J00-J06: Acute upper respiratory infections

J00: Acute nasopharyngitis [common cold]

When someone has a cold, they typically have a runny or blocked nose and need to sneeze. The inside of the nose is covered with mucous membrane. The mucous membrane swells up during rhinitis. The mucous membrane then produces more fluid. As a result, the nose runs. Furthermore, it can be more difficult to breathe through the nose and to smell.

A cold can also cause the mucous membrane in the throat to become inflamed. The throat begins behind the mouth and nose. The throat connects the mouth and nose with the windpipe (trachea) and gullet (oesophagus). The throat may only be inflamed where it connects to the nose. However, the inflammation can also affect other parts of the throat. The person then typically has a sore throat.