Common cold (cold): symptoms, causes, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What is that common cold (cold)?

Common cold , or in medical language it is called the common cold, is a viral infection that occurs in the upper respiratory tract. The infection causes symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing and sore throat. This disease is usually mild and can be cured within 7-10 days.

Common cold This is also commonly known as a cold cough because the infection occurs in the nose and throat. At first glance, the symptoms shown do resemble flu or influenza. However, it is important to know that a cold cough is called common cold different from a cold cough in influenza conditions, whether in any type of influenza.

How common is the cold?

Common cold or the common cold could be considered a very common disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average adult in America has a cold cough 2-3 times a year.

The incidence of this disease is more common in infants and children. This is because the immune system in infants and children is still not properly developed. In addition, the elderly aged 65 years and over are also more prone to experience a cold cough.

This disease can be prevented and overcome by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs and symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms common cold (cough and cold)?

Generally, symptoms common cold or the common cold appears 1-3 days after exposure to the virus. Common signs and symptoms include:

• runny nose (stuffy nose)
• sore throat
• cough
• body aches and discomfort
• mild headache
• sneezing
• low-grade fever

The above symptoms usually resolve within 7-10 days. However, people with weak immune systems, asthma, or other respiratory illnesses may experience more serious complications, such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Most cases are cold or cough common cold it is mild and heals on its own quickly. However, you need to be vigilant and consult a doctor immediately if the following symptoms appear:

• fever over 38.5 degrees Celsius
• fever lasts more than 5 days, or comes back after the fever goes down
• hard to breathe
• wheezing (breath sounds)
• sore throat and head that gets worse

In children, the symptoms that need to be aware of are as follows:

• fever over 38 degrees Celsius
• fever gets higher or lasts more than 2 days
• the symptoms did not improve, they even got worse
• headache and cough getting worse
• wheezing
• earache
• unusual drowsiness
• decreased appetite

Everyone's body is different and will show varying symptoms. Always consult a doctor to get the most appropriate treatment for your health condition.

Cause

What causes common cold (cough and cold)?

Common cold or the common cold is caused by a viral infection. The most common type of virus to cause a cold cough common cold is a rhinovirus.

The virus that causes this cold cough can be transmitted from one person to another. Plus, the virus can stick to surfaces for several days, such as door handles or tables.

When someone touches a surface where the virus is present, or has close enough physical contact with someone who has a cold cough, that person can catch it.

Viruses in the common cold cough or common cold different from the virus that causes influenza. In the case of influenza, the disease is caused by influenza A or B viruses. In addition, influenza is also a disease that is much more serious than a common cold cough, even at risk of life threatening.

Risk factors

What factors increase my risk of catching a cold cough?

Common cold or a cold cough is a disease that can be spread to people of all ages, races, and places of residence. However, there are several factors that can increase your risk of catching the virus that causes a cold cough.

The following factors can increase your risk of catching a cold cough, namely:

1. Babies and children

Babies who are still 4-6 weeks of age have a high risk of catching a cold cough. This is because the baby's immune system is still not working perfectly to protect them from bacteria and viruses.

In addition, school-age children are also more susceptible to this disease. Generally, children can be attacked common cold as much as 5-7 times a year.

In school-age children, this is likely due to the habits of children who have not been able to keep their hands clean properly. Plus, frequently exchanging toys with other children also increases the risk of catching a cold cough.

2. Elderly

As we get older, a person's risk for catching a cold or cough common cold also getting higher, especially if you are 65 years and over. In addition, the symptoms of a cold cough in older people usually last longer than in adults.

3. Having a bad immune system

If you have a weakened immune system, you are much more likely to catch a cold or cold cough. This also applies to patients with AIDS, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, or someone who has recently had an organ transplant.

4. Living in a place that is too crowded or crowded

Places that are too crowded are ideal environments for the virus to spread to large numbers of people, such as schools or dormitories. Transmission is also easier if there are many people in a small room.

Complications

What are the complications common cold that might happen?

When the symptoms common cold or a cold occurs, make sure you get some rest and take medication. The reason is, a cold cough that is not immediately resolved may cause other, more serious diseases.

Here are the complications that can occur if common cold not handled quickly:

• acute ear infection (otitis media)
• asthma
• acute sinusitis
• other infections, such as strep throat, pneumonia, to bronchitis

Diagnosis and treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is this disease diagnosed?

Generally, the common cold cough or common cold can be diagnosed by examining the signs and symptoms. If your doctor suspects a bacterial infection or other health problem, you may be asked to undergo additional tests to find other causes behind your symptoms.

How to treat common cold ?

Basically, there is no drug that can fight the causative virus common cold or a cold. This disease will usually heal on its own. Existing cold and cough medicines are usually only used to relieve your symptoms.

Some medications commonly used to relieve cold cough symptoms include:

• Decongestant drugs,to relieve nasal congestion.
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen, to reduce heat and relieve pain.

Home remedies

What are the ways to treat common cold at home?

Apart from taking medication, you can also try a series of treatments that can be done at home. Here are the steps you can try:

1. Meet the needs of body fluids

Make sure you don't run out of fluids during a cold cough. You can drink lots of water, fruit juice, warm soup, or warm lemon juice to help relieve symptoms. Avoid alcohol and caffeine for a while.

2. Get enough rest

The main key to quickly recovering from this disease is getting plenty of rest. If necessary, you should not go to work or school, especially if you have a fever and a bad cough. In addition to restoring your body, resting at home also reduces your risk of passing the disease on to other people.

3. Set the room temperature accordingly

Setting the right room temperature can also help relieve cold cough symptoms. Avoid room temperature that is too cold or hot. If the air is too dry, you can use humidifier to help maintain appropriate air humidity.

4. Gargle salt water

Dissolve 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Then, use the salt water solution to rinse your mouth. This method is believed to temporarily relieve sore throat symptoms.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.