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The common cold is a disease caused by viruses, the symptoms of which are bothersome. It is also referred to as nasopharyngitis, pharyngitis, nasopharyngitis, and laryngitis, acute rhinitis or a cold. A cold develops slowly and is usually accompanied by a runny nose. It is more burdensome than dangerous, but complications after a cold can be dangerous. What are the symptoms of a cold? Is there an effective treatment for such a viral infection? Read it!
Coldis a common infection of the upper respiratory tract, and most cases of the disease occur in the fall and winter. We mainly associate it with a runny nose and cough.
Experts believe that there are more than 200 viruses that causecold , the most common of which are:
- rhinovirus (30-80 percent)
- coronavirus (10-15 percent)
- influenza virus (5-15 percent)
- Parainfluenza viruses, RSV virus
- adenovirus
- enteroviruses
- metapneumoviruses
It also happens that several of these viruses are responsible forsymptoms of a cold . The multitude of viruses makes it impossible to develop a vaccine against colds and that the disease catches us several times a year.
Most oftencoldsare caught by children - they have infections 2-3 times more often than in adults. Adults get sick on average 2-4 times a year, and the elderly 0.5-1 once a year.
Why does the incidence ofcolddecrease with age? Because the immune system learns to deal with more and more viruses over time.
Viruses that causecoldsspread by airborne droplets - a sick person, coughing or sneezing, sprays tiny droplets of respiratory secretions containing viruses, and through contact with infected objects - some viruses can to survive for hours, e.g. on door handles, telephone handsets, handrails, etc., therefore hand hygiene is important.
Symptoms of colds
The disease begins slowly - it takes several days to develop. Initialsymptoms of a coldare fatigue and apathy, which is generally not associated with illness.
Sneezing, loosening the mucosa of the throat and pain followed by a runny nose are all ways our body uses up viruses.
Whenhowever, there is a scratchy throat and sneezing you suspect that you are developing a cold. Its first phase is the moment when viruses multiply and penetrate the mucous membranes, provoking a defensive reaction. Regardless of the type of virus, the symptoms of a cold are similar every time.
- dry nose and throat
- sore throat, hoarseness
- runny nasal discharge that turns into a runny nose with time, transparent at first, then often yellowish or greenish - a change in color and consistency is caused by the presence of leukocytes sent by the immune system to fight viruses
- dry or wet cough with expectoration
- low-grade fever or fever
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Report to the doctor when:
- you experience shortness of breath and / or attacks of wheezing
- the fever is above 38 ° C
- severe cough with expectoration of purulent discharge lasts more than a few days
- a strong and persistent pain in the head, sinuses (nose, forehead, jaw) or ear pain
- symptoms (exhausting cough, thick, yellow or greenish purulent runny nose, headache, sinus pain) last longer than 10-14 days or worsen after 5-6 days of illness
How to cure a cold?
How to cure a cold? What about a cold? These are frequently asked questions. Treating a cold is really about alleviating its symptoms and measures to avoid complications.
First of all, you need to slow down, rest a lot, go to bed for 1-2 days if necessary.
A cold caused by an attack of viruses forces the body to a lot of effort, so you should not burden it with anything else. You should drink a lot - preferably mineral water (at room temperature), tea with lemon, herbal and fruit teas. It is best warming up and diaphoretic, because it helps the body to get rid of viruses and their metabolism products.
Fever and pain associated with a cold can be soothed with paracetamol. Preparations with ibuprofen and naproxen have a stronger analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, but they should not be taken by people with a sensitive digestive tract because they irritate the gastric mucosa.
Runny nose accompanying a cold, it is watery at first, then thickens and makes breathing difficult. The symptoms of a runny nose will be relieved by the drops that decongest the vessels and reduce the swelling of the nasal mucosa. Sea water sprays are very useful,because they open the respiratory tract and at the same time moisturize the mucous membranes dried by infection. You can also take oral decongestants containing pseudoephedrine or antihistamines.
Avoid combination antitussive preparations that contain both an antitussive and an expectorant.
Coughing with a cold can be very tiring, but you should not inhibit the cough reflex - the point is to remove secretions from the respiratory tract as effectively as possible.So if you reach for the syrup , it should be an expectorant and / or thinning secretions, it will not harm you, as it will also have anti-inflammatory, protective and bactericidal properties.
Antibiotics in the treatment of colds are not effective and should not be taken until there is a bacterial superinfection - only then can the doctor decide to administer them.
Hoarseness and a sore throat can be relieved by lozenges when you start taking them before the infection develops, i.e. at the first symptoms, such as a scratchy throat. Sucking pills before visiting a doctor can change the appearance of the mucosa and make it difficult to make a proper diagnosis.
Many people, instead of buying several drugs, choose multi-component preparations - they usually contain 2-3 drugs, usually including paracetamol or ibuprofen (or another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), an antihistamine, pseudoephedrine or vitamin C. If you decide to use them, read the leaflet carefully and do not mix different preparations with each other
Worth knowingHow to avoid colds?
The presence of viruses that circulate between people does not mean that you cannot avoid catching a cold. The greater the body's resistance, the more difficult it is for viruses to override its defense mechanisms. If you don't want to catch a cold, follow these rules:
- avoid close contact with colds, in public places do not touch your hands with your hands
- wash your hands with soap often and thoroughly (at least half a minute)
- use alcohol-based disinfectants (available at pharmacies)
- remember about moderate exercise every day and avoid intense workouts
- avoid overheating as well as cooling down the body (thermal clothing can help)
- sleep - lack of sleep weakens immunity and makes it easier to deal with viruses