What is a cold
The cold, more precisely called rhinitis, is an acute inflammation of the nasal and pharyngeal mucosa that can be caused by several factors.
When the cause is viral it is called the common cold, and it is the most frequent infection of the upper airways.
Although united by some symptoms (sneezing, increased secretions), the allergic cold (allergic rhinitis or hay fever) differs from the infectious cold as triggered by exposure to specific substances present in the environment called allergens.
Causes of colds
Colds and stuffy nose have different causes. The main one is represented by viruses, of which about 200 types are known.
The best known and most frequent are Rhinovirus, Adenovirus, Coronavirus, Coxackie and influenza and parainfluenza viruses (colds and flu often go hand in hand), respiratory syncytial virus and some echoviruses.
The number of viruses capable of causing colds and above all the remarkable ability to mutate quickly of some species (such as Rhinoviruses) explain both why episodes are possible even at a short distance from each other, and the inability of the immune system to develop effective and lasting defenses. The contagion of colds occurs through droplets of saliva emitted by coughing and sneezing.
The appearance of colds after the flu vaccine is also frequent; Flu vaccines only protect against flu viruses, but not from other microorganisms that can cause colds.
Although there is no real stress cold, this can lower the immune system and make the body more vulnerable to infections.
The causes of allergic colds (allergic rhinitis), in predisposed individuals, are instead different types of substances such as pollen, dust mites, animal hair, but also food. There are cases of cross-allergy between pollen and food (known as oral allergy syndrome): for example, those who are allergic to grass pollen may experience an allergic reaction even after eating bananas or zucchini. Unlike the common one, allergic colds are often associated with itchy nose and eyes and watery eyes.
Common symptoms
The symptom par excellence of colds is a runny nose (rhinorrhea) or stuffy, and is due to congestion of the nasal mucosa.
However, a stuffy nose can also occur without a cold, for example in the case of anatomical abnormalities such as hypertrophy of the turbinates.
Headache, fever and especially repeated sneezing, tearing, attenuation of smell and taste, feeling of muffling / dulling, nasal voice, greater difficulty in perceiving sounds and noises may be associated. Cold headaches usually occur above the eyebrow arch. If sore throat and fever appear, it is possible that it is not a cold but a bacterial infection. If, on the other hand, fever and muscle pain are associated, the culprit may be a flu virus.
In allergic colds, nasal itching, eye discomfort and cough in case of allergic bronchitis are associated .
Complications
Colds usually heal on their own within seven to ten days, and in some cases colds and fevers may appear at the same time . However, if neglected, the cold can facilitate the entry of other respiratory pathogens through the altered and weakened mucosa: most often these are bacterial superinfections which can cause, for example, Pneumonia tags. For this reason it is advisable not to smoke with a cold and not to underestimate a cold in heart patients , as well as a cold in the elderly tags. As annoying as it may be, a cold during pregnancy does not pose a danger to the expectant mother or the fetus.
The cold can also favor, in predisposed individuals, the localization of mucus in the paranasal sinuses (small cavities dug in the bones of the face), causing sinusitis. Symptoms are a throbbing headache and a feeling of pressure around the eyes, cheekbones and forehead. If the mucus gets into the ears, colds and otitis can be associated instead .
Colds in children
Preventing colds
How to prevent a cold ? To do this it is important:
- follow the basic rules of Hygiene , in particular washing your hands often and cleaning objects and surfaces where bacteria and viruses live , such as your cell phone or office desk
- don’t go to crowded places ( social life and a cold don’t always go hand in hand).
Furthermore, it is useful to strengthen the immune system , so as to be less susceptible to infections. For this purpose, supplements of vitamins and mineral salts may be useful, as an important association has been demonstrated, for example between:
To increase the immune system it is also important to follow a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet, rich in fruit against colds, such as lemon, apple, papaya and blueberries. The Anti-cold diet should also include vegetables and other antioxidant -rich foods , such as spinach, beets, soybeans and green tea.
If, on the other hand, it is too late to prevent it, it is good to block the cold at the first symptoms , for example by performing nasal washes, both in adults and in children, to thin the mucus and Prevent sinusitis tags. Also, it’s good not to train with a fever , cough and cold tags. Finally, in order not to infect those around us, it is good to sneeze correctly , covering your nose and mouth with a handkerchief or sneezing into the crook of your elbow.
The cure
Once the symptoms of a cold appear, what to do ? What medicines to take and how to get rid of a cold with natural remedies?
Pharmacological treatments
Since it is a viral infection, the treatment of is exclusively symptomatic, while antibiotics for colds are useless, except in the case of bacterial superinfection. It can happen , for example , when a cold and sore throat are associated , which can be caused by a streptococcal infection . In the latter case, the doctor will eventually prescribe the appropriate drug.
On the contrary, to alleviate the symptoms, one can resort to self-medication drugs that have an anti-inflammatory effect on the respiratory tract (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), nasal decongestants (which must not be used for long periods of time), cough syrups, aerosols , as appropriate.
Let’s see what are the effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and decongestants in particular.
| Effects | |
| Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs | Reduction of the inflammatory state of the nasal mucous membranes, of all the symptoms associated with it and of any fever. They are also useful in case of colds and bone pain |
| Decongestants (also local) | Improved breathing, reducing nasal congestion |
However, if you are dealing with a cold that does not go away and for example the typical symptoms of sinusitis appear, it is advisable to consult your doctor. The therapy for sinusitis is usually based on antibiotics, which can be associated with nasal washes or alternatively aerosols with sea water .
Natural remedies
There are several natural remedies for colds , such as Echinacea and Propolis , or you can use aromatic herbs and essential oils for fumigation tags. Supplements based on vitamins and mineral salts (such as zinc) for colds are useful because they strengthen the immune system. Finally, among the Natural Remedies Rich in Antioxidants we mention Ginger and honey. Even in the case of sinusitis, these natural remedies can be used in combination with the therapy prescribed by the doctor.
When to see your doctor
Referral to a doctor is advisable if you are dealing with a cold that does not go away (therefore in the event of ineffectiveness of the pharmacological remedies adopted), persistent fever or headache, the appearance of pain in the face or ear or, however, worsening of general conditions.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.