Common Cold Health Article

Definition

The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory system, including the nose, throat, sinuses, eustachian tubes, trachea, larynx, and bronchial tubes. Although over 200 different viruses can cause a cold, 30–50% are caused by a group of viruses known as rhinoviruses. Almost all colds clear up in less than two weeks without complications.

Description

Colds, sometimes called rhinovirus or coronavirus infections, are common, frequently occurring illnesses. It is estimated that the average person has more than 50 colds during a lifetime. Anyone can get a cold, although preschool and grade school children catch them more frequently than adolescents and adults because they have not been exposed to the cold viruses and developed immunity. Repeated exposure to the viruses that cause colds creates partial immunity.

Although most colds resolve on their own without complications, they are a leading cause of visits to the doctor and of time lost from work and school. Treating symptoms of the common cold has given rise to a multi- million dollar industry in over-the-counter medications.

Cold season in the United States begins in early autumn and extends through early spring. Colds occur more frequently during this period because people tend to spend more time indoors where it is easier for viruses to spread from one person to another. Although it is not true that getting wet or being in a draft causes a cold (a person has to come in contact with the virus to catch a cold), certain conditions may lead to increased susceptibility. These include:

• fatigue and overwork
• emotional stress
• poor nutrition
• smoking
• living or working in crowded conditions

Colds make the upper respiratory system less resistant to bacterial infection. Secondary bacterial infection may lead to otitis media (middle ear infection), bronchitis, pneumonia, sinus infection, or strep throat. Patients with chronic lung disease, asthma, diabetes, or a weakened immune system are more likely to develop these complications.