Common Cold: Symptoms, Cause & Treatment
A viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract is the common cold. The most frequent cause is rhinovirus, and the most typical symptoms are a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, and a scratchy, sore throat. In actuality, the typical cold is an upper respiratory tract viral infection.
These viruses can travel quickly from surface to surface or from person to person. Numerous viruses have hours or even days of viability on surfaces.
Even though you may be familiar with the common cold, there are some things you should know about it to help you feel better, prevent colds in the future, or even stop the virus from spreading to other people.
Continue reading to find out how to treat a common cold.
What is a common cold?
An infectious upper respiratory infection, or cold, affects the windpipe (trachea), sinuses, throat, and nose. you may have heard that coronaviruses cause colds. A cold can be caused by over 200 distinct types of viruses. The rhinovirus is the most prevalent cold virus.Because colds are prevalent, as their name suggests, we refer to them as such. More colds than any other sickness will likely be experienced by you over your lifetime. Adults typically get a cold two or three times a year, whereas young children typically get sick four or more times.
What is the common cold's cause?
Any one of viruses that cause inflammation of the membranes of the nose and throat can induce a cold. Any one of the more than 200 viral types can cause it. However, most colds are caused by rhinoviruses.It is very easy to distribute the common cold to other people. When a sick individual coughs or sneezes into the air, it frequently spreads by airborne droplets. After that, another person inhales the droplets. Additionally, colds can spread when an infected individual contacts you or a surface you later touch, such as a doorknob.
It's a common misconception that being cold or experiencing a chill causes a cold. It is true that during the cold season (early fall to late winter), there are more colds. There are likely several reasons behind this, such as:
There is a higher chance of contracting the virus while schools are in session.
Individuals spend more time indoors and are more proximate to each other.
Dry nasal passages brought on by low humidity make people more susceptible to cold viruses.
Also Read: 12 Best Home Remedies for Cold and Flu
Which symptoms correspond to a cold?
It usually takes one to three days for cold symptoms to manifest after being exposed to a virus that causes them. Cold symptoms rarely strike without warning.Symptoms of the nose include:
- Congestion
- Sinus pressure
- Stuffy nose runny nose
- Loss of smell or scent sneezing
- Watery nose secretions
- Discharge in the back of your throat or postnasal drip
Symptoms of the head include:
- Watery eyes
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Lymph nodes that are swollen
- General tiredness or exhaustion
- Chills
- Body pains
- Fever with a low grade below 102°F (38.9°C)
- Chest discomfort
- Difficulty taking deep breaths
A cold usually lasts seven to ten days. After reaching their peak on day five, symptoms usually become better.
It could be necessary to visit a doctor if your symptoms increase after a week or if they persist after ten days. In that case, you might have a different illness.
Making a cold diagnosis:
Visiting your doctor is rarely required to diagnose a simple cold. Recognizing symptoms of a cold is frequently sufficient to figure out the diagnosis.Of course, schedule a visit with a doctor if your symptoms get worse or last for more than ten days. Your doctor can make the diagnosis if you're suffering from a separate health issue.
The virus that is causing your cold should clear out of your system in seven to ten days.
If your doctor diagnoses you with a cold, you probably won't need any further treatment until the virus has had time to clear up. Using over-the-counter (OTC) cold medications, drinking enough water, and getting enough sleep are some examples of these treatments.
It can take the same amount of time for the flu virus to completely go away if you have it. It is good to consult your doctor again if your symptoms worsen after day five or if you still don't feel better after a week, as you might have contracted another condition.
Taking an antiviral drug early in the virus's cycle may help if you have the flu. For those who have the flu, rest and fluids are also quite helpful. Similar to the common cold, it takes some time for the flu to spread throughout your body.
Factors that increase the risk of getting the common cold:
You could be more susceptible to getting a cold under certain circumstances. Among these are:Time of year. Although colds can occur at any time of year, they are more common in the fall and winter, as well as during the wet seasons. In cold and wet weather, we stay indoors more, which increases the risk of the virus spreading.
Ages. Colds are more common in children under the age of six. If they are in daycare or a situation where children are cared for by others, their risk increases even more.
environment. Rhinoviruses are more likely to infect you if you're in a crowd, such as an airplane or at a concert.
Immune system compromise. You can be more susceptible to contracting a cold virus if you have a long-term medical condition or have recently been sick.
