transmission

It is the most prevalent infectious disease. Most viruses can be transmitted in several ways:

  • Direct contact with infected secretions
  • Inhalation of large particles that land on a mucosal surface from talking, coughing or sneezing
  • Inhalation of small particles that may be suspended in the air for up to an hour.


Signs & Symptoms of Common Cold

  • Nasal congestion
  • Runny nose (rhinorrhoea)
  • Nasal discharge
  • Nasal itchiness
  • Sneezing
  • Tearing watery eyes / Watery eyes
  • Sore throat (scratchy, tickling and irritation)
  • Malaise
  • Low-grade fever
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • As the illness progresses, cough usually appears
  • The symptoms last from 1 to 2 weeks.
  • After the early profuse secretions, the nose becomes more obstructed, and the discharge becomes thicker.
  • Within a few days the general symptoms improve, nasal passages reopen, and normal breathing is established.
  • If there is significant fever or more severe systemic respiratory symptoms, it is not viral rhinitis but one of the other acute upper respiratory tract infections.
  • Allergic conditions can also affect the nose, mimicking the symptoms of a cold.

You may also like: Everything you need to know about Rhinitis

Treatment of Common Cold

  • There is no specific treatment for common cold.
  • Management consists of symptomatic therapy.
  • Warm salt water gargles soothe the sore throat
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen relieve the aches, pains, and fever in adults.
  • Antihistamines are used to relieve sneezing, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion.
  • Topical (nasal) decongestant agents may relieve nasal congestion.
    • However, if they are overused they may create a rebound congestion that may be worse than the original symptoms.
  • Antimicrobial agents (antibiotics) should not be used because they do not affect the virus or reduce the incidence of bacterial complications.
  • Antibiotics have no effect on viruses and, if taken injudiciously, may produce antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Nursing Management of Common Cold

The following are the measures to put in place in the care of patient's with ckd

  • Adequate fluid intake, particularly, hot liquids to liquefy secretions
  • Adequate rest
  • Prevention of chilling, fatigue, stress, overcrowding etc
  • Proper hand washing to prevent transmission of the infection
  • Provide warm, moist air by shower or humidifier to relieve swollen mucous membranes
  • Avoid irritants (dust, chemicals, tobacco smoke) when possible
  • Limit exposure to animals and house pets, particularly in the bedroom
  • Ensure adequate ventilation
  • Eat a nutritious diet
  • Exercise appropriately
  • Avoid allergens, if allergies are associated with upper respiratory infections

Complications of Common Cold