Tough on cold

During winters the most prevalent and troublesome disease is catching a cold. You! takes a look at the causes, symptoms and some home remedies to relieve cold...

The common cold is caused due to infection in the upper respiratory tract, including the nose and throat. There are about 200 different types of viruses than can cause the common contagious cold. Most of the cases are mild, and people recover from it without any complications. However, in some cases the common cold can lead to more serious infections. The effects of the disease can vary from person to person depending on the specific type of virus that causes the infection. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of cold include low-grade fever, sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, stuffy nose, body aches, headache, fatigue, sore throat and cough. 

Because the symptoms can be mild, some people may not seek medical care and get a diagnosis. Signs and symptoms of common cold in children generally tend to be more severe and can often cause complications like ear infections as well. If the cold affects children under the age of two it would be advisable to seek medical help as soon as possible. Signs of dehydration, decreased urination, reduced fluid intake, loss of appetite and abdominal pain or sleeplessness and breathing difficulty in children should also be treated very seriously. 

How it spreads

When someone with a cold coughs or sneezes, the contagious viruses transfer from one person to another. The common cold also spreads by touching an infected person or a surface contaminated by the virus, such as a contaminated drinking glass or doorknob. 

Complications

Dr Shahid at Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK) says that some people might be at a risk for complications of common cold. These people include those who have a chronic disease, an immunodeficiency disorder and a suppressed immune system. Consultation with a physician is essential as such people can be affected by pneumonia, otitis media, acute bronchitis, sinusitis, and worsening of asthma. 

"If high fever occurs you probably suffer from flu like infection and should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. It is also advisable to visit your doctor if your common cold or nasal congestion is accompanied by sweating and chills or a cough with coloured phlegm, or if you experience swelling of the glands and sinus pain, as these can worsen and complicate the situation," explains Dr Shahid. 

Home remedies:

Herbal expert Dr Siddique Patni suggests that antibiotics are ineffective against the common cold. There may be some cases for which a prescribed antiviral drug may be appropriate as it helps to relieve severe cold or infections but generally herbal cure is the best option for common colds. "As common cold can be caused by various varieties, drugs like antibiotics offer no relief against the disease and such drugs can only work against bacterial infections. The use of antibiotics in such situations simply weakens the natural immunity of a person, creates bacterial resistance and destroys healthy bacteria, leaving the patient a lot more exposed to a host of other infections. Home remedies for common colds are the best and most effective options. In most cases natural treatments would suffice to provide swift cold relief especially for children and pregnant women.

Dr Patni suggests the following home remedies for common cold:

Garlic

Garlic is one of the most popular home cures for colds. Many cultures have this home remedy for the cold using garlic that includes chicken soup with lots of garlic, a drink made with raw crushed garlic, or eating raw garlic. The cold-fighting compound in garlic is thought to be allicin, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties. 

Onion juice:

Adding few drops of garlic oil and a teaspoon of onion juice to a cup of warm water can be beneficial in relieving the cold.

Ginger tea: It can be made by boiling a piece of ginger in normal tea or drink a teaspoonful of ginger juice mixed with equal quantity of honey.

Chicken soup:

The age-old remedy of chicken soup may actually help to break up congestion and provides easy-to-digest nutrients to help keep up strength. 

Turmeric:

A teaspoon of turmeric powder mixed with milk boiled over a slow fire can also help in relieving cold. 

Honey and lemon:

Drink hot water with a lot of lemon and a teaspoonful of honey several times a day until cured.

Get plenty of rest:

Getting proper rest boosts your immune system and will help you in getting better.

Gargle:

In a glass of warm water mix one teaspoon of table salt and gargle several times a day to cure throat sore.

Bath: Adding a few drops of cinnamon in the hot bath water can relieve congestion.

Vicks Vaporub:

Take hot water in a bowl and put some Vicks in it. Cover yourself with a towel and inhale the vapours. This remedy is good for your blocked nose.