The common cold is a disease caused by inflammation of the nose and throat. This disease, which is quite common all over the world, usually occurs at times of weather change or seasonal transition and can be caused by more than 200 viruses. In addition to these viruses, it can also be caused by cold and dry air, smoking and many similar problems. Hygiene measures should be taken at the highest level for this disease, which is very easy to spread. There are many natural methods to protect and alleviate the common cold, which does not have a direct vaccine. With the treatment to be applied by a specialist doctor, the common cold can be overcome in the mildest way as a result of taking care of oneself.
What is the common cold?
The common cold, also called nasopharyngitis or colloquially known as the common cold, is an infection of the nose and throat, that is, the upper respiratory tract. This disease, which has spread all over the world, can occur at any time, regardless of the season. The common cold, which can be caused by various viruses, usually does not cause great harm, but it causes discomfort to the person and his/her life during the time it occurs. It occurs more often in weather changes due to the change of seasons or for a different reason. The most common virus that causes the common cold is rhinovirus.
Causes of the Common Cold (Catarrh)
- Various viruses
- Rhinovirus
- Influenza
- RSV
- Corona Virus
- Adenovirus
- Seasons and weather change
- Cold weather
- Dry air
- Inadequate nutrition
- Adenoid and tonsil problems
- Cigarette smoking
- Curvature of the nasal bone
Who can catch a cold?
The most risky group in terms of the common cold is children aged 6 and under. Children are less able than adults to protect themselves from cold transmission routes such as sneezing. Nevertheless, adults can catch colds several times a year, even if they are healthy. Children, on the other hand, can have up to 10 colds in a year. Colds have been observed to last longer in children than in adults. However, during the first six months, the antibodies that babies receive from their mothers through breastfeeding protect them against colds.
How does the common cold spread?
The common cold can be spread by inhaling or swallowing droplets containing viruses and circulating in the air, or by touching objects containing droplets. These viruses have a long lifespan, so they can be present on surfaces for a long period of time. The common cold can also be spread by getting close to people who have a cold. In addition, the reasons that increase the possibility of transmission of the common cold can be listed as follows:
- Lack of adequate hygiene
- Smoking and secondhand smoke
- Not getting enough sleep
- Insufficiently strong immune system
- Being in places that should be ventilated but are not ventilated enough, such as public transportation or classrooms
How to prevent the common cold?
There is no vaccine or medicine that can completely prevent the common cold. However, there are some measures to reduce the rate of transmission of the common cold:
- Regularly cleaning hands thoroughly with soap and water
- Cleaning frequently contacted surfaces in places such as home, workplace and school with disinfectant
- Regular washing of toys that children play with
- Taking care to use more paper tissues, especially when sneezing and coughing
- Sneezing and coughing into the inside of the elbows when there is no handkerchief and teaching this to children
- Not sharing personal items such as glasses with others
- Eating healthy and well
- Doing regular exercises
- Sleep for a sufficient amount of time
Symptoms of the Common Cold (Flu)
- Symptoms of the common cold usually appear a few days after contracting the virus.
- Runny and stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Increased fever
- Decreased body resistance and weakness
- Pain in various parts of the body
- Mild headache
- Sneezing and coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Nasal discharge turning yellow and green
- Hearing wheezing when breathing
How is the common cold diagnosed?
Most of the time, the common cold is diagnosed by the person themselves, due to the widespread awareness of its symptoms. In some cases, if inflammation caused by bacteria or other suspicions arise, the doctor may order a chest x-ray and other diagnostic tests to find the real cause. In addition, it is not possible to find the virus that causes the common cold based on symptoms alone.
Treatment of the common cold
There is no direct cure for the common cold, but treatment is mostly aimed at relieving the pain and opening the nose. Painkillers and nasal sprays are good for most patients and relieve them. Patients who are relieved of breathing with nasal openers can also relax even more by humidifying their environment. Drinking plenty of fluids during the treatment process is also very useful and accelerates the treatment process. Throat gargles can also be used to relieve the throat. The person should get plenty of rest and strengthen their body with fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition, herbal teas both help the patient to recover and soothe the throat.
Antibiotics for the common cold are not necessary unless the infection is caused by bacteria. Since other medicines to be used are not suitable for all ages and conditions, no medication should be used outside of the doctor's control and approval.
What are the Differences between Cold and Flu?
- Symptoms of the common cold are milder compared to the flu.
- While the flu is caused by a virus called Influenza, the common cold can be caused by more than 200 viruses.
- There is a flu vaccine because it is caused by a single virus, but there is no vaccine for the common cold.
- People with a cold have a lower fever than people with the flu.
- The common cold gives the person less headache than the flu.
- While nasal congestion is quite common in people with a cold, such a symptom is usually absent in people with the flu.
- Flu has more serious side effects than the common cold.