Common Cold

November 18, 2018

A common cold is a condition of the upper respiratory infection. This condition is caused by a virus. The infection may spread to other people by airborne droplets. It may also transmit through direct contact. A common cold is an inflammation of the mucous membranes such as:

  • Nose
  • Throat
  • Eyes
  • Eustachian tubes

A rhinovirus and adenovirus are examples of a virus that can lead to common colds.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF COMMON COLDS

The listed below are symptoms when a person has common colds:

  • Sneezing
  • A runny nose
  • A headache
  • Coughing
  • A sore throat
  • Congestion
  • Low-grade fever
  • Body aches
  • Stuffy nose
  • Wheezing
  • Unusual drowsiness
  • Sinus
  • Loss of appetite
  • Extreme fussiness

CAUSES

The main cause of the common cold is a virus. Rhinovirus and Adenovirus are examples of a virus. When the virus enters your mucous membranes it can make a person sick. This is due to a weak immune system of a person. When a person has common colds the disease can spread through:

  • Sharing personal things
  • Direct contact
  • Through sneezing
  • Someone who coughs in front of you

RISK FACTORS

The following are the factors that have a high risk of common colds:

  • Age of a person
  • Young and adult
  • A weak immune system
  • A person who smokes
  • Time of the year
  • Exposure
  • A person with asthma
  • Lack of sleep
  • Stress
  • Season

DIAGNOSIS

Having a common cold is not difficult to diagnose. Some people diagnosed themselves with the symptoms. This condition is not fatal or serious. It might occur for a couple of days. But this will not last for a long period of time. If your doctor suspects that you have an infection he may suggest you have:

  • Urine test
  • Stool test
  • Blood test
  • Chest Xray
  • Other lab tests

This reason is to identify your condition.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

The listed below are things you need to apply to yourself. This is to void your risk of having common colds. These are the following safety tips:

  • Don’t share your things with other people.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap.
  • Use a tissue to cover your mouth when you sneeze or a cough.
  • Avoid direct contact with a person who is sick.
  • Eat a healthy balanced diet. Get enough sleep and rest.
  • Teach your children to use a tissue when they cough or sneeze.

TREATMENT

Actually, there’s a cure for this condition. Treatment for this condition is a direct relieve to its symptoms. The following are treatments that may help such as:

There’s a home remedy that may also help these include:

  • Drinking plenty of fluids.
  • Take enough rest.
  • Adjust your room temperature.
  • Use a saline nasal spray to relieve yourself.
  • Take vitamin C