Colds

The Common Cold

The common cold goes by many names, including nasopharyngitis and acute coryza, but it's something that's familiar to everyone. A cold simply refers to any one of numerous viral infections targeting the upper respiratory system. There are more than 200 viruses responsible for cold symptoms, and identifying the particular cause is not necessary to treat the illness.

Children and young adults may also have a fever accompanying these symptoms, but a fever is less common in adults. Some patients also experience fatigue, muscle aches, headache and suppressed appetite. Symptoms will usually last a few days to a week. In general, the symptoms tend to be less severe than those experienced during a flu.

Some home remedies like tea and hot soup can reduce the discomfort of a sore throat and help keep you hydrated, which will help with loosening mucus. You can also open your nasal passages with steam. Over-the-counter drugs can help with reducing congestion, muscle aches and cough severity.

 

 

Although colds themselves are usually mild and can be cleared up with plenty of rest and ample fluids, they do leave your body weakened and prone to secondary infections. It's possible for a cold to leave you vulnerable to a sinus infection or bronchitis, for example, due to the weakening of your immune system. If you experience cold symptoms that last more than a few weeks or increase in severity, it might be time to visit a doctor.

Some people designate colds as "head colds," with symptoms localized to the nose, throat and sinuses, or "chest colds," which involve the bronchial tubes. In either case, colds tend to have similar symptoms:

-- Cough
-- Runny nose
-- Nasal congestion
-- Sore throat