Primary care
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The common cold is characterized by symptoms of rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, sneezing, throat clearing, postnasal drip, and cough. Some of the many viruses that cause colds may cause mild additional symptoms such as sore throat, weakness, dizziness, and tearing. This article presents data concerning the cause, pathogenesis, and treatment of the common cold as well as discussion of the available diagnostic tests and their use in formulating differential diagnoses.
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Afebrile or atypical pneumonia is a relatively common illness in infants. These children often present afebrile with diffuse or bilateral infiltrates on chest radiograph. ⋯ The role of agents such as Chlamydia, Ureaplasma, Pneumocystis, and viruses is elucidated. Techniques for diagnosis and recommended treatment regimens are presented.
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This article reviews the commonly encountered agents causing acute inflammation of the pharynx and tonsils, with special attention to a practical approach for identifying and dealing with the group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. Ubiquitous viral agents such as Epstein-Barr virus, rhinovirus, and adenovirus are reviewed. Some agents such as group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus and Epstein-Barr virus are susceptible to treatment. Additionally, unusual infectious agents and noninfectious causes of pharyngitis are enumerated.
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Persistent or chronic cough is defined as a cough lasting more than 3 weeks. A systematic approach to the diagnosis and treatment of chronic cough involves a detailed history. ⋯ When further investigation is necessary, a complete blood count, chest radiograph, and PPD are indicated. Additional testing is guided by findings in the history and physical examination to rule out the less common but more serious causes.
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Concerns over infraglottic and bronchial infections have been a source of anxiety and lost sleep for many children, parents, and physicians. The annual incidence of lower respiratory tract infections in children younger than 6 years old exceeds 5 million in the United States. Despite the frequency of these infections, the often common and nonspecific clinical symptomatology, variable severity, and changing epidemiology over time all have contributed to our understanding and misunderstanding of these disorders.