Coronavirus: Difference between revisions
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==Evaluation== | ==Evaluation== | ||
Nasopharyngeal swabs can be done which can be used for reverse transcriptase PCRs and immunofluorescent antigen assay. However, cost can be a limiting factor, and in patients with symptoms of the common cold, this testing is not indicated. | |||
==Management== | ==Management== | ||
Revision as of 16:17, 31 August 2016
Background
Coronaviruses are enveloped, positive-stranded RNA viruses that commonly cause up to one-third of upper respiratory tract infections in adults and children. Coronaviruses are also thought to cause diarrhea in infants and children.
Clinical Features
Pulmonary - symptoms include coughing, signs of an asthma exacerbation, and in elderly or immunocompromised patients can even cause respiratory failure
GI - vomiting, diarrhea, in neonates it is thought to possibly even cause Necrotizing enterocolitis
HEENT - otalgia, coryza, rhinorrhea, sneezing
Differential Diagnosis
Evaluation
Nasopharyngeal swabs can be done which can be used for reverse transcriptase PCRs and immunofluorescent antigen assay. However, cost can be a limiting factor, and in patients with symptoms of the common cold, this testing is not indicated.
Management
There is currently no recommended treatment for corona virus infections other than supportive care. During the 2002-2004 SARS outbreak, several antiviral agents were created, but their efficacy was never clearly established.