Common cold

Common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract  nose and throat. It is usually harmless. It is also known as nasopharyngitis, rhinopharyngitis , acute coryza, head cold , or a cold. It is recovered within one or two weeks. it's not a runny nose, sore throat and cough, it's the  watery eyes, sneezing and congestion or may be all of the above.

Cause:

The most common cold viruses include:

• Rhino viruses :causing 10% to 40% of colds

• Corona viruses :causing 20% of colds

• Respiratory syncytial virus ( RSV ) :responsible for 10% of cold

Transmission:

• Touching the skin or environmental surfaces, such as telephones and stair rails, that contain cold germs on them and then touching the eyes or nose.
• When coughing or sneezing by a infected person inhaling drops of mucus full of cold germs from the air.

Symptoms:

The typical symptoms of a cold include a cough , a runny nose , nasal congestion, fever and a sore throat ( pharyngitis ), sometimes accompanied by muscle ache , fatigue , headache , and loss of appetite and sinuses (sinusitis), occasionally involving either or both eyes via conjunctivitis.

Cold Diagnosis:

Common cold diagnosis is based on symptoms and a physical examination. Initial diagnosis is often made from symptoms. No blood tests or X-rays are required for diagnosis. The doctor gives careful attention to the head, neck, and chest. He examines the eyes, ears, throat, and chest to help determine if a bacterial source is causing the illness.

Treatment:

Pain relievers: In case of fever, sore throat and headache, many people take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or other mild pain relievers. But it can cause liver damage, especially if taken frequently or in larger than recommended doses. It is contraindicated to children under 3 months of age. Aspirin to be taken with caution for children or teenagers. Though aspirin is approved for use in children more than age 2, children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin as it has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially life- threatening condition.

Decongestant nasal sprays: Adults shouldn't use decongestant drops or sprays for prolonged time because it can cause chronic rebound inflammation of mucous membranes. And children shouldn't use decongestant drops or sprays at all.

It has side effects although it works in young children.

Cough syrups: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommend against giving OTC cough and cold medicines to children younger than age 2. These medications also have potential side effects, including rapid heart rate and convulsions.