Acute Coryza Etiology Many viruses cause the common cold. Pinpointing the specific cause of each illness by virus isolation or serologic tests is impractical. Pathogenic bacteria inhabiting the nasopharynx sometimes cause purulent complications such as otitis media and sinusitis.
Bacteria can also cause infections secondary to viral bronchitis.
Illness generally begins with nasal or throat discomfort, followed by sneezing, rhinorrhea, and malaise. Characterically, the illness is afebrile. Hacking cough with scanty sputum often lasts into the 2nd wk. An exacerbation of persistent bronchitis after a cold is common in people with chronic respiratory tract disease. Exacerbation of bronchoconstriction is asthmatics and bronchitic patients frequently occurs with a common cold.