Defined clinically as sneezing attacks, nasal discharge, or blockage, occurring for more than an hour on most days

The common cold (acute coryza)

• Acute, self-limiting, viral inflammation of the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract

Aetiology

• Acute viral infection of the nasal passages - most commonly rhinovirus, may also be coronavirus and RSV

Clinical features

• Nasal discharge and congestion, sneezing
• Sore throat, cough
• Fever
• General malaise

Investigations

• Clinical diagnosis

Management

• Supportive

Allergic rhinitis

• Condition caused by an IgE-mediated type 1 hypersensitivity reaction; environmental allergens cause an allergic inflammatory response in the nasal mucosa

Aetiology

Allergic rhinitis may be:

• Seasonal, for example hay fever
• Perennial (year round), for example house dust mite allergy