Summary

• An acute viral inflammation of the upper respiratory tract mucosa involving the nose, throat, sinuses, and larynx.
• Most of the population experience at least one episode per year; these are usually self-limited and resolve within a few days.
• Treatment is symptomatic: rest, fluids, analgesics/antipyretics, and prevention of spread are the recommended first-line treatments.
• There is no role for antibiotics in uncomplicated illness; evidence for vitamin C, echinacea, zinc preparations, and steam inhalation is also weak.
• The condition is occasionally complicated by bacterial infections such as otitis media, sinusitis, or pneumonia.
• Oral/intranasal decongestants and antihistamines have a role in reducing nasal congestion, although evidence is weak beyond the first dose.