COMMON COLD

What is it?

The common cold is a viral infection of the nose, eyes and upper respiratory tract.

Who gets it?

Many different viruses can cause the common cold. Each virus may have a slightly different pattern of symptoms and severity. Well over 100 types of cold viruses are known. There is no evidence that cooling the body induces a cold. Infection may be facilitated by excessive fatigue, emotional stress and other factors that weaken the body's immune defenses. Bacteria that live in the nose and throat can gain a foothold and cause secondary infection such as ear infections, bacterial sinusitis and bacterial bronchitis.

What are the symptoms?

Colds usually begin abruptly. Throat discomfort is often first, followed by sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion and decreased energy level. Fever is unusual, but children and infants may have fever up to 102 degrees. Chest symptoms are variable, and when they are present, this is commonly referred to as a "chest cold". Mucous becomes thick. Coughing, if present, can last two to three weeks. Green or yellow sputum or nasal secretions suggest a secondary bacterial bronchitis or sinusitis.

The common cold can be mistaken for hay fever (allergy) or bacterial disease such as a sinus infection or strep throat. Fever and more severe symptoms, especially muscle aches and cough, suggest the flu. If the disease comes on quickly, is not too severe and resolves in one to two weeks, it is usually the common cold. Allergies usually recur and can last for entire seasons. Bacterial sinus infections are usually limited to the nose and usually will not resolve unless antibiotics are given.

What is the treatment?

The key to treating a cold is to make your body comfortable while it fights the infection. Only your body's own defenses can fight off a cold. Antibiotics don't help, though they can treat or prevent secondary bacterial infections. Pain should be treated using paracetamol or aspirin (not in children), especially for sore throat. Nasal congestion and trouble breathing should be treated with nasal spray.