Everyone at some point of life gets common cold. Some get it frequently, some get complications, and some have added infections. Here I'll be giving information about common cold for quick recovery.
What is common cold? How is it caused?
It is caused by virus. Viruses spread quickly from person to person. They cause mild damage and are killed by immunity. It a simple viral infection of the epithelium of the nose causing damage. Epithelium is the 1st layer of protection which protects the inner parts. Body protects itself from further damage and spread of infection by bringing in leucocytes (immunity cells).
Based on the severity the immunity reacts, leading to secretions- running nose, fever, body aches, headache etc. All this subsides in 3 days to 1 week.
Sometimes when the immunity is weak, this harmless virus can cause complications or spread to other organs.
Who are at risk for complications of common cold?
Complications occur in people with weak immunity. They are
What are the complications of common cold?
What is the treatment of common cold?
Symptoms persist till virus persist. No antiviral medication is required for the virus. Prevention is best.
Prevention: Regular nutritious diet. Regular exercise. Exposure to sunlight. People with low immunity may require flu vaccine. Consult a doctor. Avoid people with cold. Wear a mask
Recovery: 3 days to 1 week.
Household remedies: Drink lot of water, fresh fruits, steam inhalations with turmeric powder, drinking warm water with ginger, warm milk etc. Decongestant creams & lotions to nose containing mint, camphoretc. Avoid exposure to cold air & water.
Medications: Consult a doctor. These are also useful in sorethroat
for symptomatic relief of blocked nose, headache, fever:Anti-histamines, decongestants.
for regrowth of epithelium: folic acid (vit B), vit C, vit D
if spread to intestines- bloating, constipation, loose stool: probiotics
Happy recovery !!! :-)
What is common cold? How is it caused?
It is caused by virus. Viruses spread quickly from person to person. They cause mild damage and are killed by immunity. It a simple viral infection of the epithelium of the nose causing damage. Epithelium is the 1st layer of protection which protects the inner parts. Body protects itself from further damage and spread of infection by bringing in leucocytes (immunity cells).
Based on the severity the immunity reacts, leading to secretions- running nose, fever, body aches, headache etc. All this subsides in 3 days to 1 week.
Sometimes when the immunity is weak, this harmless virus can cause complications or spread to other organs.
Who are at risk for complications of common cold?
Complications occur in people with weak immunity. They are
- New born babies upto 2 weeks age
- Badly nourished children and old people
- Exposure to very cold, hot or wet environment. Closed or dusty workplace.
- Lack of exposure to sunlight
- Nasal septal defects
- Allergy
- Asthma, COPD, smokers
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- AIDS(not HIV)
- Genetic immune defects
- Injured nose
What are the complications of common cold?
- Prolonged running nose more than 1 week
- Sinusitis, headache
- Sore throat/ pharyngitis
- Pneumonia of the lungs. Common in people with asthma, COPD, smokers, etc
- Infection of the gastrointestinal system. Common in children & people with IBS, IBD, etc. Any infection or inflammation of intestines, damages the epithelium & normal flora.
- Secondary bacterial and fungal infections
What is the treatment of common cold?
Symptoms persist till virus persist. No antiviral medication is required for the virus. Prevention is best.
Prevention: Regular nutritious diet. Regular exercise. Exposure to sunlight. People with low immunity may require flu vaccine. Consult a doctor. Avoid people with cold. Wear a mask
Recovery: 3 days to 1 week.
Household remedies: Drink lot of water, fresh fruits, steam inhalations with turmeric powder, drinking warm water with ginger, warm milk etc. Decongestant creams & lotions to nose containing mint, camphoretc. Avoid exposure to cold air & water.
Medications: Consult a doctor. These are also useful in sorethroat
for symptomatic relief of blocked nose, headache, fever:Anti-histamines, decongestants.
for regrowth of epithelium: folic acid (vit B), vit C, vit D
if spread to intestines- bloating, constipation, loose stool: probiotics
Happy recovery !!! :-)
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