Diagnosis of a cold in a child
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Diagnosis of the common cold is based on an epidemiological history, clinical picture and rhinoscopy data.
Laboratory diagnostics
In case of severe acute rhinopharyngitis (runny nose) and in cases of hospitalization, which is most typical for children of the first three years of life, an analysis of peripheral blood is performed, which in uncomplicated cases reveals a normal leukogram or a tendency to leukopenia, lymphocytosis.
Identification of viral pathogens of acute rhinopharyngitis is carried out only in case of severe illness in cases of hospitalization of the child. To determine the viral antigens, the immunofluorescence reaction of the prints from the nasal mucosa is used. In recent years, it has become possible to use a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify a wide range of respiratory viruses.
Serological diagnosis of the common cold is based on the use of the hemagglutination inhibition reaction (RTGA), the response of direct and indirect hemagglutination (RPGA, RNGA). Complement fixation (RSK) reactions in paired sera of venous blood. However, these data are more epidemiological than clinical significance.
Methods of etiological diagnosis of acute respiratory infection in children
|
Viruses |
Immunofluorescence with antigens |
RPGA, RNGA, RTGA |
RSK |
|
Flu |
+ |
+ |
+ |
|
Paragripp |
+ |
RTGA |
+ |
|
Adenovirus |
+ |
RTGA |
+ |
|
Rhinovirus |
- |
RPGA | |
|
PC virus |
+ |
RPGA |
+ |
|
Reovirus |
+ |
- |
- |
|
Enterovirus |
- |
- |
+ |
In cases of protracted course with ineffectiveness of conventional methods of therapy, there may be a need for identification of mycoplasmal, chlamydial or other infections. To this end, PCR smears from the pharynx and / or nose are used and seeded from the pharynx and nose to the usual nutrient media and Saburo medium (for detection of mycoses).
Instrumental methods
In all situations, especially in severe or complicated cases, a rhinoscopy is performed, which reveals the swelling, edema and flushing of the nasal mucosa, as well as the mucous or mucopurulent discharge.
Differential diagnosis of the common cold
Usually differential diagnostics of acute rhinopharyngitis is indicated only in its prolonged course, when it is necessary to exclude the non-infectious nature of the disease - allergic and vasomotor rhinitis, pollinosis. Diphtheria of the nose, foreign body of the nasal cavity. The main importance is the history, ENT examination, including the endoscopy of the nasal cavity, the x-ray of the nose, and sometimes the nasopharynx (fibroscopy), ultrasound scanning.
[