USF-COM
Department
of Family Medicine
Patient Education Information on...
Index of
Patient Education Topics
What is a Cold ?
A variety of conditions can cause symptoms of the common cold, but this
term is usually reserved for those causes by an upper respiratory tract
viral infection.
Who gets it?
Common cold infections are so prevalent that very few human beings can
escape infection each year and some may suffer multiple infections in a
given year. The number of colds decreases with age. Preschool children
average four to eight colds per year, school age children average two to
six per year, and adults average two to five per year. The frequency is
increased among persons living in crowded conditions and among mother with
young children. Increased psychological stress may also increase a person's
susceptibility to a cold as stress could decrease the ability of our body
to fight infections.
Is cold more common in the winter?
Colds occur all year round but there is an increased incidence during autumn
and winter months. The association of upper respiratory tract infections
(URI's) with the winter season account for the term "common cold" but cold
weather, chilling, and dampness have no impact on susceptibility to cold.
The association with cold weather may due to the fact that humans spend
more time indoors in poorly ventilated homes and offices in the winter
and thus may increase the spread of infection. The air we breathe is colder
in the winter so this may cool the nose and allow the virus to replicate
at a higher rate.
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What are the symptoms ?
Symptoms usually start two days after the infection and may begin as a
dry scratchy throat with sneezing, red, tearing itchy eyes and clear watery
nasal discharge. Other symptoms may include congestion of the nose, throat,
and chest, or cough that may be worse at night. Fever of 101 F, headache,
muscle aches and pains may also occur. Symptoms in patients presenting
with the common cold usually last from 7 to 14 days.
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What causes an common cold?
The symptoms of the common cold are caused by two hundred different viruses
but the Rhino virus is the most common viral agent. More than 100 types
of rhino virus exist, which partially explains the probability of multiple
infections by this class of this organisms. They account for 30-40% of
adult colds. Other viruses such as corona viruses, respiratory syncytial
virus (RSV), influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, and adenovirus can also
cause symptoms of the common cold.
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How do you diagnose a cold ?
As mentioned earlier, common cold is caused by viruses. Diagnosis is based
on symptoms such as runny nose, cough, sneezing, mild fever, lack of appetite
or energy. Symptoms usually last for up to a week although some cold symptoms
may persist for up to 14 days.
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How is it treated ?
There is no treatment to cure viral infections. Antibiotics are not useful
in treating viral infections such as a cold. Only the symptoms can be treated.
Take Tylenol, aspirin, and ibuprofen for low grade fever and body aches
and pain.
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What are the side effects ?
Do not give aspirin to any child less than 16 years old who has a viral
illness as this has been found to cause a potentially fatal disease called
Reye’s syndrome, which is characterized by severe increase pressure in
the brain and abnormal accumulation of fat in the liver.
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What other things can you do ?
Drink lots of fluids like water and juices. Chicken soup is also
helpful.
Rest as needed.
Nasal decongestants may help with relieving sinus congestion and drainage
but excessive use can result in "rebound" or more congestion, so nasal
decongestants should be limited to 3-5 days. The side effects of nasal
decongestants may include high blood pressure, irritability or insomnia.
Cough suppressants such as Robitussin can be taken for cough. Side effects
of these medications may include drowsiness which may help you to sleep
easily.
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What can you do to prevent a cold ?
The most important prevention is avoidance of contact, especially hand
contact with patients with typical symptoms. Wash your hands to avoid spreading
germs to others. Vitamin C was often advocated as a method to prevent the
common cold but studies have not support this tactic. Zinc lozenges have
also been recently advocated to reduce the symptoms of the common cold
but controlled trials show inconsistent results and side effects such as
"bad taste" and nausea are common.
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What are the complications of a cold
?
Two types of complications can exist from a cold. One consists of infections
often due to bacteria that can cause other respiratory infections such
as bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, and otitis media. Secondly, common
colds may be associated with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary
diseases such as emphysema or asthma. Therefore, if you have fever more
than 102 degrees Farenheight, trouble with breathing, greenish sputum,
or cold symptoms greater than 14 days, you need to see a doctor immediately.
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Where can I find information
about the common cold ?