Common Cold - Symptom, Causes, Treatment of Common Cold

An acute viral infection of the upper respiratory passages in which the mucous membranes lining the nose, throat and larynx (voice box) become inflamed. The infection spreads when droplets con-taining the virus are coughed, sneezed or breathed out by someone with a cold and are inhaled by another person, or when infected secretions get into the mouth by kissing or via contaminated fingers. The common cold is highly contagious. It is often spread through airborne droplets that are coughed or sneezed into the air by the contagious person and then inhaled by another person. Colds can also be spread by hand-to-hand or hand-to-infected-surface contact, after which a person touches his/her face.

The common cold is the most widespread infectious disease, most people getting one or two colds a year. Children have about six to ten colds a year. In families with children in school, the number of colds per child can be as high as 12 a year. Adults average about two to four colds a year, although the range varies widely. Women, especially those aged 20 to 30 years, have more colds than men, possibly because of their closer contact with children. On average, individuals older than 60 have fewer than one cold a year.

Symptom of Common Cold

Symptoms of the common cold usually begin two to three days after infection and often include nasal discharge, obstruction of nasal breathing, swelling of the sinus membranes, sneezing, sore throat, cough, and headache. These include sneezing, mild fever., blocked or runny nose, sore throat. headache, hoarseness and coughing. Symptoms usually appea within 2 days of infection and may last from a few days to 2 weeks. The following are the most common symptoms of the common cold. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• stuffy, runny nose
• scratchy, tickly throat
• sneezing
• watering eyes
• low-grade fever
• sore throat
• mild hacking cough
• achy muscles and bones
• headache
• mild fatigue
• chills
• watery discharge from nose that thickens and turns yellow or green

Treatment of Common Cold

The best treatment is rest, plenty of fluids, and keeping warm. Steam inhalations loosen secretions and help to relieve chest tightness. Paracetamol will reduce fever and ease headache; if a cough is troublesome, your doctor or pharmacist will suggest a suitable cough mixture. Currently, there is no medication available to cure or shorten the duration of the common cold. However, the following are some treatments that may help to relieve some symptoms of the cold:

• over-the-counter cold medications, such as decongestants and cough medicine
• over-the-counter antihistamines (medication that helps dry up nasal secretions and suppress coughing)
• rest
• increased fluid intake
• pain relievers for headache or fever
• warm, salt water gargling for sore throat
• petroleum jelly for raw, chapped skin around the nose and lips
• warm steam for congestion

However, a cure for the common cold may be on the horizon. Researchers have recently discovered the structure of the viral enzyme that is the key cause of colds. This knowledge opens the door te the development of drugs that will block the enzyme's effect, reducing the severity of symptoms and duration of illness in infected people, and pre-venting infection of those around them.

What can you do to avoid catching a cold?

• If possible, stay away from people with colds.
• Avoid crowded places where the risk of infection is greater.
• Do not touch your nose or eyes after being in physical contact with somebody that has a cold.
• Wash your hands thoroughly, especially after blowing your nose.
• Keep rooms well aired.

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