Common Cold: Symptoms, Causes and More

The common cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory system, causing a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. This illness affects millions of people around the world every year, with severity ranging from mild to severe. Although the common cold is usually not a serious health concern, it can lead to complications in some cases. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of the common cold, as well as some tips for managing this illness and reducing your risk of getting sick

Symptoms of Common Cold

Symptoms of the common cold are the body’s response to a viral infection in the upper respiratory system. They can vary in severity and duration from person to person. Some common symptoms of the common cold include:

Nasal symptoms: The most common symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and congestion. These symptoms can make it difficult to breathe and sleep.
Throat symptoms: A sore throat is a common symptom. It can be accompanied by a cough, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing.
General symptoms: The common cold can cause fatigue, body aches, and headaches. Some people may also experience a low-grade fever and chills.
Digestive symptoms: In some cases, the common cold can cause digestive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Sleep disturbances: The nasal congestion and coughing associated with the common cold can make it difficult to sleep, leading to fatigue and other symptoms.

Overall, the symptoms of the common cold can be uncomfortable, but they typically resolve within a week or two without medical intervention.

Causes of Common Cold

While there are more than 200 viruses that can cause the common cold including:

Rhinoviruses are responsible for the majority of common cold cases. They are highly contagious and can survive on surfaces for several hours, making it easy for them to spread from person to person. Rhinoviruses target the upper respiratory system, causing inflammation of the nasal passages and producing symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and congestion.
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause a range of illnesses, from the common cold to more severe respiratory diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). The most recent coronavirus outbreak, COVID-19, has caused a global pandemic. While coronaviruses are less common than rhinoviruses, they can still cause significant illness and are highly contagious.
RSV is a virus that primarily affects infants and young children. It can cause symptoms similar to those of the common cold, such as coughing, sneezing, and congestion. In severe cases, RSV can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, particularly in children with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions.
People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy, are more susceptible to viral infections like the common cold. Additionally, older adults and young children may have weaker immune systems, making them more vulnerable to infection.
While exposure to cold weather does not directly cause the common cold, it can weaken the immune system and make it more susceptible to infection. In addition, cold weather can dry out the nasal passages, making them more vulnerable to viral infections.
The common cold can be spread by contact with contaminated surfaces, such as doorknobs or phones. When an infected person touches a surface, they can leave behind viral particles that can survive for several hours. If another person touches the contaminated surface and then touches their nose or mouth, they can become infected with the virus.
Smoking and exposure to air pollution can irritate the nasal passages and make them more vulnerable to infection. Additionally, smoking can weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off viral infections like the common cold.
Stress and lack of sleep can weaken the immune system, making it more susceptible to infection. Additionally, stress and lack of sleep can lead to unhealthy behaviors such as poor diet and lack of exercise, which can also compromise the immune system.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of the common cold is typically based on a person’s symptoms and medical history. The doctor will ask about symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and sore throat. They may also ask about recent exposure to someone with a cold or any underlying health conditions that could increase the risk of complications. In some cases, the doctor may perform a physical examination to check for signs of infection, such as swollen glands or redness in the throat.

While there are no specific tests for the common cold, the doctor may order tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as the flu or allergies. These tests may include a throat culture, blood test, or chest X-ray.

Treatment

There is no cure for the common cold, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications. Most people recover from a cold within 7-10 days without the need for medical treatment. Over-the-counter medications can help to relieve symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and congestion. These medications include pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, decongestants like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, and antihistamines like diphenhydramine or loratadine.

In addition to medication, home remedies can also be effective in managing cold symptoms. These include staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, getting rest, using a humidifier to moisten the air, and gargling with warm salt water to soothe a sore throat. Nasal saline sprays or drops can also help to clear out nasal passages and relieve congestion.

Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections and should not be prescribed unless there is a bacterial infection present.

Complications of Common Cold

While the common cold is usually a mild illness that resolves on its own within a week or two, it can sometimes lead to complications, particularly in people with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions.

Sinusitis: One of the most common complications of the common cold is sinusitis, which occurs when the sinuses become inflamed and blocked. Symptoms of sinusitis include pain and pressure in the face, headache, and nasal congestion that lasts longer than 10 days.
Bronchitis: Another complication of the common cold is acute bronchitis, which occurs when the bronchial tubes in the lungs become inflamed and produce excess mucus. Symptoms of bronchitis include coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness.
Pneumonia: While rare, the common cold can sometimes lead to pneumonia, particularly in older adults, young children, and people with weakened immune systems. Pneumonia is a serious infection of the lungs that can cause coughing, fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
Ear infections: The common cold can also lead to ear infections, particularly in young children. Symptoms of an ear infection include ear pain, fever, and difficulty hearing.
Asthma exacerbations: People with asthma may experience worsening of their symptoms during a cold, which can lead to asthma attacks and difficulty breathing.
Other complications: In rare cases, it can lead to more serious complications, such as myocarditis (inflammation of the heart), meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord), or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

Prevention

Preventing the common cold can pose a challenge since it is a highly contagious viral infection that can spread through direct contact with an infected person or by touching a contaminated surface. However, individuals can take several steps to reduce the risk of getting sick and spreading the virus to others.

Regular hand washing with soap and water is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the common cold. Hands should be washed for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after using the bathroom, and after being in contact with someone who is sick.
When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used to kill the virus on hands. Hand sanitizers should contain at least 60% alcohol and be rubbed into the hands until dry.
The common cold is highly contagious and can be spread through close contact with an infected person. Avoiding contact with sick people, especially those who have a fever or cough, can help reduce the risk of getting sick.
When coughing or sneezing, it is important to cover the mouth and nose with a tissue or the crook of the elbow. This can help prevent the spread of the virus to others.
If you are sick with a cold, it is important to stay home and avoid contact with others. This can help prevent the spread of the virus to others.
The common cold virus can live on surfaces for several hours, so it is important to regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and keyboards.
A healthy immune system can help fight off infections, so it is important to eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. In addition, certain vitamins and supplements, such as vitamin C and zinc, may help boost the immune system and reduce the risk of getting sick.
While there is no vaccine for the common cold, getting vaccinated against the flu can help reduce the risk of getting sick with a respiratory infection and can also help prevent the spread of the flu to others.