Common cold : symptoms, causes, transmission, treatment

Common cold

common cold is one of the contagious viral disease, affects the upper airway tract. It is also called as acute nasopharyngitis. It is usually caused by coronavirus, and picornaviruses.

Features of common cold

-children below 12 years are more vulnerable for common cold.

-even though it is a self limiting, sometimes need medical help.

-chance for common cold is high during fall and winter, as there is high chance for spreading of organisms.

-common cold most common in adults who have more than four to five respiratory infections per year.

-the symptoms of cold appear for a period of week to 14 days.

-symptoms are more severe in infants and young children.

-common cold is usually caused by viruses.

Causative organisms of common cold

-respiratory syncytial virus
-parainfluenza virus
-rhino virus
-picornavirus
-enteroviruses
-adenoviruses
are the main viruses which causes common cold.

Symptoms of common cold

-hyper mucus secretion in the nose

- sore throat or irritation in throat

-runny nose with watery mucus

-defect in smelling

-voice change

-nasal congestion

-cough

-sneezing
are the main symptoms.

Transmission of common cold

-by contact with affected person

-by inhaling the air droplets containing these viruses.

Treatment

-antibiotics have no better action in case of treating common cold.

-analgesics such as aspirin, paracetamol are better to treat cold.

-inhaling a steam with menthol has a good effect.

-avoid cold items such as ice-creams.