Overview
A common cold is an illness that affects your nose and throat, typically caused by viruses. Adults may have two to three colds per year, while infants and young children may experience them more frequently. Common cold symptoms generally resolve within 7 to 10 days, although smokers may take longer to recover. The symptoms of a common cold include a runny or stuffy nose, sore or scratchy throat, cough, sneezing, general malaise, slight body aches, and a low-grade fever. A cold can trigger wheezing in people with asthma and lead to other conditions, such as sinusitis, pneumonia, or bronchitis, particularly in people with weakened immune systems or asthma. To prevent the spread of the cold virus, wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with those who are sick.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of a common cold include a runny or stuffy nose, sore or scratchy throat, cough, sneezing, general feeling of being unwell, slight body aches or a mild headache, and low-grade fever. In some cases, the mucus from the nose may start out clear and become thicker and yellow or green. If these symptoms persist or worsen, it is best to see a health care provider.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing a common cold include:
- Age: Infants and young children are more susceptible to colds, especially if they spend time in child care settings.
- Weakened immune system: Having a long-term illness or a weakened immune system increases the risk of catching a cold.
- Time of year: Both children and adults are more likely to get colds in fall and winter.
- Exposure: Being in crowds, such as at school or on an airplane, increases the chance of getting a cold.
- Smoking: Smoking or being around secondhand smoke increases the risk of catching a cold.
- Poor hygiene: Not washing hands frequently or touching the eyes, nose, or mouth with unclean hands can increase the risk of catching a cold.
Development
The common cold is caused by germs, specifically viruses. The most common cause of the common cold is rhinoviruses. A cold virus can enter the body through the mouth, eyes, or nose, usually by inhaling airborne droplets from someone who is infected, coming into direct contact with someone who has the virus on their hands, or touching contaminated objects and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. Once inside the body, the virus infects the cells in the nose and throat, causing symptoms to develop, which typically start 1 to 3 days after exposure. The symptoms of a common cold include a runny or stuffy nose, sore or scratchy throat, cough, sneezing, general feeling of being unwell, slight body aches or mild headache, and low-grade fever. In some cases, a common cold can lead to other illnesses, such as sinusitis, asthma, pneumonia, or bronchitis, especially in people with weakened immune systems or pre-existing conditions like asthma.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see a doctor if you or your child experiences any of the following symptoms:
- Symptoms that get worse or do not get better.
- Fever greater than 101.3 degrees Fahrenheit (38.5 degrees Celsius) lasting more than three days.
- Fever returning after a fever-free period.
- Shortness of breath.
- Wheezing.
- Intense sore throat, headache, or sinus pain. For children, get medical care right away if they have a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) in newborns up to 12 weeks, or any of the mentioned symptoms.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Potential complications of a common cold include middle ear infection, asthma, and sinusitis. Other illnesses such as pneumonia or bronchitis can also be a result of a common cold, particularly in people with asthma or weakened immune systems.
Home Remedies
Home Remedies for Common Cold:
- Rest: Getting enough rest and sleep can help your body recover faster.
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, tea, and soup, can help thin mucus and relieve congestion.
- Warm compress: Applying a warm compress to your forehead or chest can help relieve nasal congestion and soothe sore throat.
- Saline nasal spray: Using a saline nasal spray can help moisturize and loosen nasal passages.
- Humidifier: Using a humidifier in your child's room can help moisten the air, which may help alleviate cold symptoms.
- Gargle with saltwater: Gargling with warm saltwater can help relieve a sore throat.
- Honey: Adding honey to warm tea or lemon water can help soothe a sore throat and cough. However, do not give honey to children under 1 year old.
- Chicken soup: Sipping chicken soup can provide comfort and help ease cold symptoms.
- Warm bath: Taking a warm bath can help relax your body and relieve cold symptoms.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medications: OTC cold medications, such as decongestants, antihistamines, and pain relievers, can provide relief from specific symptoms. However, always follow the instructions on the label and consult a healthcare provider before giving medication to children. Remember, while these home remedies can provide some relief, they may not shorten the duration of a cold. Most colds resolve on their own within a week or two. If symptoms persist, worsen, or you experience difficulty breathing, consult your healthcare provider.
Treatment
To treat a common cold, you can follow these steps:
- Rest: Get plenty of rest while your body heals.
- Drink fluids: Stay hydrated by drinking water, juice, clear broth, or warm lemon water. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Humidify the air: Use a cool-mist humidifier to help with stuffiness and coughing.
- Saline nasal rinses: Use saline nasal rinses to help clear nasal passages.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to alleviate symptoms like fever, headache, or sore throat.
- Warm liquids: Sip on warm beverages like chicken soup, tea, or warm apple juice to soothe a sore throat.
- Avoid irritants: Avoid smoke, dust, and other environmental irritants that can worsen symptoms. Remember, antibiotics are not effective in treating the common cold, as it is caused by a viral infection. The best way to treat a common cold is by allowing your body to recover on its own, and by practicing good self-care habits.