Helpful Information About Common Colds
We often get common colds. Let’s find out from this article about some information regarding this common illness.
When the doctor tells you that you have an “acute viral nasopharyngtis”, it actually means that you have a common cold. An average person catches colds about twice a year. It is caused by the changing seasons. Children are more prone to this kind of illness because they have a weaker immune system while being young.
Certain theories say that common cold is caught due to the exposure with cold weathers. This is because it occurs more frequently during winter months. It will be increased when we often stay indoors during this season.
The most common symptoms for common colds are sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, coughing and sore throat. Some people even suffer from fatigue and muscle aches as well as weakness. It can be common to people having a weak immune system. The symptoms may differ depending on the severity of the cold.
The usual common cold will last up to 10 days prior to its start. If the symptoms go on after 10 days, it is a sign that you should consult a doctor already. It might cause infections if it is not cured immediately.
There are ways on how we can prevent common colds. The most effective is to take Vitamin C which is a very good thing to fight the coming of common cold illness. Also have the habit of washing your hands frequently. The bacteria in the common colds are very likely to spread to others. That is why frequent washing of the hands must be applied.
If you have been stricken with the common cold, over-the-counter medications like aspirin, nasal decongestants, cough suppressants and antihistamines can help relieve some of the discomfort. It is important to keep yourself hydrated when you have a cold by drinking plenty of fluids. Drinking hot chicken soup and tea soothes a sore throat. The steam from these hot drinks also helps open up the nasal passages. A vaporizer can be used to place warm moisture in the air. Hot showers and warm baths also help relieve muscle aches and open up the nasal passages. Of course, plenty of rest is needed to strengthen your immune system and fight your cold. Alternative methods of treating the common cold include aromatherapy, herbal therapies and ginger.
The incubation period for colds is 2 to 4 days. That is when you are most contagious and most likely to give your cold to your friends, family and even enemies. The common cold is usually self-limiting and mild. However, in certain cases, the common cold can lead to other conditions, such as bronchitis, sinusitis, croup, strep throat, Laryngitis and even pneumonia. At times, some of these complications can become bacterial, such as in acute bacterial sinusitis. If that becomes the case, antibiotics are generally prescribed. The common cold can be more severe in people who have COPD, emphysema or asthma.
