Cold | Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
The cold is probably one of the most common illnesses and the one we encounter most often in our lives. It occurs most often during the winter season, after a cold, and in the event of frequent temperature variations. Generally, the symptoms go away on their own, but in some cases, complications can arise. So how do you treat your cold properly? Should you go to the doctor? To get back to good health, here are the right actions to take.
What Is A Cold?
The cold is also known as nasopharyngitis or rhinitis. It is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. It particularly affects the nasal passages, causing a blocked nose symptom. Depending on the situation, the throat can also be affected.
This infection is of viral origin, the virus mainly involved is the rhinovirus. Rhinopharyngitis is therefore particularly contagious. It is also just as common in adults and children. In the case of a cold in a pregnant woman or a baby, it is best to consult a doctor.
Although there is no specific treatment, certain medications can reduce the associated symptoms.
Viral colds are different from hay fever (allergic rhinitis). The latter occurs in the spring during the pollination period and is treated differently.
Furthermore, some cold symptoms are similar to those of Covid-19. This is why if you are in doubt, you can consult a doctor and take a screening test at the pharmacy. If your doctor is not available, you can do a teleconsultation.
Finally, the flu is differentiated by its origin. Indeed, it is not the same virus. Furthermore, during the flu, the symptoms are more severe.
A Word from The Wise Lancer Team
“In adults, the cold or flu is a common winter infection that usually resolves without treatment. Although annoying, the symptoms of the cold are mild, transient, and compatible with daily activities. In rare cases, the common cold requires the advice of your doctor, particularly in the case of a history of chronic illness or breathing difficulties.”
Is A Cold Spreadable?
Yes, colds are contagious. They are caused by viruses that are easily transmitted from one person to another, especially by droplets expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks.
They can also be spread by direct contact with a surface or object contaminated by the virus, then by touching the mouth, nose or possibly the eyes.
The contagious period begins one or two days before the onset of symptoms and continues as long as these symptoms are present, often extending up to a week after their onset.
To reduce the risk of transmission and maintain your health, we advise you to wash your hands frequently, use disposable tissues when coughing or sneezing, and avoid close contact with sick people.
Symptoms of a Cold
In case of nasopharyngitis, a set of symptoms may occur and mainly affect the upper airways. They can vary in intensity from one person to another but generally follow a recognizable pattern.
Stuffy and Runny Nose: Nasal congestion is one of the most common and uncomfortable symptoms. It is accompanied by a runny nose (rhinorrhea), with secretions that can be clear, yellow or green. This is due to inflammation and increased mucus production by the nasal membranes.
Frequent Sneezing: Sneezing is a natural reaction of the body to eliminate irritants and pathogens from the nasal passages.
Small Coughing Fits: A dry cough may develop. Over time, this cough can become more productive, that is, it can be accompanied by the expectoration of mucus.
Sometimes Fever: Although less common than in other respiratory infections such as the flu, a slight fever can sometimes accompany a cold, especially in children.
Mild Headaches: Headaches occur rarely and are generally mild. They can be caused by nasal congestion or fever.
Mild Tiredness: Fatigue can occur, due to the energy expended by the body to fight the virus and the lack of sleep due to nighttime symptoms.
Some medications can alleviate the discomfort associated with viral rhinitis.
If you notice symptoms, you can consult remotely today
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The Causes of a Cold
Most often, it is rhinoviruses, a family of viruses, that trigger colds by entering the body through the airways when you are in contact with a sick person or a contaminated object.
The factors that promote infection are:
1- A weakened immune system, particularly in cases of stress or intense fatigue;
2- An iron deficiency;
3- An allergic background;
4- A chronic disease affecting immunity.
How Long Does a Cold Last?
The incubation period is two days. The cold is contagious for up to five days after the first symptoms appear. It is during this period that you are most likely to catch or transmit the disease.
The duration of a cold or nasopharyngitis varies from one person to another but is between 5 and 20 days. During this period, respecting barrier gestures helps prevent contamination of those around you. If your cold does not go away after 15 days, a medical consultation is necessary.
How To Diagnose a Cold?
To diagnose a cold, the doctor mainly relies on a physical examination. He asks you to describe your symptoms, such as a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, a light cough, slight fatigue, and sometimes a low fever.
These signs, especially if they have evolved gradually, often indicate a cold.
The doctor then examines your throat, listens to your lungs, checks your eardrums and feels for any reactive lymph nodes to detect any inflammation or swelling.
Your health history and any recent exposures to other sick people provide additional clues. The season can also play a role, as colds are more common during certain times of the year.
