Nasopharyngitis (Common Cold) Patient Education

What is Nasopharyngitis?

Nasopharyngitis is another name for the common cold. It is an infection that causes your nose and throat to get swollen and irritated.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Caused by viruses, mostly rhinoviruses
  
  

• Spreads through coughs, sneezes, or touching things with germs
  
  

• Being close to people who are sick raises your chance of catching it
  
  

• Having a weak immune system or stress can make you more likely to get a cold
  
  

• Cold weather itself does not cause colds but can make symptoms feel worse
  
  

Signs and Symptoms

• Runny or stuffy nose
  
  

• Sneezing
  
  

• Sore throat
  
  

• Cough
  
  

• Mild fever
  
  

• Headache or body aches
  
  

• Feeling tired or weak
  
  

• Watery eyes
  
  

Early Warning Signs

• Scratchy or tickly throat
  
  

• Sudden sneezing
  
  

• Nasal stuffiness starting
  
  

Complications if Untreated or Not Managed

• Usually, colds get better in 7-10 days without treatment
  
  

• If symptoms get worse or last over 2 weeks, you could get:
  
  

  • Sinus infections
    
    

  • Ear infections
    
    

  • Bronchitis or pneumonia, especially if you have other health problems
    
    

Treatment and Self-Care

• Get plenty of rest
  
  

• Drink lots of fluids like water, juice, and broth
  
  

• Use a humidifier or take steam to help with nasal stuffiness
  
  

• Gargle with warm salt water for sore throat relief
  
  

• Use saline nasal sprays to clear your nose
  
  

• Over-the-counter medicines can help with symptoms but don’t cure the cold
  
  

• Avoid smoking and smoky places
  
  

• Wash your hands often to stop spreading germs
  
  

Common Medications

• Pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to reduce fever and aches
  
  

• Decongestants for stuffy nose (use only as directed, not more than 3 days)
  
  

• Cough medicines for dry coughs
  
  

• Antihistamines for runny nose or sneezing
  
  

• Avoid aspirin in children because of risk of Reye’s syndrome
  
  

Medication Side Effects

• Decongestants may cause nervousness, trouble sleeping, or faster heartbeat
  
  

• Pain relievers may upset your stomach if not taken with food
  
  

• Always follow medicine instructions or your doctor’s advice
  
  

Dietary Needs

• Eat light, easy-to-digest foods if you don’t feel hungry
  
  

• Avoid alcohol and caffeine because they can dry you out
  
  

• Warm drinks like soup or tea can soothe your throat
  
  

Lifestyle and Safety Tips

• Avoid close contact with others to stop spreading the cold
  
  

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
  
  

• Clean surfaces often
  
  

• Stay home from work or school until your fever is gone and you feel better
  
  

Prevention and Maintenance

• Wash hands well and often
  
  

• Don’t touch your face, especially eyes and nose
  
  

• Get enough sleep and manage stress
  
  

• Eat healthy foods to keep your immune system strong
  
  

• Get a yearly flu shot since flu can cause worse symptoms
  
  

When to Call for Help

Call Your Home Health Agency or Doctor If:

• Fever lasts more than 3 days or is above 102°F (39°C)
  
  

• Symptoms get worse after starting to feel better
  
  

• You have trouble breathing or chest pain
  
  

• You have a bad headache or sinus pain
  
  

• You have ear pain or drainage from your ear
  
  

• Swelling or redness around your eyes
  
  

• Cough lasts more than 3 weeks
  
  

• Difficulty swallowing or very sore throat
  
  

Go to the Emergency Room Immediately If:

• You have severe trouble breathing or shortness of breath at rest
  
  

• Your lips or face turn blue
  
  

• You become confused or hard to wake up
  
  

• Fever won’t come down with medicine
  
  

• Severe chest pain
  
  

• Seizures
  
  

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

Patient Homework / Assessment

Instructions: Read each statement. Mark True or False. If False, write the correct statement.

1. True or False: Nasopharyngitis is caused by bacteria.
   
   

2. True or False: Sneezing and runny nose are common symptoms.
   
   

3. True or False: Antibiotics can cure the common cold.
   
   

4. True or False: Washing your hands helps prevent catching a cold.
   
   

5. True or False: Over-the-counter medicines cure the cold.
   
   

6. True or False: Drinking lots of fluids helps fight the virus.
   
   

7. True or False: You should rest when you have a cold.
   
   

8. True or False: You can spread the cold virus before symptoms start.
   
   

9. True or False: Using a humidifier can ease nasal stuffiness.
   
   

10. True or False: Fever usually lasts for several weeks with a cold.
    
    

11. True or False: Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke when sick.
    
    

12. True or False: Decongestants can be used safely for several weeks.
    
    

13. True or False: Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
    
    

14. True or False: Sharing drinks is okay when you have a cold.
    
    

15. True or False: Severe chest pain means go to the ER immediately.
    
    

16. True or False: A sore throat usually gets better without antibiotics.
    
    

17. True or False: Colds can lead to ear or sinus infections sometimes.
    
    

18. True or False: Aspirin is safe for children with a cold.
    
    

19. True or False: Stay home until your fever is gone and you feel better.
    
    

20. True or False: The flu vaccine protects against illnesses like the cold.
    
    

Individualized Questions for Patients

• How many days have you had cold symptoms?
  
  

• Have you had a fever? How high?
  
  

• Are you using any medicines for your symptoms?
  
  

• Have your symptoms gotten worse or new ones appeared?
  
  

• How much water do you drink each day?
  
  

• Are you able to rest and avoid close contact with others?
  
  

• Did you get a flu vaccine this year?
  
  

• Do you smoke or are you exposed to secondhand smoke?
  
  

• Do you have other health problems like asthma or diabetes?
  
  

• When was your last doctor visit about your cold?
  
  

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911