Common cold Images-various-aspects-
What is the common cold?
Numerous viruses are responsible for causing the common cold. This is the reason why individuals experience colds repeatedly and why vaccination against the common cold is not feasible.
The diagram above shows the sites of a range of respiratory infections. This leaflet just deals with the common cold (an upper respiratory tract infection).
Common cold symptoms
The main symptoms of a common cold are:
The main symptoms of a common cold are:
- A blocked (congested) nose.
- A runny nose.
- Coughing.
- Sneezing.
- Feeling generally unwell.
- Feeling tired.
- A high temperature (fever).
- Headache.
- Body aches and pains
At first, a distinct discharge (mucus) comes from the nose. This often turns thick and yellow/green after 2-3 days. Sleeping might become challenging due to a congested nose.
The cough is frequently linked to phlegm, which can be clear or colored; green phlegm (sputum) does not signify a bacterial lower respiratory tract infection and is usually connected with the common cold.
How long does the common cold last?
Cold symptoms are generally at their peak after 2-3 days and then gradually improve. However, the cough may persist for up to 3 weeks after the infection has cleared. This is due to swelling (inflammation) in the airways, triggered by the infection, which can take some time to resolve.
How long is the cold contagious?
Most individuals with the common cold will remain contagious for approximately two weeks. Yet, symptoms tend to be more severe during the initial 2-3 days, which is when they are most likely to transmit the cold.
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Common cold treatments
A primary goal of treating the common cold is to alleviate symptoms while the immune system combats the infection.
No medications can eliminate the common cold or lessen the duration of the illness. The immune system will overcome it in its own time.
One or more of the following might be helpful:
Taking paracetamol or ibuprofen
Paracetamol and ibuprofen will lower a high temperature (fever) and alleviate aches, pains, and headaches. It is crucial to adhere closely to the instructions provided with the medication and not exceed the recommended dose.
Children under the age of 5 years should only take these medications if they have a fever or seem distressed by their symptoms.
Having plenty to drink
A mild fluid deficiency in the body (dehydration) can result from a fever; hence, increasing fluid intake is recommended. If there is no fever, however, there is no evidence that drinking more fluids than usual has an effect.
Smokers should aim to quit permanently. Common colds (and more severe lung conditions) tend to persist longer in smokers.
Steam inhalation
There is limited evidence that this is beneficial, but some individuals report finding it helpful. It is crucial to exercise caution to prevent burns and scalds, especially with children. The safest method to inhale steam is to remain in the bathroom with the door closed while running a hot shower to create a steamy environment.
Vapour rubs
Vapour rubs can be purchased at pharmacies and supermarkets. Some people believe they assist with nasal congestion. The vapour can be applied to the chest and/or back of the person suffering from the cold, but the area beneath the nose should be avoided.
Sore throat lozenges
Sucking on sore throat lozenges (available at pharmacies and supermarkets) or boiled sweets may help relieve a sore throat.
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Warm drinks with honey and lemon
This may assist in alleviating a sore throat. (It is recommended not to provide honey to infants under 1 year old as its safety is uncertain. ) Likewise, gargling salt water might temporarily relieve sore throat symptoms.
Salt (saline) nose drops
These are drops made of a saline solution that may assist in clearing a congested nose. They can be beneficial for infants struggling to breathe through a blocked nose while feeding. They are available for purchase at a pharmacy.
What about cold and flu remedies?
Numerous other cold and cough remedies can be purchased at pharmacies, but these are solely appropriate for adults and older children. Refer to the additional information below about administering these remedies to children, as well as the separate leaflet Coughs and Colds in Children.
These remedies do not combat the infection, but they might be helpful for specific symptoms. For instance, a decongestant nasal spray may aid in relieving a congested nose.
It is crucial to keep in mind that cold and cough remedies frequently contain multiple ingredients; therefore, it is essential to be cautious about taking more than one remedy to avoid the risk of overdosing on a specific ingredient. For example, some cold remedies may include paracetamol and a decongestant, so if that is taken alongside paracetamol, excessive paracetamol could be consumed, which may pose dangers.
Certain cold and cough remedies can induce drowsiness. This may be beneficial at bedtime if sleep is hindered by the cold, but it is vital not to drive if feeling sleepy.
