Symptoms and Treatment of the Common Cold

The Common Cold

Around this time of year, it seems like everyone starts to come down with a cold. However, there are a lot of different ideas about what causes colds and how to treat them. The following information will help you to identify and treat the common cold.

Background

The common cold is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. It is the most common infectious disease among people of all ages. Although the common cold is benign and self-limiting, it can lead to secondary bacterial infections.

A cold can be spread two days before the carrier is aware of any cold symptoms. Usually, transmission occurs through airborne respiratory droplets and occasionally from objects contaminated with respiratory droplets. Children serve as the main reservoir for respiratory viruses. They commonly acquire new strains from schoolmates and pass them on to family members.

Signs and Symptoms

After a 1 to 4 day incubation period, the common cold produces symptoms such as:

• sore throat and/or pharyngitis
• nasal congestion
• Burning, watery eyes
• Fever (more common in children)
• Headache
• Cough
• Achiness
• Fatigue and weakness
• Enlarged lymph nodes

Secondary infections can result from a cold and need medical attention. A clinician should be seen if any of the following symptoms occur:

• Chest pain that persists
• Earache
• Severe or long-lasting sore throat
• Coughing up thick mucus or rust-colored sputum

Many sore throats are not serious and resolve in time. However, there are potentially serious types that require specific measures. The most potentially serious sore throat, strep throat, is fairly common. This type of pharyngitis has potential to develop into heart and/or kidney disease.

Treatment

There is no cure for a cold because it is a viral infection. Primary treatment is purely symptomatic:

1. Rest.

Plenty of rest allows the body to use the energy it needs to manufacture antibodies for killing viruses. 

2. Fluids

Increase daily fluid intake to more than 1-2 liters. Liquids are needed to thin and loosen mucus secretions. Avoid milk and soda.

3. Proper Diet

Do not "starve" a cold. Eat light, well-balanced meals.

4. Gargles

Gargle deeply to cleanse and heal the throat 2-4 times a day. Dissolve 1/4 of a teaspoon of honey in half a mug of warm water.

5. Humidifier

Cool, moist air from a humidifier helps break up congestion and thins secretions. Warm baths and showers are soothing. A hand towel wrung out with hot water and placed over the eyes and sinuses can also be soothing.

6. Medications

Pain relievers (aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen), decongestants, and cough medications can all help relieve symptoms of the common cold.

Prevention

To prevent getting sick, avoid close contact with sick people, maintain a healthy diet, and wash your hands! The proper way to wash your hands is as follows:

First, wet your hands and apply liquid or clean bar soap. Place the bar soap on a rack and allow it to drain. Next, rub your hands vigorously together and scrub all surfaces. Continue for ten to fifteen seconds. It is the soap combined with the scrubbing action that helps dislodge and remove germs. Rinse well and dry your hands with a clean towel. 

Sources:

Student Health Center. Common Cold [Brochure]. Rexburg, Idaho: Brigham Young University- Idaho

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