Common cold

Definition

The common cold is an infection that can irritate your nose and throat.

Sore Throat Due to Inflammation

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Causes

The common cold is caused by a virus. There are over 200 different viruses that can cause a cold.

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your chance of a cold include:

• Being near someone who has a cold
• Touching your nose, mouth, or eyes with contaminated fingers
• Decreased resistance, which can be caused by smoking, second-hand smoke, or stress
• Allergies or asthma
• Shorter sleep duration or poor sleep quality

Symptoms

A cold may cause:

• Sore or scratchy throat
• Stuffy nose
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Itchy, stuffed sensation in the ears
• Watery eyes
• Cough
• Headache
• Aches and pains
• Low energy
• Fever

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is most often based on your symptoms. Generally, tests are not needed to make a diagnosis unless another condition is suspected, such as pneumonia.

Treatment

A cold usually lasts 10 days or longer. There are no cures for a cold, but treatments can ease symptoms. These include:

Home Care

To make you more comfortable:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Warm beverages like tea and chicken soup are soothing. They may also help decrease congestion.
• Use a humidifier. A cool-mist humidifier will keep your nasal passages moist. Humidifiers may also loosen congestion. Be sure to clean the humidifier every day.
• Try nasal flushing with a neti-pot or saline spray. This can help loosen mucus.
• Gargle with warm salt water. It can help soothe a sore throat.

Over-the-Counter Medications

To relieve aches, pains, and fever consider nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Prescription antiviral medication is usually not necessary.

Note: Aspirin can cause serious complications in some children with certain infections. It is best to avoid aspirin or aspirin products for children with infections.

Cough and cold remedies include:

• Decongestants
• Expectorants
• Antihistamines
• Antitussives
• Throat lozenges
• Mentholated vapor rubs

Note: Cough and cold medications should not be used in children under 2 years old, and they are not recommended in children under 4 years old. The US Food and Drug Administration has not completed its review regarding the safety of over-the-counter cough and cold medications in children aged 2-11 years. Rare, but serious side effects have been reported.

Decongestant pills or nasal sprays can shrink nasal passages. They also decrease mucus production. Nasal sprays should only be used for 2-3 days. Longer use can lead to increased congestion when you stop using the product.

Alternative Treatments

Many people use alternative treatments to relieve their cold symptoms. Some of the more popular choices include:

• Vitamin C—Taking extra vitamin C at the start of a cold has not been shown to be of any benefit. Some believe that taking vitamin C throughout the cold season may help reduce symptoms or shorten how long the cold lasts.
• Zinc lozenges—Taking zinc lozenges at the start of a cold may help shorten the length of the cold.
• Echinacea—Echinacea might help people to recover faster from a cold. But there is little evidence that it can prevent colds if taken in advance.
• Honey—While honey has not been shown to affect the severity or length of a common cold, it may improve nighttime cough and sleep disruption in children. Do not give honey to infants younger than 12 months because of the risk of infant botulism.

Note: Some supplements and herbal treatments may not be pure. Many can also interact with prescription medications and over-the-counter products. Talk to your doctor before using any of these products.

Prevention

The most important way to keep from getting or spreading a cold is by washing your hands. Wash your hands well and often. Other ways to keep from getting a cold:

• Keep your hands away from your nose, mouth, and eyes.
• Stay away from people who have a cold.
• If you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways to quit or cut down on smoking.
• Ask your doctor if taking certain supplements may be right for you.