Rhinoviruses and other pathogens are the primary causes of the common cold.
The common cold is a familiar foe for many, but its origins and remedies are often misunderstood. Here's what you need to know about the common cold, its causes, symptoms, and treatments.
The common cold is caused by over 200 viruses, with human rhinoviruses (HRVs) being the most common identified cause. Contrary to popular belief, the common cold is not caused by exposure to cold weather or not dressing warmly. Instead, it is spread through inhaling virus particles from an infected person or touching contaminated surfaces.
The common cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract, affecting the nose, throat, and sinuses. Symptoms typically include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, and mild fever. In some cases, a common cold can lead to more serious complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
For colds that do not go away, it is necessary to seek medical attention if you have a fever higher than 101.3°F, trouble breathing, persistent sore throat, sinus pain, or headaches. Children should be taken to the doctor for fevers of 100.4°F or higher, if they have cold symptoms for more than three weeks, or if any of their symptoms become severe.
While there is no cure for the common cold, there are a few home remedies that can help soothe symptoms. Getting extra rest, eating a low-fat, high-fiber diet, drinking a lot of liquids, and using warm liquids like chicken soup can help ease congestion and soothe symptoms.
Over-the-counter cold medicines usually combine painkillers with decongestants, and include pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen, decongestant nasal sprays, and cough syrups. However, the effectiveness of alternative treatments such as zinc, Vitamin C, and echinacea is not proven.
In some cases, a common cold can trigger asthma, causing breathing difficulty and/or wheezing. It is important to seek medical attention if you have asthma and experience these symptoms.
Infections can also lead to sinusitis, which occurs when a cold does not go away and stays for long periods of time, with symptoms including inflamed and infected sinuses. Strep throat is another infection of the throat, with symptoms including a severe sore throat and sometimes a cough.
Coronaviruses can affect humans and typically cause mild to moderate upper respiratory tract infections. However, more severe strains such as SARS and COVID-19 have been identified in recent years.
In summary, the common cold is caused by over 200 viruses, with HRVs being the most common. It is spread through inhaling virus particles or touching contaminated surfaces. While there is no cure, home remedies and over-the-counter medicines can help soothe symptoms. It is important to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or become severe, especially in children and those with asthma or other underlying health conditions.
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