Common Cold
Overview of Common Cold
The common cold is a viral illness that affects persons of all ages. There are many viruses responsible for the cold. There has been a lot of research done for a cure for this condition, but until now, there has been little progress except for some symptomatic relief. The general trend is that it is self-limiting and whether it is treated or not, it stays for a period of a week. On other words, it is commented as, ‘with medication this condition will be cured by 1 week, but without medication, it will be cured by 7 days.’
Common Cold—How, What and Why?
Cold is usually spread by person to person transmission by cough and sneezing in confined spaces. The symptoms of a common cold are comes with a runny nose, tickly throat leading to cough and sneezing, but generally does not affect other parts of the body. There is only involvement of the upper respiratory tract. Usually, there is a headache due to the stuffy feeling and frequent blowing of the nose. Sometimes a cold can progress to involve the sinuses and thus lead to sinusitis. Cold makes one feel very sick and miserable. It causes more discomfort than any serious damage. Many viruses are believed to be responsible for the common cold.
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: December 17, 2008