COMMON COLD (UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION)

 

COMMON COLD

 

COMMON COLD (UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION)

    

     Common cold is a viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract that creates inflammation in the nose and throat. The common cold is the most common illness in the world and they affect millions of us every day. This upper respiratory tract infection can be caused by hundreds of different viruses and there is no "cure" other than time.   Children miss school and adults miss work,mainly because of common colds.

    Each year there are millions of cases of the common cold. Adults got an average of 2-3 colds each year, and children have even more. We all get colds.
Common colds are actually short-lived and most of us recover from them without any real treatment. Common cold  last between 7 and 10 days. Symptoms usually start to appear 2 to 3 days later, after you are exposed to a cold virus. This is the incubation period. Getting chilled or wet is not a cause of common colds, there are factors that make you more susceptible to catching a cold virus. For example, you are more likely to catch a common cold if you are excessively fatigued, have emotional distress, or have allergies with nose and throat symptoms.

 HOW A COMMON COLD START?

    You can catch a common cold from another person who is infected with the virus either by touch or air. This usually happens by touching a surface contaminated with cold germs like computer keyboard, doorknob, or eating utensil and then touching your nose or mouth. You can also catch a cold by inhaling the droplets of virus in the air when someone coughs or sneezes.Colds are highly contagious, meaning they spread easily from person to person, which is why we all get them.

    A cold begins when a cold virus attaches to the lining of your nose or throat (this is called "docking"), it invades the cell, highjacking the cell's replicating machinery. Once inside a cell , the cell is "fooled" into using the RNA of the cold virus. The cell continues on its merry way replicating proteins, not knowing proteins being created are components of the virus. As components of the complete virus are created they begin assembling inside the cell. As the cell dies, rupturing and releasing the newly replicated virus occurred into the host's system. The virus floats around docking ,finding and infecting other cells. The virus grows increasingly as it infects more and more cells.

    Your immune system sends white blood cells out to attack this germ. Unless you've encountered that exact strain of the virus before, the initial attack fails and your body sends in reinforcements.If not your nose and throat get inflamed and produce a lot of mucus. With so much of your body's energy directed at fighting the cold virus, you're left feeling tired and miserable.

                                                                            
VIRUSES THAT CAUSE THE COMMON COLD

Viruses are non living things.These are highly contagious highly infectious. Because viruses are non life they need a living host to reproduce. They are parasites.Viruses that are known cause of the common cold:

1.Human Rhinoviruses (HRVs)





rhinoviruses in electron microscope



The most common identified cause of colds. There are more than 100 types of this group of virus.According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), this group causes about 30 to 50 percent of colds. They also grow best at the temperature inside the human nose.These are highly contagious. Only 30 or so rhinoviruses are sufficient to cause someone to catch a cold. However, they rarely lead to serious health consequences.





2.Coronaviruses

Though there are many varieties of coronavirus that affect animals, according to NIAID only five of the varieties infect humans. After rhinoviruses, this group of virus is the second leading known cause of the common cold. NIAID estimates that this group causes 10 to 15 percent of adult colds.
SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) is caused by a species of coronavirus, although not by one that can cause the common cold.

3. HPIVs (Human Parainfluenza Viruses), Adenoviruses, and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

These three groups of viruses typically lead to mild infections in adults, but may lead to severe lower respiratory tract infections in children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Premature babies, children with asthma, and those with lung or heart conditions are at greater risk for developing complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
One strand of HPIV, HPIV-1 causes croup in children. Croup is characterized by the loud, startling sound that is produced when the infected individual coughs.

4. Other and Unknown Viruses

20 to 30 percent of adult colds have unidentified causes although they are thought to be viral in origin, according to NIAID.These are:
human metapneumovirus
Human parainfluenza viruses
Respiratory syncytial virus

Cold symptoms are caused not by the virus infecting the cells, but by the body's immune system attacking and fighting the invading virus.





As the virus increases and more cells die, chemicals are released initiating an immune system response. Inflammation and swelling resulting from the released chemicals attract fighting white blood cells. The attacking white blood cells added more inflammation causing the infected area to become swollen and red. Tissue and small blood vessels such as capillaries, dilate causing more white blood cells to flood the area. This activity of fighting the cold viruses that infect the cells causes the cold symptoms like an increase in mucus, possibly a raised in body temperature, a runny nose, sneezing, and possibly coughing.

Eventually, after 7 days or so, the body's immune system succeeds in preventing further cell infection by this rhinovirus and in destroying all of the virus floating around in the body, curing the common cold.

DIAGNOSIS
Nearly all of us will get at least one cold every year. How do you know if your symptoms are caused by the common cold or some other illness? While there are more than 100 viruses that can cause the common cold, the most common is the rhinovirus. Other culprits include coronaviruses, adenoviruses and enteroviruses.



