Common Cold which comes under ‘Upper Respiratory Tract Infections’ is the common disesase which is felt due to change in weather or due to intake of cold foods etc. The symptoms are many which are associated with cold and it is caused by one or more of some 20 different viruses.
Colds are thought to be contagious which spread from person to person. The viruses are air borne and are universal. They carry the infection. If the health is good they are generally resistant to the cold but environmental factors like air pollution and emotional factors like anxiety and depression may increase susceptibility.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. They also vary from cold to cold in the same person also.
Generally cold starts with sneezes, running nose, teary eyes and a stuffed head. Sometimes breathing difficulty may also occur due to swelling of the nasal membranes and breathing can be done with the mouth only. The sensation of smell and taste can also disappear for a few days due to infection. Sore throat is also felt. A post nasal drip may cause a constant cough when lying down at night.
When these symptoms are persistent and acute and if accompanied by fever and aching joints, it may be progression toInfluenza or the flu. The persistent symptoms requires doctor’s attention.Influenza is caused by many different types of viruses and new viruses are also reported like the one which is causing Asian Flu, Swine Flu etc.
There is no medicine to cure cold and influenza, but one can get relief from the symptoms by taking cold remedies. To prevent various bacterial diseases like Pneumonia from developing antibiotics are prescribed by the doctors. The antibiotics are ineffective against cold viruses.
Treatment
Common cold lasts for about a week or two. Rest, sleep,extra liquids and aspirin every four hours are used generally to relieve discomfort in treating common cold. Unless prescribed by the physician, anti-histamines and nose drops should be avoided. If symptoms like painful sore throat, fever, earache, dry cough or pains in the chest are present they should be taken to the notice of the doctor.
Prevention
Vitamin C can be taken at the first sign of symptoms as it develops immunity. Susceptibility to Cold can be prevented by getting proper amount of sleep, eating sensibly, avoiding exposure to sudden chill, staying away from crowds and by keeping emotional tensions under control. By following these one can increase resistance to colds and other minor respiratory infections.
Inocultion against particular types of viruses are recommended for pregnant women, elderly people, people with chronic heart and lung diseases. They are effective against particular virus for a limited period.