Smoking. Smokers are more likely to get colds, and when they do, they usually get them more severe.
Lack of sleep. Sleep deprivation or irregularity can have an impact on your immune system, increasing your susceptibility to cold viruses.
Adult treatment:
A viral infection of the upper respiratory tract causes the common cold. Antibiotics cannot be used to treat viruses. Viruses, like the common cold, usually just have to run their course. While the infection's symptoms can be managed, the infection itself cannot be cured.The over-the-counter (OTC) drug
The following OTC drugs are most frequently taken for colds:
- Decongestants. Decongestant medications aid in reducing stuffiness and congestion in the nose.
- Antihistamines. Antihistamines relieve runny nose symptoms and help stop sneezing.
- Painkillers. Aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen are examples of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) that can help reduce fever, inflammation, and body aches.
Sometimes, these medications are taken in combination with common cold medications. To avoid accidentally taking more of any one class of drug than you should, if you're using one, be sure you read the label and know what you're taking.
Among the most typical adverse effects of over-the-counter cold drugs are:
- Dehydration
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
Before using any over-the-counter cold medications, you should speak with your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed with high blood pressure.
By constricting blood arteries and decreasing blood flow, several drugs aid in symptom relief. High blood pressure can have an impact on how blood flows through your body.
Treatment for children:
OTC drugs for cough and cold symptoms in children under the age of two are not recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to the possibility of significant and possibly life-threatening side effects. This cough and cold product manufacturers voluntarily label it with the warning, "Do not use in children under 4 years of age."Give no over-the-counter cough or cold medications to your baby unless prescribed by their healthcare provider. To cure a baby's common cold:
- Make sure that the baby is comfortable.
- Give the baby a few fluids. Infants under six months old should be given formula or breast milk. Your infant is also allowed to take some water at six months.
- Allow your infant to rest well.
Since most kids can't blow their noses until they're around 4 years old, you can try the following techniques to aid your baby with his stuffy nose:
Saline and suction: To help your baby's nasal mucus loosen up, apply over-the-counter saline (salt water) drops about 15 minutes before feeding. A few minutes later, use an oral suction device or rubber bulb to remove the fluids and mucus. This will help your baby breathe and suck at the same time by clearing the mucus from their nose.
Use a humidifier: or vaporizer to add moisture to the air in your baby's room. The fresh, refreshing mist will help moisten the air and lessen the dryness of your baby's throat and nasal passages. Before using the humidifier, give it a thorough cleaning and drying to remove any possible mold or bacteria buildup. Make sure the filter is the right one for the job and see if it has to be changed. Hot water vaporizers should not be used due to the burn risk.
Steam: If you don't have a humidifier, move the baby into a bathroom or other steamy room. After turning on the hot water and shutting the door, spend around fifteen minutes sitting in the steamy room together. Keep your infant with you in the room at all times. Keep yourself safe near water. Taking your infant for a warm bath could also help.
Prevention:
Can one prevent developing a common cold?You can take many precautions to avoid getting a cold, such as:
Hand washing: Always wash your hands, especially before preparing or consuming food. Additionally, wash your hands after touching someone who is sick, going to the bathroom, or wiping your nose.
Avoid touching your face: Cold viruses can enter your mouth, nose, and eyes through your hands.
Cleaning regularly touched surfaces: Doorknobs and other frequently touched areas may contain viruses.
Using hand sanitizers: Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you are unable to wash your hands with soap and water.
Boosting your immunity: To make your body more capable of fighting off germs, get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and engage in regular exercise.
Staying at home: When you're sick, stay at home to prevent the illness from spreading to others.
How can a baby prevent a cold?
Keeping your infant away from individuals who are sick is the best defense against a cold. Try to keep your infant at home. An infant may contract a more serious illness from the same virus that causes a moderate illness in an adult or older child.The most crucial strategy to stop colds from spreading is to wash your hands:
- After coughing, sneezing, or wiping their nose, adults who interact with infants and young children should wash their hands.
- After handling someone who is sick, wash your hands.
- Wash your hands and your baby's hands after wiping their noses.
- Toys that babies put in their mouths should not be shared; instead, clean them regularly.
- Use hand sanitizers or pre-moistened wipes if soap and water aren't accessible. (Make sure kids can't reach hand sanitizers. Ingestion of these could be hazardous.)
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