Using nasal sprays
A decongestant spray can be utilized to alleviate nasal congestion but should not be used for more than a few days. It may provide an immediate effect in clearing a blocked nose, although the effect is not long-lasting. If a decongestant nasal spray is utilized for over 7 days, it may lead to increased nasal blockage again. This phenomenon is referred to as a rebound effect.
Use of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in children
In March 2009, a significant statement was released by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) that states:
“The new guidance is that parents and caregivers should cease to use over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medications in children under 6. There is no evidence that they are effective, and they can lead to side effects, such as allergic reactions, sleep disturbances, or hallucinations.
“For children aged 6 to 12 years, these medications will remain available but will only be sold in pharmacies, with clearer guidance on the packaging and from the pharmacist. This decision is made because the risk of side effects is diminished in older children as they weigh more, experience fewer colds, and can communicate if the medicine is effective. More research is being conducted by the industry on the efficacy of these medications in children aged 6-12 years. ”
Note: paracetamol and ibuprofen are not categorized as cough and cold medications and can still be administered to children.
What about antibiotic medications?
Antibiotics are not recommended for the common cold since they do not eliminate viruses. The immune system has the ability to clear the infection. Even when bacteria are involved, antibiotics have minimal impact on accelerating recovery from the common cold.
Antibiotics might exacerbate symptoms as several individuals experience side-effects such as diarrhea, nausea, or a rash. Antibiotics might be dispensed if there is a pre-existing (chronic) lung condition like COPD. They might also be provided if a complication arises, such as pneumonia – though this is unlikely if one is otherwise healthy. They do not prevent complications from arising.
Supplements and home remedies for the common cold
Numerous research studies have been conducted to discover a cure or prevention method for the common cold. So far, there has been no success. Presently, there is no strong evidence indicating that any of the following remedies ought to be utilized:
Garlic.
Vitamin C.
Echinacea.
Chinese herbal remedies.
There exists some limited evidence suggesting that zinc supplementation could shorten the duration of a cold by two days.
Can a cold lead to pneumonia?
Most common colds do not result in complications. A common cold may lead to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath in individuals with asthma, although those with asthma are not more likely to develop bacterial lower respiratory tract infections or other lung ailments.
Occasionally, the infection spreads to the lung tissue, sinuses, or ears. Bacteria may multiply in the mucus, causing a few individuals with colds to potentially develop a bacterial infection in the lung tissue (pneumonia), ears, or sinuses.
Medical guidance should be sought if symptoms do not begin to improve within two weeks or if there is concern that a complication is forming. Specifically, symptoms to monitor that may indicate more than just a URTI include:
- Headaches worsening or becoming severe.
- Rapid breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest pain.
- Coughing up blood or if the sputum appears rusty-colored.
- Becoming drowsy or confused.
- A cough lasting longer than 3-4 weeks.
Can the common cold be prevented?
Preventing the common cold is challenging. Many different viruses can lead to an upper respiratory tract infection.
Nonetheless, the following suggestions might help diminish the likelihood of catching a cold or transmitting one. Individuals with a common cold should:
- Try to avoid close contact with others – for instance, kissing, hugging, etc.
- Frequently wash their hands with soap and water. Many viruses are transmitted through touch, particularly from hands contaminated with a virus.
- Refrain from sharing towels, flannels, etc.
- Children should be discouraged from sharing toys that belong to a child with a URTI. If a child has a URTI, toys should be sanitized with soapy water after use.
In essence, common sense and good hygiene may mitigate the transmission of certain viruses responsible for URTIs.
Engaging in exercise may also help avert the common cold.
An intriguing research study (refer to the references below) indicated that individuals who engage in regular exercise are less prone to contracting the common cold.
The research examined 1,002 individuals over a 12-week period during winter. It discovered that those who exercised on five or more days each week had a significantly reduced likelihood of experiencing a common cold in comparison to those who were relatively inactive-FOR FURTHER INFORMATION IN GREAT DETAIL PL CLICK ON THE LINK GIVEN BELOW-It is always better to view links from laptop/desktop rather than mobile phone as they may not be seen from mobile phone. ,in case of technical difficulties you need to copy paste this link in google search. In case if you are viewing this blog from mobile phone you need to click on the three dots on the right upper corner of your mobile screen and ENABLE DESKTOP VERSION.
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