Cold Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
A cold is a condition where there is a mild infection in the nose. Usually characterized by the occurrence of obstruction in the nose and upper respiratory tract. Apart from that, it can also be characterized by the discharge of fluid due to viral or bacterial infections.
Colds are a type of disease that can heal itself even without treatment. It usually lasts less than seven days. But a cold that doesn’t heal should be watched out for. Especially if accompanied by other symptoms – such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, and coughing up blood.
Cold Symptoms
Some of the cold symptoms that you feel are:
- Fever
- Whole body aches
- Cold or sweaty
- Headache
- Cough
- Weak and feeling tired
- Nasal congestion
- Sore throat
Cold Reason
Colds are caused by viruses that spread through the air. This disease is very contagious. You can catch it from someone who is coughing or having a runny nose through sneezing or while talking.
You can inhale the virus directly or through objects that have previously been touched by a person who has a cold. It should be noted that people who are infected with the virus that causes colds will only start to feel symptoms after 5 days. It will survive and turn into a spreader of the virus for up to 10 days after infection.
You are at higher risk of getting a cold if you have the following conditions:
- Fatigue (lack of rest lowers the immune system)
- Being in a dense environment
- Leading an unclean lifestyle
- In therapy that results in a lowered immune system
- Have a history of allergies in the family
Diagnosis
To determine the diagnosis of a cold, the doctor will collect information to know the symptoms you are feeling. In addition, a physical examination can also be carried out in the form of an upper respiratory tract examination.
Cold Treatment
Colds can generally heal on their own even without special treatment. However, rest and consumption of foods that can boost the body’s immune system can help the healing process.
Colds that do not go away should not be underestimated. For this reason, you should immediately see a doctor to find out the possibility of other health problems behind the cold you are experiencing.
Prevention
Colds can be prevented by taking actions such as:
- Wash your hands frequently before or after touching something
- Eat foods high in vitamin C
- Avoid direct contact with people who have the flu
- Stop smoking because it can reduce the performance of the mucous lining of the respiratory tract