What Treatments Are Available to Treat a Cold?
Drug Treatments
Antibiotic treatment is completely ineffective in treating a cold because it only acts on bacteria.
Furthermore, there is no preventive vaccine or specific treatment to cure a cold. However, some medications can help soothe the symptoms.
The medication to take first is paracetamol. It is effective against fever and any pain sometimes caused by a cold (be sure to respect the maximum authorized doses).
To relieve a runny nose or nasal congestion, you can use physiological serum or a nasal spray with seawater. These medications are easily available over the counter in local pharmacies.
Finally, lozenges can relieve throat irritation caused by coughing.
Most Effective Grandmother’s Remedies Against Colds
1- The combination of honey and lemon: this is the winning combo among natural remedies for colds.
2- Inhaling plants such as eucalyptus decongest your nose in case of a cold.
3- Thyme, mint, and cinnamon herbal teas can also relieve you.
Actions to Take for Faster Healing
It is possible to support the body towards faster healing. To do this, here is our advice:
1- Hydrate yourself constantly with water preferably. The steam from a hot shower or a hot bath will do you the good.
2- Stay at home or limit your travel and contact with people outside in order to limit contagion.
3- Ventilate your home every day to renew the air. At night you can humidify your room.
4- Stop smoking or reduce your consumption. Smoking affects the respiratory tract and weakens your body, which is more exposed to infections.
5- Avoid alcohol, although it is not forbidden to drink alcohol during a cold. Moderate your consumption. Be aware that mixing alcohol and paracetamol is strongly discouraged because it can cause liver complications.
6- Rest, rest is your best ally to treat your cold.
Complications of a Cold
They are generally rare, but they can occur, especially in people at risk such as young children, the elderly, or those with underlying health problems, such as asthma.
Possible complications include sinusitis, where the infection spreads to the sinuses, causing pain and pressure in the face. Ear infections are another common complication, especially in children, where the infection reaches the middle ear, causing pain and fever. Finally, in children in particular, laryngitis can occur following a cold.
In rare cases, a cold can lead to pulmonary complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia, often requiring more extensive medical treatment. It is therefore important to monitor the evolution of your symptoms and consult a doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens.
Colds in Children
Colds in children are very common. When it occurs in young children, it must be closely monitored. Particularly in infants under 3 months old, an age at which your baby is still only breathing through the nose, and in whom the cold can quickly develop into bronchiolitis.
It is, therefore, necessary to adopt the right reflexes to unblock their nose: wash your infant’s nose with a physiological serum to make them more comfortable.
At the same time, watch for any signs of complications. If a fever occurs, consult a pediatrician quickly, or go to the pediatric emergency room closest to your home. Indeed, other illnesses can cause symptoms similar to the cold during the first few days, and require rapid medical advice in infants.
Colds in the Elderly
In the elderly, colds can be more worrying because of the potentially weakened immune system and the possible presence of chronic diseases.
Symptoms can be more severe and last longer, increasing the risk of complications such as sinusitis or even pneumonia. In addition, colds can exacerbate pre-existing conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
It is therefore crucial for older adults to take extra precautions to avoid exposure to cold viruses, get an annual flu shot, and see a doctor as soon as cold symptoms appear for appropriate management.
Tips to Prevent the Start of a Cold
To prevent the onset of a cold, it is crucial to strengthen your natural defenses and minimize exposure to viruses. To do this:
1- Make sure to maintain good hand hygiene by washing them regularly with soap and water, especially after coming into contact with potentially contaminated surfaces or after coughing and sneezing.
2- Use an alcohol-based sanitizer if water and soap are not available.
3- Avoid touching your face, especially your nose, mouth, and eyes, to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus from your hands.
4- Maintain bodily distance from people who are sick
5- Focus on healthy lifestyle habits, such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep, to support your immune system.
6- During peak virus outbreaks, consider limiting interactions in crowded places and regularly ventilate living spaces to refresh the air.
FAQ
Q- Is it possible to cure a cold in 24 hours?
Curing a cold in 24 hours or in one night is unfortunately not realistic. It requires a minimum duration, which is around a week.
Q- How to cure a cold quickly?
As a general rule, the cure of a cold is relatively quick. It usually occurs a week after its onset. However, you can relieve the symptoms and support your immune system to help speed up this natural process.
Q- What is the most effective remedy for a cold?
There is no specific remedy to cure a cold. The most effective treatment is based on relieving symptoms through rest, good hydration, and, if necessary, the use of fever-reducing medication to reduce discomfort.
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