A common cold is a common viral infection that causes inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the nose and throat.

COLD CAUSES

There are at least 200 highly contagious  viruses that are known to cause the common cold. These organisms are easily transmitted in minute airborne droplets prayed from the coughs or sneezes of infected people. In many cases, cold viruses are also spread to the nose and throat by hand-to-hand contact with an infected person, or by handling objects that have become contaminated with the virus.

SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT

The symptoms of a cold typically include a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, headache, and cough. They usually intensify over 24-28 hours (unlike the symptoms of influenza, which tend to worsen rapidly over a few hours).

Most colds clear up by themselves within a week. Affected people can take simple measures to cope with symptoms; for example, mild analgesic drugs or cold remedies may help to relieve aches and pains, and cough remedies can soothe a cough. Sometimes, however, infection spreads and may cause laryngitis, tracheitis, acute bronchitis, sinusitis, or otitis media. In this cases, a bacterial infection may develop on top of the viral infection, and antibiotic drugs may be needed to treat it. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, so they will not cure colds.

COLD REMEDIES

Cold remedies are preparations used to relieve symptoms of common colds. The main ingredient of cold remedies is usually a mild analgesic drug, such as paracetamol or aspirin, which helps to relieve aches and pains. Other common ingredients include antihistamine drugs and decongestant drugs, designed to reduce nasal congestion; caffeine, which acts as a mild stimulant; and vitamin C.

Source: A-Z family medical encyclopedia by BMA

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