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Cold Cough: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention and Treatment

Last Updated: Feb 14, 2023

What is Cold and Cough?

Your nose and throat get infected by cold and cough. It spreads quickly, especially in offices, classrooms, and homes. Common cold has no known treatment, however, it usually resolves after a week.

An upper respiratory infection known as a cold can affect your nose, throat, sinuses, and trachea. A cold can be brought on by different viruses.

summary- The cause of a cough and cold is an infection and inflammation of the nose and throat.

What are the causes of Cold and Cough?

In most cases, common colds are brought on by rhinoviruses. There are over 100 types of rhinovirus. However, other types of viruses can also induce cold-like symptoms.

summary- Cold and cough is usually caused by viral infection.

What are the symptoms of Cold and Cough?

You will experience the following symptoms during cold and cough:

  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Cough
  • Throat ache
  • Headache
  • Blocked nose
  • Fever

summary- Symptoms of cough and cold are: blocked nose, headache, sore throat, fever and cough.

What are the treatments for Cold and Cough?

The following medications can help with the symptoms of a cold and cough:

  • Acetaminophen and NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, are used to treat fever and headaches.
  • Decongestants like pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are used to treat stuffy noses.
  • Diphenhydramine and other antihistamines are effective at reducing sneezing and runny nose.
  • Cough suppressants like codeine and dextromethorphan help to treat cough.

summary- Cold and cough can be treated with medications and home remedies.

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How can I treat my Cold and Cough at home?

The most common and efficient home remedies for cold and cough include:

  • Gargling: The discomfort in your throat might be reduced by gargling with salt water.
  • Consuming plenty of liquids: Hydration relieves congestion.
  • Using vapour rub: Topical ointments with vapour rubs help to expand your airways and relieve congestion.
  • Getting enough sleep: It enables your body to conserve energy while the illness progresses.
  • Zinc lozenges: Zinc lozenges may shorten the duration of your cold.
  • Echinacea: Echinacea is useful in reducing the duration of cold.

summary- Home remedies for the treatment of cold and cough are: gargling, hydrating, taking rest and using topical ointments.

What are the best medicines for cold and cough?

The best medicines for cold and cough are as follows:

  • Expectorants
  • Cough suppressants
  • Pain relievers
  • Nasal decongestants
  • Antihistamines

summary- Medicines used to treat cough and cold are: antihistamines, nasal decongestants, pain relievers and expectorants.

When should I see a doctor for Cold and Cough?

You should see your doctor if you have these persistent symptoms of cold and cough:

  • Wheezing
  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fainting
  • Weight loss
  • Vomiting
  • Choking
  • Chest pain

summary- You should immediately see your doctor if you have severe symptoms of cough and cold.

How can you keep yourself from getting a cold or cough?

You can take a number of precautions to avoid cold and cough, such as:

  • Wash your hands, especially before consuming or preparing food. Additionally, you should wash your hands after using the restroom.
  • Don't touch your face frequently. Your hands can carry cold viruses to your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Surfaces that are often used should be cleaned.
  • Use hand sanitisers
  • Stay at home while you are ill.

summary- Cough and cold can be prevented by maintaining personal hygiene, using sanitisers and keeping your surroundings clean.

Conclusion

A viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract is referred to as a cough and cold. The most frequent cause is rhinovirus, and the most prevalent symptoms are scratchy, sore throat, a stuffy or runny nose, and sneezing. These viruses move easily from one person to another or from one surface to another.The common cold is very widespread, so the majority of people can identify these early signs promptly.

References

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Written ByDr. Pankaj Verma ACLS,POST GRADUATE COURSE IN RHEUMATOLOGY,Fellowship in Diabetes,MBBS,Post Graduate Course In Rheumatology,MD - Medicine,Masters in Psychotherapy and CounsellingInternal Medicine
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