Common cold Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Common Cold is a term that is often used people when they feel a set of symptoms related to not feeling well.
This term is used to describe a condition in which it is considered that there is a lot of “wind” in the body.
Medically, colds actually do not exist.
There is no medical explanation regarding the causes, diagnosis, symptoms and treatment of colds.
However, the term cold is very commonly used by society, even used for generations.
Reason
There is no medical explanation for the cause of colds.
Medically, it is impossible for “wind” to suddenly enter and be trapped in the body.
The closest explanation for catching a cold is probably a group of flu like symptoms .
Flu-like symptoms or flu-like symptoms are a collection of complaints that a person often feels as the first symptom of a viral infection (usually the common cold ).
Another medical condition whose symptoms closely resemble a cold is digestive disorders, especially dyspepsia.
Therefore, it is very important to further explore the symptoms experienced by patients, including possible triggering factors.
It could be, the complaints felt by one person are different from other people who both feel they are experiencing “colds”.
Risk Factors
The risk factors for colds experienced by a person return to the possible underlying causes.
If a cold is caused by a viral infection so you experience flu-like symptoms , the possible risk factor is decreased immune system.
Meanwhile, if someone has a cold due to dyspepsia, the underlying risk factors could be a history of eating too late, consumption of acidic or spicy foods.
Symptoms
There are several groups of symptoms that are often interpreted as colds.
The symptoms felt by one person to another can be different and vary, depending on the main underlying cause.
However, the characteristics of colds that are often complained of include:
- fever
- shivering
- a cold sweat
- bloated
- frequent passing of gas (farting)
- burp often
- have a cold
- nausea and vomiting
- decreased appetite
- headache
- weak
Diagnosis
It is generally easy for someone to say that they have caught a cold, especially if based on the signs they are feeling.
On the other hand, there is no supporting examination to confirm the diagnosis of colds.
Even if you check with a doctor, chances are you won’t get a cold diagnosis.
It is possible that the doctor will give a diagnosis in the form of other conditions whose symptoms most closely resemble the symptoms you are feeling.
Treatment
There is no medicine for colds that can be given to cure people with colds.
Often, symptomatic treatment is sufficient. Symptomatic treatment is in the form of drugs to relieve the symptoms felt by sufferers.
For example, reducing fever, anti-nausea, anti-pain for headaches, and others.
However, if the complaint does not improve with treatment, you should consult further with your doctor.
If deemed necessary, you can be examined by a specialist in internal medicine to find out the possible causes of the complaints you are experiencing.
Some things you can do if you feel you have a cold are
- rest a lot
- make sure to keep eating, even if you don’t feel well and don’t have an appetite. Consume healthy and balanced nutrition
- consume hot, soupy foods, such as soup, especially if you have a cough. This can help thin the phlegm so that it is easy to expel. Steam can also help with nasal congestion symptoms
- Drink plenty, but avoid consuming caffeine and alcohol. Consumption of lots of fluids helps thin phlegm. Drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol make a person lose a lot of fluids so they are at risk of dehydration.
- Take supplements, especially those containing vitamin C. This can help the body’s immune system work in fighting disease.
Prevention
Preventing colds from returning to the underlying cause.
If it is caused by a viral infection, take good care of your immune system.
Apply the habit of routinely washing your hands and using a mask to avoid contracting the virus from other people.
If it is likely to be caused by an increase in stomach acid in cases of dyspepsia, you should avoid eating too late, sour or spicy foods.
Complications
In general, complaints of colds can be treated with symptomatic treatment and do not cause complications.
However, if the complaint does not improve, immediately consult a doctor for clinical evaluation and further management.
When to See a Doctor?
If the complaint doesn’t improve, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor.
A thorough evaluation may be needed to rule out other possible causes for your illness.