A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Exposure to infected individuals
Touching one’s nose, mouth or eyes with contaminated fingers
Personal history of allergies (lengthens duration of cold)
Smoking cigarettes or frequent exposure to cigarette smoke (due to decreased resistance)
Stress (due to decreased resistance)
Sex: Female (especially around menstrual periods)
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
Sore or scratchy throat
Stuffy nose
Thin mucus discharge from the nose (runny nose)
Sneezing
Itchy, stuffed sensation in the ears
Watery eyes
Slight cough
Headache
Aches and pains
Decreased energy
Low-grade fever
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam. Diagnosis is based on the symptoms and the findings of your physical exam.
Treatment
There are no treatments that cure the common cold. However, a number of treatments can help relieve the symptoms, including:
Pain Relievers
Acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen can be used to treat the aches and pains.
Note: Aspirin is not recommended for children or teens with a current or recent viral infection. Check with your doctor before giving a child or teen aspirin.
Decongestants
Pills or nasal sprays can shrink the nasal passages and decrease mucus production. Nasal sprays should only be used for 2-3 days, however. If you use them for longer periods of time, when you stop using them you may suffer from increased congestion (called rebound congestion).
Fluids
Drinks lots of fluids. Warm beverages and chicken soup are particularly soothing and help reduce congestion.
Humidifier
A cool mist humidifier can help keep your nasal passages moist and reduce congestion. Be sure to clean the humidifier thoroughly every day.
Saline Nose Drops
Nose drops may provide relief from congestion.
Vitamin C
For prevention and treatment of colds, antioxidants like vitamin C have no proven benefit—unless, of course, you’re vitamin deficient. (Other alternative therapies that have not been proven effective include zinc lozenges and echinacea.)
Salt Water Gargle
Gargling with warm salt water can help relieve a sore throat.
Over-the-Counter Cough Drops
Using throat lozenges as needed every couple of hours can help relieve sore throat and cough.
Prevention
The most important way to prevent getting or spreading a cold is by washing your hands thoroughly and frequently. Keep hands away from nose, mouth, and eyes. Minimize exposure to infected individuals. Reduce or eliminate smoking. Although many people think that taking high doses of vitamin C can reduce the chance of catching a cold, research has not proven this.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Family Physicians http://www.aafp.org
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
