for infection through continued exposure to soil
and dust.
See also ASTHMA; BRONCHITIS; HISTOPLASMOSIS;
PLEURAL EFFUSION; PNEUMONIA.
colds Common illnesses resulting from INFECTION
with one of more than 200 variations of rhi-
novirus, a family of highly contagious viruses that
infiltrate the nasal mucosa (mucous membranes
that line the inside of the NOSEand the SINUSES).
Because so many variations of rhinovirus can
cause colds, most people get several colds a year.
Children may get 8 to 10 colds in a year; adults
may get half as many. Colds are the most common
viral infections.
Symptoms and Diagnostic Path
The characteristic symptoms of a cold affect the
nose and sinuses and represent the IMMUNE SYS-
TEM’s efforts to rid the body of the VIRUSrather
than the actions of the virus itself. Symptoms of a
cold include
- runny nose (rhinitis) and sinus congestion
- sneezing
- yellowish green nasal discharge
Some people develop sore THROAT(PHARYNGITIS)
and COUGHas a consequence of postnasal drip, and
the sinus congestion often causes HEADACHE. Colds
do not typically cause FEVERor MUSCLEaches; these
and other more extensive symptoms suggest a dif-
ferent viral infection such as INFLUENZA(the flu). In
children, EARinfections (OTITISmedia) may occur
as a secondary illness because the congestion clogs
the eustachian tubes, causing fluid to accumulate
in the middle ear.
Treatment Options and Outlook
Colds are self-limiting, generally running their
course in five to seven days. Treatment is support-
ive, targeting relief of symptoms. Many over-the-
counter (OTC) cold products contain decongestant
medications, cough suppressants, ANALGESIC MED-
ICATIONS, and sometimes ANTIHISTAMINE MEDICATIONS.
Drinking plenty of fluids is important to help
loosen nasal secretions, particularly when taking
decongestant medications that dry out the mucous
membranes. Chicken soup, a time-honored folk
remedy, may boost the immune system’s efforts to
fight the infective VIRUS.ANTIBIOTIC MEDICATIONSare
noteffective in treating viral infections. Doctors
may prescribe ANTIVIRAL MEDICATIONSto people at
risk for complications, generally those who are
IMMUNOCOMPROMISED. Antiviral medications can
shorten the course of the cold. Complications that
may develop include BRONCHITISand PNEUMONIA,
both of which can have serious health conse-
quences for people who lack a strong IMMUNE
RESPONSE.Risk Factors and Preventive Measures
Rhinoviruses are ever present. They tend to cause
infection (colds) during times when people are
together indoors for extended periods of time—
winter. The rhinovirus particles travel through the
air and attach themselves to surfaces such as door-
knobs. The most effective measure for preventing
colds is diligent HAND WASHING. Minimizing expo-
sure to large crowds of people (such as in shop-
ping malls, theaters, and restaurants) lowers the
risk for exposure to viruses that cause colds. There
is some evidence that the herbal product ECHI-
NACEAcan prevent or lessen the severity of colds.
Zinc supplements boost immune function, helping
the body resist infection with rhinoviruses.
See also ALLERGIC RHINITIS; EUSTACHIAN TUBE;
SNEEZE/COUGH ETIQUETTE.cryptococcosis An illness that results from
INFECTIONwith the FUNGUSCryptococcus neoformans,
which is abundant in soil worldwide. Cryptococ-
cosis may affect the MENINGES(membranes cover-
ing the BRAINand SPINAL CORD), the LUNGS, or the
SKIN. Infection is most likely in people who are
IMMUNOCOMPROMISED and is a particular risk in
those who have HIV/AIDS, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, or
SARCOIDOSIS. Though typically a mild and self-limit-
ing illness, cryptococcosis disseminate (become
widespread throughout the body).
Most people have mild, generalized symptoms
of illness such as HEADACHE, muscle aches, COUGH,
and chest tightness. Significant exposure to C. neo-
formansor compromised immune function causes
more severe symptoms. Culture of body fluid sam-
ples provides definitive diagnosis. Mild cryptococ-
cosis does not require treatment and most people
recover without complications. Doctors prescribecryptococcosis 319