Common Cold
Symptoms, Tests and Treatment for the Common Cold
The common cold (also known as a viral upper respiratory tract infection, viral URTI or cold) is the most frequently suffered medical condition of the human species.
It is a highly contagious virus spread by respiratory droplets by sneezing, coughing or simply breathing closely to other people1. These viral infections are commonly associated with coronaviruses and rhinoviruses2. Colds are collectively grouped in the influenza-like illnesses, however influenza generally affects the lungs whereas colds do not.
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Symptoms of the Common Cold
The symptoms of a common cold include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, sinus congestion, headaches, fatigue and loss of appetite3. This is by no means an exhaustive list and many of the symptoms overlap with many other respiratory illnesses, however symptoms of the common cold tend to be less severe. Symptoms of the common cold usually peak within the first 2-3 days after symptom onset4. Colds usually last for approximately 7-10 days but can last for a few weeks, and in smokers are usually more severe.
Colds can develop into more serious infections including bronchitis, croup, pneumonia, otitis media and sinusitis. People who suffer from asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, bronchiectasis or COPD are at increased risk of developing more serious infections and need to see a health professional earlier for assessment and treatment5.
Tests for the Common Cold
Generally no tests are required for diagnosis of the common cold.
Treatment of the Common Cold
Unfortunately there is no proven medical treatment for the common cold. Generally treating symptoms of the common cold is all that is possible (i.e. symptomatic treatment with simple analgesics such as Paracetamol, Aspirin or Ibuprofen to relieve fever and pain)6. Also supporting your own immune system by keeping hydrated and drinking plenty of water, as well as resting, is the best way to recover from a cold quickly.
A commonly held misconception is that antibiotics help cure the common cold. This is untrue. There is no medical evidence that antibiotics are of any use in treating a cold, because antibiotics do NOT kill or affect viruses (which the common cold is caused by)7. Antibiotics are only useful against bacterial infections and are associated with side-effects and complications, therefore antibiotics can actually do more harm than good in the context of using them to treat the common cold.
Share your advice on how to treat the common cold
There are plenty of alternative therapies and ideas about how to treat the common cold. Some of these date back hundreds of years! Share your advice and tricks on how to beat the common cold.
What Other Visitors Have Said
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Vitamin C
I've always been told by my mom that having plenty of vitamin C while I've got a cold helps. I'm not sure if it really does, but I like orange juice so ...
Common Cold and Echinacea
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I believe that taking echinacea while you have a cold really helps. It's an ancient herbal remedy that aids your own immune system in fighting the cold....
References
1. Macnair, Dr. Trisha. "The Common Cold". bbc.co.uk Health. BBC. Retrieved 30 September 2009.
2. Gwaltney, JM, Hayden, FG (2006). "Understanding Colds". Retrieved 3 July 2007.
3. Eccles R (November 2005). "Understanding the symptoms of the common cold and influenza". Lancet Infect Dis 5 (11): 718–25. PMID 16253889.
4. Patsy Hamilton. "Facts about the Common Cold Incubation Period". Retrieved 3 July 2007.
5. "Common Cold" (PDF). Department of Health, Government of South Australia. 2005.
6. "Common Cold: Treatments and Drugs". Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 9 January 2010.
7. Arroll B, Kenealy T (2005). "Antibiotics for the common cold and acute purulent rhinitis". Cochrane Database Syst Rev (3): CD000247. PMID 16034850.