A cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract, sometimes causing symptoms such as a runny nose, frequent sneezing, nasal congestion, watery eyes, body aches, general malaise, and low-grade fever.
This infection is caused by common viruses (mainly rhinoviruses) and can be spread through direct contact and through respiratory secretions that become airborne after an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
Cold symptoms usually disappear after 4 days and no special treatment is needed. However, your doctor may recommend that patients rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take medications that can help relieve symptoms and promote relief from nasal congestion.
cold symptoms
The main symptoms of a cold are:
- Runny or stuffy nose;
- sneezing frequently;
- tears in eyes;
- Sore and itchy throat;
- chills all over;
- mild headache;
- body aches;
- A general feeling of malaise.
Additionally, in some cases, symptoms such as cough, temporary loss of smell and taste, or low-grade fever may occur. Learn more about cold symptoms.
If an adult develops severe flu symptoms, it is important to consult your GP or otolaryngologist. For children, regardless of the severity of symptoms, it is always recommended to take them to a pediatrician.
How long will a cold last?
Cold symptoms usually appear 2 to 3 days after infection, generally last 2 to 4 days, and improve without special treatment.
How to confirm diagnosis
A general clinician, otolaryngologist, or pediatrician diagnoses a cold by evaluating symptoms and the patient’s medical history.
Generally, no additional tests are needed, but if the doctor suspects another medical condition, such as COVID-19 or pneumonia, tests such as a COVID-19 test or a chest X-ray may be ordered.
What is the difference between the flu and a cold?
Although the flu and colds are both respiratory illnesses, they can be distinguished based on the severity of their symptoms. Flu symptoms are usually more severe and longer-lasting than those of a cold. Additionally, the flu often presents with high fever and affects the entire lungs, which in some cases is not seen with the common cold. cold. Learn how to recognize flu symptoms.
Additionally, although caused by viruses, the sources of infection associated with the flu and colds are different, and complications may occur if the immune system does not properly fight the infection, which may lead to pneumonia in the case of the flu, such as otitis media or sinusitis in the case of a cold. inflammation.
main reason
Colds are caused by more than 200 viruses, but rhinovirus infection is the most common and occurs most frequently in spring and autumn.
Additionally, another virus that can also cause colds is adenovirus.
how it spreads
For example, transmission occurs through direct contact with a person infected with the virus or through inhalation of saliva droplets or nasal secretions released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
Cold viruses enter the body through the nose, eyes, or mouth, so it is also dangerous to touch an object contaminated with the virus, such as a doorknob, plate, glass, towel, or cell phone, and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. A form of indirect transmission of cold.
How to get rid of a cold
Cold treatment must be done under medical guidance and varies depending on the severity of symptoms, because the body itself will eliminate the cold virus within a few days.
The main cold treatment methods are:
1. Rest
Rest is important to help the body recover and relieve cold symptoms and to allow the body to use all its energy to fight the infection.
2. Increase fluid intake
Increasing fluid intake is important to stay hydrated, especially in children and older adults who are at higher risk of dehydration. Learn how to recognize symptoms of dehydration.
Therefore, it is recommended to drink plenty of water or drink liquids such as natural unsweetened juices, infusions, smoothies, and soups, which help keep you hydrated and provide necessary nutrients when eating is not possible.
3. Rinse your mouth with water and salt
Gargling with warm water and salt has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, helping to reduce throat inflammation and relieve sore throat or discomfort.
To gargle with warm salt water, add a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water and mix. Rinse your mouth several times a day.
4. Nasal wash
If you feel uncomfortable with a runny or stuffy nose, you can use 0.9% saline to rinse your nose, as it helps dilute nasal secretions, promote their discharge, and relieve nasal congestion. Learn how to properly rinse your nose.
Also read: How to Unclog Your Nose: 11 Home Remedies
tuasaude.com/es/clogging-nose
5. Cold medicine
Cold medicine can help relieve symptoms and promote a sense of well-being, so your doctor may recommend:
- Painkillers or anti-inflammatoriessuch as paracetamol, metamizole or ibuprofen, for fever, sore throat, headache or body aches;
- nasal decongestant sprayrelieve nasal congestion, adults can use it for up to 5 days;
- expectorant syrupsuch as ambroxol or guaifenesin, to facilitate the removal of nasal secretions;
- mucolytic syrupsuch as acetylcysteine or bromhexine, make nasal secretions more liquid and facilitate their drainage.
Additionally, antihistamines, such as loratadine or desloratadine, may also be recommended to open the nasal passages and help relieve congestion and sneezing.
During pregnancy, flu medications should only be used under the guidance of an obstetrician because they can interfere with the baby’s development.
Also read: What medicine can pregnant women take for colds?
tuasaude.com/es/treatment-for-cold-in-pregnancy
6. Home Remedies
Home remedies for colds can help relieve existing symptoms because they have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunity-stimulating properties in addition to promoting hydration.
For example, some home remedies you can drink when you have a cold include lemon, garlic, and ginger tea, peppermint tea, and star anise tea.
7. Food when you have a cold
It’s important to eat light, easy-to-digest foods to help your body recover faster.
It is also important to include foods in your daily diet that can help strengthen your immune system, such as foods rich in vitamin C such as oranges, pineapples, strawberries and kiwi fruit.
How to prevent colds
It is important to take steps to help prevent infection and spread of swine flu, such as:
- Avoid contact with people suspected of having a cold;
- Always cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue when you cough or sneeze, which must then be discarded;
- Even if you use a disposable tissue, wash your hands after coughing or sneezing;
- Avoid touching surfaces and putting your hands into your eyes, mouth, or nose;
- Clean surfaces that may be contaminated with disinfectants;
- Avoid sharing personal items or toys with other children;
- Avoid being in a closed environment or with little air circulation for extended periods of time.
It is also important to wash your hands regularly with water and mild soap for at least 20 seconds before rinsing to prevent colds and avoid the spread of disease.