COMMON COLD REMEDIES AND TREATMENT | COMMON COLD | VIRUSES | INFECTION | INFLUENZA | PNEUMONIA | ALLERGIES

COMMON COLD REMEDIES AND TREATMENT

 

What Is The Common Cold?

The common cold causes more healthcare provider visits and absences from school and work each year than any other illness. It is caused by any one of several viruses and spreads easily to others. It is not caused by cold weather or getting wet.

WHAT CAUSES THE COMMON COLD?

A cold is caused by any one of several viruses that cause inflammation of the membranes lining the nose and throat. It can be caused by any one of over 200 different viruses. Despite the countless myths and home remedies surrounding the common cold, the truth is that most colds are caused by Rhinoviruses.

The common cold spreads easily to others. It is often spread by airborne droplets coughed or sneezed by a sick person. The virus-laden droplets enter another person's respiratory system through their nose or mouth. A cold can spread when someone who is sick touches you or a surface you touch (like a doorknob).

Contrary to popular belief, cold weather or cold does not cause a cold. However, more colds occur during the cold season (early fall to late winter).

THIS COULD BE CAUSED BY A NUMBER OF THINGS, INCLUDING:

• With schools open, the risk of exposure to the virus increases.

• People live more indoors and closer to each other.

• Low humidity, which makes nasal passages more susceptible to cold viruses.

WHO IS AT RISK FOR THE COMMON COLD?

Everyone is at risk of the common cold. People are prone to colds in autumn and winter from late August or early September to March or April. The increased incidence of colds during the winter season is due to more people being indoors and close to each other. Additionally, in cold, dry weather, the nasal passages dry out and become more vulnerable to infection.

Because of children's immature immune systems and close physical contact with other children at school or daycare, children catch more colds each year than adults. In fact, the average child gets 6 to 10 colds a year. The average adult gets 2-4 colds a year, but some people may get more or fewer depending on their immunity.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF A COLD MAY INCLUDE:

• Runny nose

• Scratchy, Sore throat

• Sneezing

• Watery eyes

• Low-grade fever

• Mild hacking cough

• Painful muscles and bones

• Headache

• Mild fatigue

• Chills

• Watery nasal discharge that thickens and turns yellow or green

A cold starts 2 to 3 days after the virus enters the body and symptoms last from several days to several weeks.

Cold symptoms can resemble other medical conditions. If your symptoms are severe, please see a doctor or other healthcare professional for a diagnosis and treatment.

COLDS AND FLU (INFLUENZA)

Cold and flu (influenza) are two different diseases. A cold is relatively harmless and usually goes away on its own, although sometimes it can lead to a secondary infection, such as an ear infection. However, the flu can cause complications, such as pneumonia and even death. What may seem like a cold, could be the flu. Be aware of these differences:

COLD SYMPTOMS

• Low or no fever

• Occasional headache

• Runny nose

• Sneezing

• Mild, hacking cough

• Slight pain

• Mild fatigue

• Sore throat

• May have normal energy levels or feel lethargic

FLU SYMPTOMS

• High fever

• Headaches are very common

• Clear the nose

• Sometimes sneezing

• Cough, often severe

• Often has severe aches and pains

• Fatigue for several weeks

• Sometimes sore throat

• Extreme fatigue

HOW IS THE COMMON COLD DIAGNOSED?

Most common colds are diagnosed based on reported symptoms. However, cold symptoms can mimic certain bacterial infections, allergies, and other medical conditions. If your symptoms are severe, please see a doctor or other healthcare professional for a diagnosis and treatment.

HOW IS THE COMMON COLD TREATED?

Currently, there is no medicine available to cure or slow down the common cold. However, the following are some treatments that can help relieve some of the symptoms of a cold:

·     Over-the-counter remedies for the common cold, such as nasal decongestants and cough suppressants.

·     Over-the-counter antihistamines (medicines that help dry up nasal secretions and suppress coughs).

THE REST

·     Increases fluid intake

·     Pain relievers for headache or fever

·     Drinking warm, salty water for sore throat

·     Petroleum jelly can be used to soothe and protect raw, chapped skin around the nose and lips.

·     Warm steam to clear the nose

Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, so they will not help to cure a cold. Antibiotics are only effective when given to treat a bacterial infection.

Do not give aspirin to a patient with a fever. Aspirin, when given as a treatment for viral illnesses in children, has been associated with Reye's syndrome. It is a potentially serious or fatal disorder in children.

HOME REMEDIES TO REDUCE COLD:

Hot Milk and Turmeric: In case of cold, add a spoonful of turmeric to a cup of hot milk and drink it. Turmeric is anti-bacterial so it helps in reducing colds.

Ginger: Chewing a thin piece of ginger also helps in reducing colds. It also reduces sore throat and cough due to cold. You can also drink ginger tea.

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF THE COMMON COLD?

Colds can lead to secondary infections, including bacterial, middle ear, and sinus infections that may require antibiotic treatment. If you have a cold with a high fever, sinus pain, significantly swollen glands, or a cough that produces mucus, see your healthcare provider. You may need additional treatment.

CAN THE COMMON COLD BE PREVENTED?

The best way to prevent colds is to wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with people who have colds. When around people who have a cold, don't touch your nose or eyes, as your hands can become contaminated with the virus. If you have to work with someone who has a cold, ask them to wear a mask and wear a mask yourself.

If you have a cold, cough, or sneeze, use a tissue on your face and dispose of the tissue immediately. Then wash your hands immediately. Also, cleaning surfaces with disinfectants that kill viruses can stop the spread of colds. Research has shown that rhinoviruses can survive outside the nasal lining for up to 3 hours.

WHEN SHOULD I CALL MY HEALTHCARE PROVIDER?

If your symptoms get worse or you develop new symptoms, tell your healthcare provider. If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, call your provider, as you may have another type of infection.

See your doctor immediately if a cold lasts more than a week and is accompanied by fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or coughing up blood.

Summary

A cold is a respiratory infection that can make you feel like your head is in a fog and your throat is on fire. The common cold spreads easily to others. It is often spread by airborne droplets coughed or sneezed by a sick person. The virus-laden droplets enter another person's respiratory system through their nose or mouth. Symptoms may include bloating, runny nose, itching, tickling throat, sneezing, watery eyes, and low-grade fever. Symptoms of the common cold can be relieved by getting plenty of rest and drinking fluids. Because colds are caused by viruses, antibiotic treatment will not work. The best prevention of the common cold is frequent hand washing and avoiding close contact with people who have colds.

PLEASE BE AWARE

All the information in the above article is collected from various websites through the internet. According to the subject, this information has been presented to you with necessary modifications. The Compiler does not take any responsibility for its authenticity and cannot guarantee 100% about the points and information presented therein. Readers are requested to enjoy reading.