What causes common cold?

There are many viruses that cause a common cold, however you only need to be infected by one to catch a cold. Usually transmitted by droplets (sneezing) or physical contact. The common cold is less a problem than the flu. It is not understood why some people catch colds and others do not. However if you are emotionally stressed, overworked or fatigued you are more susceptible to catching a cold.

Good hygiene, including washing the hands, helps prevent colds.

What happens with common cold?

Its symptoms include a slight fever, a copious runny nose, headache, aches in joints and muscles and a sore throat. A cold usually last 5 to 10 days, and occurs when a cold virus attacks the nose or throat.

Major symptoms begin with a runny nose and dry cough followed by headache and aches. Sore throat, chest congestion, sneezing and a nighttime dry cough develop over the next day or so. Other symptoms include chills together with a feeling of fatigue and lethargy.

In some people, colds may lead to other secondary bacterial infections in the lung, throat and ears. If so consultation with your medical practitioner will be necessary.

Normal healthy persons may catch a cold and recover without complication.

Traditional Pharmacy

There is no cure for the common cold and most treatments are designed to make life as comfortable as possible till the symptoms subside. Over the counter cold medications containing paracetamol, codeine, pholcodine and dextromethorphan and pseudoephedrine help alleviate headache, dry cough, runny nose, fever and pain.

Dry unproductive cough associated with nasal congestion may be relieved by an antitussive cough medicine containing codeine, pholcodine or dextromethorphan and the nasal decongestant pseudoephedrine. Dry unproductive cough associated with sneezing, watery eyes and nasal congestion may be relieved by one containing chlorpheniramine, pseudoephedrine and dextromethorphan.

Chesty cough may be relieved by an expectorant (to loosen mucus) cough medicine containing bromhexine and guaiphenesin. Expectorant cough medicines may also contain pseudoephedrine for use in a chesty cough with a runny nose. If you are taking medication for blood pressure, an expectorant medicine containing diphenhydramine (antihistamine) and ammonium chloride and sodium citrate (mucus loosening) is suitable.

A decongestant nasal spray may give short term relief to blocked nose and nasal congestion.

Suitable medication for reducing the discomfort of cold symptoms, fever and pain in infants and children include paracetamol drops, elixir and suspension.

Natural Pharmacy

A good way to treat a cold is to rest, keep warm, and drink plenty of fluids. Echinacea, marshmallow, eucalyptus and vitamin C lozenges help reduce severity sore throat. Vitamin C may be effective in reducing the duration of a cold. Consult your pharmacist for advice.

What else to do?

• Cease smoking and avoid smoke filled environments.
• Drink plenty of fluids and fruit juices.
• Relax and keep warm and comfortable.
• Humidify your room to counter a dry throat.

Prevention and Cautions

If you are subject to frequent colds, the best advice is to build your immune system by adopting a healthy balanced diet. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrain breads and cereals. Certain vegetables including garlic, onions plus red/yellow root vegetables help maintain an optimum immune system.

Seek professional advice if

• You experience breathing difficulty or chest pain.
• Your headache or other symptoms becomes severe.
• You develop an earache or stiffness in the neck.
• You suffer from asthma or emphysema

References

• The Merck Manual 17th Edition
• Encyclopaedia of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition