Common cold

The cold, or common cold, is so prevalent that studies indicate an average adult experiences 4-6 colds per year, while children typically have 6-8 colds annually. A cold is most commonly characterized by the following symptoms:

• Stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Sneezing
• Cough (productive or dry)
• Watery eyes
• Malaise or a general feeling of being unwell
• Slight body aches or a mild headache
• Nasal discharge that is more than usual

Note: Discharge usually starts out clear and becomes thicker and yellow or green as the cold progresses.

Occasionally, the common cold can also present with the following symptoms:

• Postnasal drip or drainage at the back of the throat
• Earache
• Sinus pressure
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of smell or taste
• Oversensitivity to ambient temperature
• Chills (feeling cold with or without fever)
• Low-grade fever (below 102°F)
• Chest discomfort
• Difficulty in breathing deeply

The most common causes of the common cold are viruses, especially RNA viruses. Some of the common viruses that cause colds include:

• Rhinovirus
• Coronavirus
• Influenza virus
• Parainfluenza virus
• Adenovirus
• Coxsackievirus
• Human bocavirus (HBoV)

Some common colds may also be caused by bacteria, but this is quite rare. Rhinoviruses are known to be the most common causative agents of colds in both children and adults.

Following factors can increase your risk of catching a cold:

• Infants, toddlers, and young children are at a higher risk of catching a cold.
• Although one can get a cold at any time of the year, it is more prevalent in winter.
• Close contact with an infected person.
• Exposure in crowded places such as playgroups, schools, offices, or airplanes.
• Low humidity or dry weather, which makes the nasal passages drier and more susceptible to infection.
• Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Poor hand hygiene.
• Exposure to contaminated objects.
• Allergies.
• Chronic respiratory illnesses.
• Low immunity.
• Lack of sleep.
• Stress.

The diagnosis of a cold is based on your medical history and physical examination. Laboratory tests are typically of little significance in diagnosing a cold. However, some rapid tests are suggested for the detection of:

• Influenza
• Parainfluenza
• Adenovirus antigens in nasal secretions

Rhinovirus, influenza viruses, and adenoviruses can also be detected by taking a throat swab.

You cannot always prevent a cold. However, by following some simple preventive tips, you can avoid catching a cold from other people.

• Do not come in close contact with people who have a cold, particularly during the initial days of their illness, as they are highly infectious and may spread the infection.
• Wash your hands frequently throughout the day, especially after close contact with someone who has a cold or after touching contaminated objects. It is also important to wash your hands before and after meals.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent infecting yourself with the cold virus, as your hands are the easiest way for viruses and other infected particles to enter your body.
• Do not use personal belongings of an infected individual, such as towels and handkerchiefs, to avoid contracting the common cold.
• Maintain appropriate humidity levels in your environment, as a dry environment can trigger a cold and lead to drying of the sinuses.
• If you have a cold, cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief or tissue while coughing or sneezing.
• Discard used tissues in a closed-lid bin and wash your hands afterward. It is also advised to stay away from vulnerable individuals suffering from asthma or other chronic lung diseases.

There is no definitive treatment available against colds caused by viral invasion. For such cases, medications can provide relief from symptoms. Here are some common treatment options suggested by professionals in case of a cold:

• Antihistamines and decongestants: If you have a cold, antihistamines and decongestants can provide symptomatic relief by reducing nasal discharge, nose-blowing, sneezing, duration, and severity of symptoms. Common examples include:
  • Phenylephrine
  • Chlorpheniramine
  • Fexofenadine
• Expectorants and antitussives: If your cold is accompanied by a cough, you may need either an antitussive or an expectorant, depending on the type of cough you have. Common examples include:
  • Guaifenesin
  • Dextromethorphan
• Pain relief medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help ease symptoms such as body aches, inflammation, and fever. Examples include:
  • Paracetamol
  • Ibuprofen
  • Aspirin

Over-the-counter medications can provide temporary relief of symptoms and should be used as soon as you feel a cold coming on.

• Increase your intake of fluids: If you have a cold, drinking plenty of fluids will help thin the mucus and facilitate its drainage from the nose. It is advised to include plenty of liquids, especially warm drinks, to soothe your sore throat and manage your cold symptoms better.
• Take proper rest: Adequate sleep is vital to healing. Overexertion and fatigue can aggravate cold symptoms. Sleep helps produce natural fighter cells in the body that combat infections.
• Use nasal saline solution or spray: Non-medicated nasal saline sprays or solutions can keep your nasal passages moist and free of thickened mucus, relieving blocked nasal passages.
• Keep the ambient air humid: A humidifier can maintain moisture in the air, preventing the drying of nasal passages. Inhaling steam can also provide relief from cold symptoms.
• Use a neti pot: A neti pot helps flush out mucus. Bend your head to the side over the sink, place the spout in your upper nostril, and pour a saltwater solution into it, allowing the water to drain from the lower nostril.
• Sleep in an elevated position: Sleeping at a slightly elevated angle aids in better mucus drainage. Use pillows to elevate your head to assist fluid flow in your sinuses and prevent congestion.
• Gargle: Gargling with salt water or povidone-iodine can reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections.
• Eat foods that support your immune system: Foods rich in Vitamin C and zinc can aid in recovery from the cold. Items such as oranges, lemons, bell peppers, and strawberries can help alleviate cold symptoms.
• Pay extra attention to hygiene: Maintaining good hygiene not only helps prevent colds but also stops the spread of the virus to others. Ensure your hands are clean and disinfect frequently touched items and surfaces.

Fight the viral cold better with these effective and easy natural remedies.

Colds usually get better in a few days to weeks, with or without medication. However, a cold virus can lead to several other infections in the body, including:

• Acute ear infection (otitis media)
• Acute sinusitis
• Acute bronchitis
• Strep throat
• Pneumonia
• Croup or bronchiolitis in children

If you are already suffering from respiratory problems such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, a cold may worsen the symptoms of these conditions.

Here are some home remedies that can help you recover faster from a cold.

• Lemon (Nimbu): Lemons are among the most famous remedies for cold and fever as they are rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C. They increase the body’s resistance to cold and cough and reduce the duration of illness. You can take lemon juice in warm water with a tablespoon of honey. This solution can be taken twice or thrice a day.
• Ginger (Adrak): Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. To cure a cold, cut a small piece of ginger and boil it in water. Strain this mixture and consume the decoction twice or thrice a day. You can also chew raw ginger or consume it in supplement form.
• Garlic (Lehsun): Garlic is an excellent source of anti-inflammatory agents with antispasmodic and antiseptic action. You can take 3-4 cloves of garlic boiled in water and consume it once a day. Alternatively, take 3-4 drops of garlic oil diluted in water twice or thrice a day.
• Turmeric (Haldi): Turmeric is another excellent remedy for colds. Mix half a teaspoon of turmeric in warm milk and consume it once a day. For quick relief from a runny nose, you can inhale the smoke from burning turmeric.
• Bitter Gourd (Karela): The roots of bitter gourd are effective in treating a cold. Mix a paste of bitter gourd, tulsi leaves, and equal parts honey, and take it once daily at night for a month.
• Lady Finger (Bhindi): Lady finger, or okra, is rich in mucilage and helps treat throat allergies, swelling, and pain associated with colds. To relieve the common cold, add a few cut lady fingers into boiling water and consume this decoction once daily.
• Vitamin C: Regular intake of Vitamin C is helpful in preventing colds. If you already have a cold, taking Vitamin C can help relieve symptoms and shorten the duration of the cold. You can take 1-2 tablets of Vitamin C daily or as prescribed by your doctor.