Causative and risk factors
Infection with rhinovirus is the leading cause of common cold in adults. Corona virus infection occurs commonly in children. The mode of transmission of infection is through direct contamination with infected droplets. Contrary to popular belief, exposure to cold temperatures and deprivation of sleep are not responsible for catching common cold.
Clinical presentation
A person affected with common cold usually suffers from coryza. The discharge may be watery or thick; and the color may vary from transparent to white, green or yellow. Sneezing is usually present. Headache may be present as an associated complaint. The patient is usually fatigued, has muscle aches and may occasionally have fever. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, sore throat and cough.
Diagnosis & Investigations
Your doctor can diagnose common cold just by assessing your symptoms. No investigations are necessary.
Treatment
Home treatment is adequate in most cases of common cold. Warm saline gargles are advised a few times a day help to relieve sore throat. The patient must rest and drink plenty of fluids.
Medications are indicated on symptomatic basis only. They include saline nasal drops, painkillers, decongestant nasal sprays and cough syrups. Antibiotics are not indicated for common cold.
Common cold is usually a self limiting illness. Symptoms disappear on their own within 5 to 9 days. Sometimes a common cold may progress to sinusitis, bronchitis, bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
