Coryza is the medical term for acute rhinitis, which is the inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the nasal passages. It is commonly known as the common cold, a frequent and generally mild infection of the upper respiratory tract. Coryza is a self-limited illness, meaning it typically resolves on its own within a short period, though it can cause significant discomfort.
Symptoms and Clinical Presentation
Symptoms usually begin one to three days after exposure to the causative virus. A sore or scratchy throat is often the initial complaint, signaling the start of the inflammatory response. This is quickly followed by rhinorrhea (a runny nose) and frequent sneezing.
The nasal discharge is initially clear and thin, as the body attempts to flush out the invading viral particles. Within a few days, the discharge typically becomes thicker and may change color to a yellow or green hue due to immune cells fighting the infection. Nasal congestion and obstruction become more prominent as inflammation causes the tissues lining the nose to swell.
Secondary symptoms often accompany the nasal complaints, including a mild headache, general malaise, and occasionally a low-grade fever. As the infection progresses, post-nasal drip can trigger a cough, which may persist longer than the other symptoms. The illness usually runs its course in approximately seven to ten days.
Common Causes and How Coryza Spreads
Coryza is caused by a viral infection, with over 200 different viral types capable of producing common cold symptoms. The most frequent culprits are Rhinoviruses, responsible for an estimated 30 to 80 percent of all cases. Other common pathogens include Coronaviruses, Adenoviruses, and Parainfluenza viruses.
Transmission occurs through two primary mechanisms: direct contact and droplet spread. The most common route involves the transfer of virus-laden secretions from an infected person’s hands to the nose or eyes of a susceptible individual. Viruses can survive on contaminated surfaces, known as fomites, such as doorknobs or shared objects.
Infection also spreads through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets travel a short distance before landing on surfaces or being inhaled at close range. Once the virus enters the body, it attaches to the cells of the nasal lining, triggering the immune reaction that results in inflammation and mucus production.
Treatment and Home Management
Since coryza is a viral infection, no specific medication exists to cure it; treatment focuses entirely on supportive care and symptom relief. Resting allows the body to conserve energy for the immune response. Maintaining adequate fluid intake helps thin nasal secretions and prevents dehydration. Utilizing a clean humidifier or cool-mist vaporizer can also help soothe irritated nasal and throat passages by increasing moisture.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are commonly used to manage discomfort. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, slowing the formation of prostaglandins. This helps reduce pain, inflammation, and fever.
Nasal congestion can be treated with decongestants, which contain sympathomimetic agents like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine. These agents stimulate alpha-adrenergic receptors on nasal blood vessels, causing them to constrict. This vasoconstriction reduces swelling in the nasal lining, temporarily opening the airways. Saline nasal sprays or rinses offer another effective method of relief, physically flushing out mucus and improving mucociliary clearance.