August 2, 2007
The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat and upper airways) resulting in inflammation of the mucous membranes of those areas. It is self-limiting.
Although it occurs throughout the year, it is more common in rainy days. Smoking, poor nutrition, increased population density, and chronic psychological stress increase susceptibility to the common cold. However, preschool children are most vulnerable.
Symptoms
Symptoms of common cold start one to three days after infection. The first symptoms are discomfort in the nose or throat.
Later, one starts sneezing, has a runny nose and feels mildly ill. Slight fever may develop in some cases. Secretions from nose are watery, clear and plentiful in the first one or two days. Later it becomes thicken, opaque and yellowish green.
Some may even develop cough.
Causes Though several types of viruses are involved causing common cold, rhino viruses are the most common pathogens.
Influenza virus can cause respiratory symptoms similar to those of common cold. Viral contact with nasal mucosa or conjunctiva initiates the infection. The most efficient mode of transmission is hand-to-hand contact with someone who has viral-laden nasal secretions on their hands. Then patients touch their nose or eye with their hand and infect themselves. The spread of virus from inhalation of viral droplets may also occur, but is not very common.
Most colds can be easily identified based on typical symptoms. Bacterial infections and allergies may have similar symptoms. High fever indicates that the infection is not simple cold.
Treatment Though there is no known cure for the common cold, treatment approach is intended to reduce the discomfort of the patients. The treatment option is specific.
Combination cold remedies are very popular, but most of the benefits are doubtful. Combination products are convenient, but the convenience must be weighed against the risk from taking unnecessary drugs.
Pharyngitis (sore throat) is treated with anaesthetic lozenges or systemic painkillers. Nasal congestion is treated with topical or systemic decongestants.
Running nose and sneezing are treated with sedating antihistamines.
If sore throat is the only problem, painkillers such as paracetamol, aspirin and ibuprofen are likely to be beneficial.
Throat lozenges are too useful especially if local anaesthetic like benzocaine is a component of lozenges. Besides local anesthetics, lozenges often contain local antiseptics (cetylpyridinium chloride and hexyl resorcinol). Local antiseptics are not effective in viral infections. Aspirin should be used with care or better be avoided as it is associated with increased risk of Reye’s syndrome, a potentially dangerous situation.
Discount Pharmacy - Buy Pharmacy at discount prices including free shipping.Discount Pharmacy provides confortable and easy way to order discount pharmacy online.When viruses enter mucous membranes in the nose, blood vessels dilate and cause swelling leading to congestion.
Decongestants constrict these dilated vessels providing some relief. They are available both as oral products as well as nasal products for local use in the nose.
Common oral decongestants are pseudo ephedrine, phenyl propalamine and phenylephrine. The oral decongestants constrict the blood vessels of other parts of the body too, not just that of nose. This causes increase in blood pressure. Hence people with heart disease or blood pressure should not self medicate with oral decongestants. Diabetics and hypothyroidism patients should also consult doctors before using oral decongestants.
Nasal drops or sprays are preferable as they locally act without affecting other sites of the body. But they should not be used beyond three to five days. Continued use may lead to rebound congestion and stuffiness, and further use may lead to drug dependency. Intranasal decongestants include ephedrine, epinephrine, naphazoline, phenylephrine, xylometazoline and oxymetazoline. Some of them are short acting (four to six hours) while some are long acting (around 12 hours).
Specialised formulations even are active for 24 hours. Drops are preferred for children.
Sedating antihistamines decrease sneezing and running nose associated with common cold. Such medicines include chlorphenarmine, diphenhydramine and phenarmine. Non-sedating antihistamines are available in the market, but are costly.
Sedating antihistamines can cause drowsiness and make the people dull.
Driving, operating heavy machineries and other activities requiring alertness should be avoided. Some of the antihistamines cause sensitivity to sunlight. It is preferable to avoid exposure to sunlight or use sun-screening agents.
Guidelines Here are a few guidelines for preventing cold: There is no cure for cold. The treatment is only for symptomatic relief.
Lozenges should be slowly dissolved in the mouth without biting or chewing.
If sore throats are severe or persisting several days, consult a doctor.
Do not self medicate with oral decongestants if one has heart disease or blood pressure.
Persons with diabetes taking oral decongestants should consult their doctor. There may be a need of adjustment of dose of insulin.
Do not use decongestant drops or sprays beyond three to five days with out doctor’s advice. There is possibility of rebound congestion.
Do not touch the tip of the spray or dropper bottle with the hands.
Many antihistamines interact with other drugs. Tell the name of medicines to the doctor or pharmacist.
As antihistamines cause drowsiness, do not drive or handle heavy machineries while using cold medicines containing antihistamines.
Do not use antihistamines without doctor’s advice if one is pregnant or breast-feeding.
Do not use cold medicines in children below two years if especially they have antihistamines.
Do not touch your eyes, mouth or nose with hands. Wash your hands frequently when you are ill or with an ill per son to prevent spreading of virus.
Drinking plenty of fluids, fruit juices and gargling with warm saline water would provide reasonably good relief.
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