But when most of us get a cold, we'll never know which of these viruses caused it. That is because there are no tests to diagnose the common cold. Instead, it is diagnosed based on symptoms.However, there are some steps you should take when you get a cold to be sure that is actually what you have, to determine whether or not you need to see a doctor and to figure out what treatment options are best for you. These steps may not help you get over your cold any faster but they could help you stay on top of your symptoms, be sure you are doing what you can to relieve those symptoms and reduce your chances of developing a s econdary infection.

If you have symptoms such as a runny nose, congestion, headache, cough, sore throat and watery eyes, you most likely have a cold.These common symptoms of the common cold can also be caused by a variety of other illnesses. Just because you have them doesn't necessarily mean you have a cold. It is important to rule out these illnesses before you assume you have a cold.You or your doctor will need to rule out problems like:
Strep Throat
Influenza (the Flu)
Sinus Infection
Bronchitis
Ear Infections

runny nose

congestion





headache




If you do not have the symptoms of these other illnesses, you most likely have some type of cold or upper respiratory infection. Check out the Cold or Flu Quiz.


SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of the common cold usually develop two to three days after infection, so by the time you start feeling it, you have been probably contagious for a couple of days. Colds are most contagious 2 to 4 days after your symptoms first develop. However, the virus can live in your body and spread to others for up to three weeks. Symptoms include a runny nose, sore throat, cough, watery eyes, sneezing, congestion, headaches, fatigue, and sometimes a mild, low-grade fever(fever is not a common cold symptom in adults but it is common in children).



low-grade fever


On day one, you're likely to experience something itchy in the back of your throat, and find yourself reaching for the tissues more often than usual. At this point, it is difficult to determine whether you have cold or flu. Usually, you'll feel more fatigue with flu, but during the first day it can be difficult to tell. With the common cold, you may have cold symptoms such as an itching or sore throat with sneezing, nasal congestion, watery eyes, and mucus drainage. More severe symptoms, such as high fever or muscle aches, may indicate you have a flu rather than a cold. It's important to know the difference between flu and cold symptoms. A cold is a milder respiratory illness than the flu. While cold symptoms can make you feel bad for a few days, flu symptoms can make you feel quite ill for a few days to weeks. The flu can also result in serious health problems such as pneumonia and hospitalizations.
When you have cold, you will most likely have several symptoms that come and go, meaning you won't have all of them at the same time. Symptoms you might experience when you get a cold include:
Sore Throat
Congestion
Cough
Headache
Itching Eyes, Face, Nose or Throat
Watery Eyes
Fever ( common in kids than adults)
Fatigue or Feeling Tired

We don't get all of these symptoms every time we get a cold, we only experience some of them. If your symptoms start off bad, get better and then suddenly get worse again, contact your health care provider. This is typically a sign of a secondary infection.
Most of us doesn't go to a doctor when we get a cold. Common colds usually last from 1 to 2 weeks, with our immune system eventually eradicating the infection on its own. Sometimes, however,symptoms will hang on longer or get worse and complications may arise which may require a doctor's help. Perhaps that cold has caused another infection, such as pneumonia or it wasn't a cold at all. Knowing when to call the doctor may be the most important information you can have.

WHEN TO ASK DOCTOR'S HELP
You should need a doctor if you or your child has one or more of these conditions:

Symptoms that last more than 10 days
Symptoms that are severe or unusual
A temperature higher than 100.4° F
If your child is below 3 months old and has a fever, you should call your doctor right away. Your doctor can diagnose if you or your child has a cold and can give prescription to relieve the symptoms.

TREATMENT
There is no cure for the common cold, so treatment really consists of relieving symptoms.
While colds certainly aren't the worst of the common illnesses out there, no one wants to get one and when you have one, you just want to feel better.Treating cold symptoms as soon as you suspect an infection may help defeat it faster than normally would. Recent studies indicate that prescribing zinc may be beneficial in shortening the duration of colds. Starting as early as possible seems to increase your chances of experiencing benefits.
Additionally, research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that adults who took zinc either as pill, syrup or lozenge at the onset of their cold, symptoms ended two days sooner than adults who didn't take it.

In addition on taking zinc, get used and try these home remedies:

Suck on cough drops or lozenges medicated with menthol or camphor.
Use a humidifier or vaporizer to clear sinus passages and ease sinus pressure.
Avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages as they increase the risk of dehydration
Get plenty of rest.
Try saline nasal sprays if needed to clear the nose and sinuses. Decongestants may also help, particularly those that contain pseudoephedrine.

Drink plenty of fluids.

Drink plenty of fluids.



