Common Cold Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
The common flu or cold is a viral infection of the nose and throat (upper respiratory tract/ARI) that attacks quite often.
Even though it can affect anyone, children are an age group that is more at risk of developing this disease.
This is because the child’s immune system is not perfect so they are more prone to experiencing this condition.
Most people recover from a cold within a week or 10 days. However, symptoms may last longer in people who smoke.
In general, symptoms get better on their own within a few days without medical medication. However, if symptoms do not improve or get worse, see a doctor immediately.
Check out the full explanation of what a cold is below.
Common Cold Symptoms
Cold symptoms are generally mild. That is, complaints related to the respiratory tract usually occur 2-3 days after exposure to the source of infection and last for 7-10 days.
After that, the symptoms experienced will usually subside, then recover completely. However, in smokers, the duration of the illness is usually longer.
Symptoms of the common cold can include:
- Sneeze
- Nasal congestion
- Have a cold
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Mucus dripping down your throat ( post-nasal drip )
- Watery eyes
- Fever (although most people don’t have a fever)
Symptoms of a cold are usually milder than those of an influenza virus infection.
Common Cold Reason
Many types of viruses can cause the common cold. However, rhinovirus is the most common cause of colds.
This is different from the flu, which is only caused by the influenza virus.
The virus that causes colds can enter the body through the mouth, eyes or nose. The spread can be through droplets in the air when the sufferer coughs, sneezes or talks.
In addition, the virus can also be spread through contaminated inanimate objects. If you hold the object and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth, you can also get infected.
Risk Factors
There are several things that can increase your risk of getting the common cold, namely:
1. Age
Infants and young children are most at risk of catching colds.
2. Weakened Immune System
Having a chronic illness or a weakened immune system can increase your risk of getting a cold.
3. Season
Colds are more likely to spread in the fall and winter, although they can be caught at any time.
4. Display
If you are often around large crowds, such as at school, the market, or on planes, your risk of catching a cold can increase.
5. Smoking
You are more likely to get a more severe cold if you smoke or are around second-hand smoke.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a cold is determined based on a medical interview (history) and physical examination.
In the history and physical examination, the doctor will check if there are typical symptoms of a cold. However, there will be no signs of bacterial infection.
In colds, usually no additional investigations or follow-up examinations are needed.
This is because the disease can heal itself without special treatment and is generally not dangerous.
Common Cold Treatment
Because it is caused by a virus, there is no specific treatment for colds.
To help relieve symptoms, sufferers can take the following steps:
- Get enough rest
- Drink a lot of water
- Gargle with saline solution
- Fever-reducing drugs when the fever occurs is quite disturbing
- Nasal sprays containing saline or decongestant solutions to relieve congestion
Prevention
To prevent colds, a person must keep himself and the things around him clean by:
- Make it a habit to wash your hands properly and correctly with soap. This hand-washing habit should be done regularly, especially after shaking hands, before touching the nose and mouth, and before preparing food.
- Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands afterward.
- Cleaning shared objects such as telephone receivers, doorknobs, faucets, and so on.
- Use personal cutlery, separate from other people.
Complications
Although rare, there are some complications of a cold that can occur, for example:
1. Acute ear infection (otitis media)
This occurs when an infection enters the space behind the eardrum.
2. Asma
A cold can trigger wheezing or an asthma flare-up, even if you don’t have asthma.
3. Acute Sinusitis
In adults or children, a common cold that doesn’t go away can cause swelling and pain (inflammation) and an infection in the sinuses.
When to See a Doctor?
Immediately consult a doctor if found:
- Difficulty breathing or fast breathing
- Dehydration
- Fever that lasts more than 4 days
- Symptoms that last more than 10 days without improvement
- Symptoms, such as a fever or cough, that improve but then return or worsen
- Worsening of existing chronic medical conditions