What is the common cold? The common cold is a viral infection that affects the
upper airways including the nose, voice box, throat, windpipes and
the lungs. There are more than two hundred viruses that can cause
colds and are commonly known as rhinoviruses or the nose viruses.
These viruses cause inflammation or swelling of the mucous
membrane lining the airways. The symptoms of common cold include
sneezing, a scratchy throat, a stuffy nose, coughing, etc.
What are the causes?
The cold virus is spread via air particles that are expelled while
coughing or sneezing. It also spreads when someone with a cold
rubs his eyes or nose and then touches an object such as a
doorknob, towel, bed linen and other such commonly used articles.
Colds are very contagious. The viruses are airborne and are
transmitted when one sneezes or touches infected objects. Anyone
can get a cold. Children are more likely to get a cold than adults
because they are not immune to certain viruses that cause the
cold.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms generally show up about two days after a person becomes
infected. Early signs of a cold are a sore, scratchy throat,
sneezing, and a runny nose.
Other symptoms that may occur later are:
1. Headache
2. Stuffy or runny nose
3. Watering eyes
4. Chills
5. Weakness
6. Cough and congestion
7. Sore throat
8.Fever and muscle ache.
The symptoms generally last for 2 to 7 days and in some cases may
last for weeks.
What is the diagnosis?
There is no specific test to diagnose common cold. The diagnosis
is based on the symptoms reported and the physical examination
made by the doctor.
What is the treatment?
There is no cure for the common cold but managing symptoms is the
best that can be done for the cold, as there is no specific
treatment. Antibiotics will not cure colds, as they are caused by
viruses and not bacteria. A person with a cold should drink plenty
of fluids and take rest. Cold remedies are almost as common as the
common cold, and many are nearly as ancient.
Some cold remedies include:
1. Water and other fluids - drinking plenty of liquids can help.
Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps
loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. Avoid alcohol, coffee
and caffeinated sodas, which make dehydration worse.
2. Salt water - a saltwater gargle — 1/2 teaspoon salt in a glass
of warm water — can temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat.
3. Saline nasal sprays - over-the-counter saline nasal sprays
combat stuffiness and congestion. Unlike nasal decongestants,
saline sprays don't lead to a rebound effect — a worsening of
symptoms when the medication is discontinued — and most are safe
and nonirritating, even for children.
4. Soup - scientists have found that soup does seem to help
relieve cold and flu symptoms in two ways. First, it acts as an
anti-inflammatory by inhibiting the movement of neutrophils —
immune system cells that participate in the body's inflammatory
response. Second, it temporarily speeds up the movement of mucus
through the nose, helping relieve congestion and limiting the
amount of time viruses are in contact with the nose lining.
5. Over-the-counter cold medications - nonprescription
decongestants and pain relievers offer some symptom relief, but
they won't prevent a cold or shorten its duration, and most have
some side effects. If used for more than a few days, they can
actually make symptoms worse. Keep in mind that acetaminophen can
cause serious liver damage or liver failure if taken in high
doses.
6. Humidity - cold viruses thrive in dry conditions — another
reason why colds are more common in winter. Parched air also dries
the mucous membranes, causing a stuffy nose and scratchy throat. A
humidifier can add moisture to your home.
Preventing The Common Cold
Organic
Ginger tea cleanse the body and
minimize the severity of a cold
Different viruses that
can cause the common cold
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