Acute viral nasopharyngitis natural history, complications and prognosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmed Younes M.B.B.CH [2]

If left untreated, the common cold resolves completely within 7-10 days. Common complications of acute viral nasopharyngitis include sinusitis, otitis media, and exacerbation of reactive airway disease. Prognosis is generally excellent: 50% of patients recover completely within 7 days, while 90% of patients recover within 15 days.

If left untreated, the common cold resolves completely within 7-10 days.^[1]

The majority of common cold bouts are passed without complications. However, complications might develop due to swelling of the nasal mucosa, which facilitates infection in the lower respiratory tract or the middle ear mucosa.^[2][3]

The common cold may cause obstruction of Eustachian tubes, predisposing the patient to otitis media.

Sinusitis is suspected when the symptoms of common cold are prolonged or not respond to treatment.

Although rhinovirus does not usually invade the lower respiratory tract mucosa, it may facilitate the invasion of other viruses or bacteria.

Rhinovirus infections has been known to be coomplicated with acute asthma attacks.

Prognosis is generally excellent, with 50% of patients recovering completely within 7 days, and 90% recovering within 15 days.^[1]

Complications usually occur in immunocompromised patients or patients at both age extremes.