The common cold

The clinical distinction between a patient who has a common cold with pharyngitis and a patient at risk for streptococcal pharyngitis is based on the symptoms that are present and those that are absent. Many other diagnostic distinctions in patients with a common cold or similar acute respiratory illnesses can be made, using readily available information. Management can be cost-effective and of low toxicity when the relative merits and risks of each preparation and its constituents are understood.