Internal Medicine

0521779407-18 CUNY1086/Karliner 0 521 77940 7 June 4, 2007 21:20

1306 Rhinitis Rhinovirus

procedure and anesthesia used Atrophic rhinitis can occur in certain

patients and in patients in whom over resection of the turbinates has

occurred

follow-up

■Follow up can be performed as needed for progression or lack of

resolution of symptoms

■Underlying conditions should be followed as appropriate

complications and prognosis

■In general, rhinitis is not a life threatening condition and there is no

known impact on survival

RHINOVIRUS

CAROL A. GLASER, MD

history & physical

History

■Rhinovirus principal cause of the “common cold”

■Rhinovirus; at least 100 antigenic serotypes (infection with one type

confers type-specific immunity, but little or no protection against

other types)

■Coronaviruses can also cause common cold (see Coronavirus)

■Humans only known host

■Transmission: direct contact or inhalation airborne droplets

■Household spread common

■Incubation period: 12–72 h

■Period of communicability around 24 h before onset and 5 days after

onset

■Many persons have 1–6 colds/year

■Incidence highest in children <5 yr

Signs & Symptoms

■Coryza

■Sneezing

■Fever – occurs in 10–20% of cases, low-grade

■Variable symptoms; malaise, headache, cough (unremarkable chest

exam)

■Last 2–7 days