What is common cold ? What causes common cold? Common cold is a nasal and throat illness caused by viruses. more than 200 different types of viruses have been identified to cause the common cold. The disease is also known as a cold. The main viruses that cause the disease are rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, adenoviruses, and RSV. The disease is more common in autumn and winter. The incubation period of the disease is 24-72 hours. The duration of the common cold is generally about one week, which can last longer in children. Common cold is often confused with flu; however, it is a milder illness compared to the flu. The biggest difference between the two is that flu does not cause a runny nose.
Contents:
Who gets common cold?
How is common cold transmitted?
What are the symptoms of common cold?
How is common cold diagnosed?
How is common cold treated?
What are some remedies for common cold?
What are the complications of common cold?
How to prevent common cold?
Who gets common cold?
Common cold can affect anyone, including children and adults. Infants are protected by antibodies passed on from their mother during the first 6 months. Afterwards, it is normal for a child to have 6-8 common cold attacks per year. As children start going to school and being in crowded environments, the number of attacks increases. Adults, on the other hand, may experience 2-3 attacks per year.
How is common cold transmitted?
Common cold spreads through small droplets of nasal and throat secretions of infected individuals through air. Factors that increase the risk of transmission include poor hygiene practices, close contact with infected individuals, smoking or being in a smoking environment, insufficient sleep, weakened immune system, crowded and poorly ventilated environments, and living in places such as daycares and schools.
What are the symptoms of common cold?
The main symptoms of common cold include:
Mild fever
Sore throat or throat irritation
Runny or stuffy nose
Sneezing
Dry cough
Watery eyes and eye irritation
Ear congestion
Headache
Fatigue
How is common cold diagnosed?
Common cold is diagnosed based on the patient's symptoms and a physical examination by a physician. If there are no complications, testing is usually not necessary.
How is common cold treated?
There is no specific cure for common cold. Antibiotics are not used unless sinusitis, bronchitis, or middle ear infection develops. Symptoms usually last for about 10 days, but the duration may be longer if complications arise. The general treatment approach is to relieve pain with analgesics, facilitate breathing with decongestants, increase fluid intake, humidify the air, gargle warm salt water, and use over-the-counter medications if necessary. Herbal teas are also beneficial. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is important. Bed rest is recommended, and wearing a mask can help prevent transmission. Proper hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of the disease.
What are some remedies for common cold?
Some remedies that can help alleviate symptoms of the common cold include:
Mint-lemon mixture
Ginger-honey mix
Cinnamon honey milk
Lemon chamomile tea
Vitamin C
Throat lozenges
Echinacea tea
Chicken soup
What are the complications of common cold?
After common cold, coughing may persist in infants. A lower respiratory tract infection called bronchiolitis may develop. Middle ear infection commonly occurs after common cold in small children. Nasal congestion can lead to sinusitis. Pneumonia and bronchitis may develop after common cold in small children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Common cold can also trigger asthma attacks in asthmatic patients. Persistent green-yellow nasal discharge and headaches after common cold may indicate sinusitis. Earache and ear discharge are signs of middle ear infection. Long-lasting, severe cough with difficulty breathing warrants examination of the lower respiratory tract.
How to prevent common cold?
Preventive measures for common cold include:
Frequent hand washing
Avoiding touching the nose and eyes
Ventilating the environment regularly
Not smoking or being in smoking environments
Regularly cleaning toys in daycare centers and schools.