There is no cure for the common cold. Getting rid of common cold by antibiotics will not help and can only make things worse. Colds are caused by hundreds of different viruses and developing a vaccine or medication to treat or prevent them all just isn't possible at this time. Right now , the best way to control or at least reduce the discomfort feeling is by taking the correct over the counter cold medications based on your symptoms or by natural remedies. It's vital that you follow directions carefully and vigilant when a child has a cold since many products are not suitable for children.Over-the-counter cold medications help relieve the severity of symptoms such as runny nose, coughing and nasal congestion. Pain relievers help reduce muscle aches, sore throats, and headaches.You should also try to get more rest and drink plenty of liquids. This means more liquids than usual! If your symptoms do not improve after 7 to 10 days, see a health care provider because you may have a different illness or could have developed a secondary infection.

PREVENTION

Are you tired of being sick all the time? If you wish that you could somehow prevent the colds you keep getting, check out these tips on how to stay healthy. They won't prevent illness 100 percent of the time, but they will help.

Here's How:

1) Frequently washing hands for at least 20 seconds, with warm water and soap.
Like every time you use the restroom, before you eat, after you sneeze or cough and any other time your hands feel dirty.This is the most important step in preventing the spread of disease and staying healthyIf you can't wash your hands with soap and water, using an alcohol-based handrub or a bottle of hand sanitizer for when you can't get to a sink.will also kill germs if your hands are not visibly soiled.



washing hands with water and soap

2) Take a daily multivitamin , if needed . Exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes a day. Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
Make sure eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and limit saturated fats.When you are feeling tired or sore, get up and walk around for a few minutes. Or try some stretching exercis. Taking breaks and keeping your body in shape will help you feel better and make you more productive. These boosts one's immune system so it will be less likely to get sick.




3) Drink at least 6 - 8 glasses of water a day .
Drinking plenty of water will keep you well hydrated. Proper hydration is essential to a strong immune system and will help you feel better as well. No alcohol, sodas, or coffee. Alcohol may interact with some over-the-counter cold medications. Sodas and coffee may help you stay awake, but they will also contribute to dehydration and make the problem worse. So you need to be sure to drink water and sports drinks to rehydrate your body and help clear congestion and enable your body to fight the infection. Just keep a water bottle with you all the time and drink throughout the day .



Drink at least 6 - 8 glasses of water a day

4) Avoid people with a cold or the flu, especially when they have a fever. This is when they are most contagious.

5) Quit smoking.
Quitting smoking has been proven to improve your overall health and immunity within just a few weeks. It is pretty common knowledge these days that smoking is bad for your health. Smokers get sick much more frequently than non-smokers. You are also getting less work done if you have to take frequent smoke breaks throughout the day. Smoke breaks do not promote productivity like exercise breaks do. Nicotine is a stimulant and actually increases your body’s stress level. So, now is the time to quit.

HOME REMEDY

Most of us doesn't go to a doctor when we get a cold. But knowing what to do about once at home isn't always easy. This guide will give you some ideas of what may work for you and help you feel better and back to your health.

Get Plenty of Rest. It may seem ridiculous to get extra sleep because of a cold, but it really is important. When you sleep, your body is able to fight infections more effectively, even minor ones like colds. So just going to bed an hour or two earlier will help your body recover more quickly.



extra sleep


Take over the counter cold medication, help clear congestion, rehydrate your body by drinking plenty of water , and enable your body to fight the infection to relieve symptoms.Over the counter cold medications will usually help relieve your symptoms so you can function and feel better, even if it is just for a little while. But remember, they are not killing the virus, just helping you cope with the symptoms.




Using Other Remedies to Relieve Symptoms

Using things such as humidifiers and even chicken soup can go a long way towards making you feel better. Staying in a steamy bathroom for few minutes may help congestion and even calm a cough. Of course none of these remedies are actually curing your cold either, but they can help you feel better, which of course is everyone's main objective when they are sick.



steamy bathroom relaxation


PREVENT VIRUSES FROM SPREADING

Knowing when you are contagious with a cold it is important to avoid spreading your germs to other people especially those who could develop serious complications from your cold.Colds are spread through the air and on surfaces. When you are sick, coughing, sneezing and even breathing sends the virus into the air around you and to every surface or person you touch. Since you can't stop coughing or breathing when you are sick, the only way to avoid spreading your cold is to try to stay away from as many people as possible.

One should follow these tips to prevent viruses from spreading to other people:

1.Wash your hands often with soap and water and help young children do the same.If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

2.Stay at home while you are sick
3.Move away from people before coughing or sneezing.
4.Avoid close contact with others, such as hugging, kissing, or shaking hands.



5.Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.Viruses can enter your body this way and make you sick.

6.Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, and objects such as toys and doorknobs.Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.



7.Cough and sneeze into a tissue then throw it away, or cough and sneeze into your upper shirt sleeve, completely covering your mouth and nose.

There is no vaccine to protect you against the common cold.





ALWAYS REMEMBER TO WASH YOUR HANDS VERY OFTEN!!!