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Common cold

Blocked nose, Runny nose, Cold

The common cold is a viral infection of the upper air passages, which causes the inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the nose and throat. A person easily recovers from a cold and becomes immune to it. There are over 200 cold viruses against which he must build immunity. This explains why children, who have little immunity against many cold viruses, can catch colds up to 10 times a year. A cold is easily spread via coughing or sneezing and by direct contact.

SYMPTOMS

Sore throat, hoarseness.
Congested or runny nose.
Sneezing.
Watery eyes.
Headache.
Cough.
Body aches.
Mild fever.
Chills.
Malaise.

COMPLICATIONS

The infection may spread causing:

Acute bronchitis (inflammation of the air passages).
Laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx or voice box).
Otitis media or earache(inflammation of the middle ear).
Sinusitis (inflammation of the membrane lining the sinuses, or the air-filled bone cavities surrounding the nose).
Tracheitis (inflammation of the trachea or windpipe).
Secondary bacterial infection.
Aggravation of existing respiratory disorders (e.g. asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic ear infections)
Reactivation of the virus that causes cold sores.

CAUSE

Infection of the upper air passages by the cold virus.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Rest and stop all exercise.
Drink plenty of fluids, particularly hot fluids.
Inhale steam (with methol crystals) to loosen nasal congestion and ease expulsion of mucus. Or take medication such as decongestant nose drops or sprays, but not for more than a few days.
Blow your nose frequently, blocking only one nostril at a time to keep the nasal secretions from being forced into the sinuses and the middle ear and infecting them. Throw paper tissues immediately to avoid spreading the virus.
Do not smoke.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist if symptoms persist for more than 10 days or worsen, or complications begin to set in.

WHAT YOUR DOCTOR/PHARMACIST CAN DO FOR YOU

Check why the symptoms have worsened or do not clear and treat accordingly.
Treat the complications.

PREVENTION TIPS

Avoid crowded places where it is easier to catch a cold.
Keep healthy with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

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