Definition

The common cold is a viral infection leading to inflammation of the upper respiratory tract (nasal passages and throat).

Sore Throat Due to Inflammation

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Causes

There are over 200 different viruses known to be responsible for the common cold, including:

  • Rhinovirus
  • Corona virus
  • Adenovirus
  • Coxsackie virus
  • Paramyxovirus
  • Parainfluenza virus
  • Respiratory syncytial virus

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

  • Exposure to infected individuals
  • Touching one’s nose, mouth, or eyes with contaminated fingers
  • Personal history of allergies (lengthens duration of cold)
  • Smoking cigarettes or frequent exposure to cigarette smoke (due to decreased resistance)
  • Stress (due to decreased resistance)
  • Sex: female (especially around menstrual periods)

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

  • Sore or scratchy throat
  • Stuffy nose
  • Thin mucus discharge from the nose (runny nose)
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy, stuffed sensation in the ears
  • Watery eyes
  • Slight cough
  • Headache
  • Aches and pains
  • Decreased energy
  • Low-grade fever

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam. Diagnosis is based on the symptoms and the findings of your physical exam.

Treatment

There are no treatments that cure the common cold. However, a number of treatments can help relieve the symptoms, including:

Pain Relievers

Acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen can be used to treat the aches and pains.

Note: Aspirin is not recommended for children or teens with a current or recent viral infection. Check with your doctor before giving a child or teen aspirin.

Decongestants

Pills or nasal sprays can shrink the nasal passages and decrease mucus production. Nasal sprays should only be used for 2-3 days, however. If you use them for longer periods of time, you may suffer from increased congestion (called rebound congestion) when you stop using the product.

Fluids

Drinks lots of fluids. Warm beverages and chicken soup are particularly soothing and help reduce congestion.

Humidifier

A cool mist humidifier can help keep your nasal passages moist and reduce congestion. Be sure to clean the humidifier thoroughly every day.

Saline Nose Drops

Nose drops may provide relief from congestion.

Alternative Treatments

There is inconsistent evidence that alternative remedies, such as vitamin C, zinc lozenges, and echinacea, are helpful in preventing colds, reducing symptoms, and lessening the duration of colds.

Researchers recently studied a liquid preparation made from the roots of a South African geranium plant, called Pelargonium sidoides, as a treatment for the common cold. One hundred and three patients were randomized to receive the herbal solution (30 drops, three times daily) or placebo for a maximum of 10 days. At day 5 and day 10, those receiving Pelargonium sidoides showed a greater improvement in symptoms and recovered from the cold faster compared to the control group. This herb is the main ingredient in Umcka ColdCare and Zucol products, which are sold in the US.*

However, herbal treatments are often not well studied, nor are the products regulated. The herbal supplements that you purchase may not have the same constituents as those described in the studies, and they also may contain impurities.

Salt Water Gargle

Gargling with warm salt water can help relieve a sore throat.

Over-the-Counter Cough Drops

Using throat lozenges as needed every couple of hours can help relieve sore throat and cough.

Prevention

The most important way to prevent getting or spreading a cold is by washing your hands thoroughly and frequently. Keep hands away from nose, mouth, and eyes. Minimize exposure to infected individuals. Reduce or eliminate smoking. Although many people think that taking high doses of vitamin C can reduce the chance of catching a cold, research has not proven this.