Coughs & Colds

The common cold also called acute viral nasopharyngitis is a mild infectious disease caused by the common rhinovirus and affecting the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat). The most common of all human illnesses, on average the common cold every otherwise healthy person once each year.

Children and their caregivers are at a higher risk for colds, possibly because of the higher population density in schools and the high rate of transmission to family members.

Although colds occur year-round they appear most often during the winter or, where winters are mild, during the rainy season. Someone who has a cold is the most contagious for the first 2-3 days after they are infected, and usually stop being contagious around days 7-10.

Signs, Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms of the common cold symptoms usually appear 1-5 days after the initial infection and may include:

- Nasal discomfort & throat irritation: Runny noses, sneezing, scratchy sore throats and nasal stuffiness are usually the first signs of a cold.

- Nasal congestion & secretion: Nasal discharge, watery at the outset; eventually becomes thicker, more opaque, yellow/greenish and less frequent

- Voice hoarseness or voice loss: Vocal changes or loss are associated with inflammation or swelling of the larynx (which contains the vocal chords).

- Cough: Coughing is the body's way to remove mucus from the lungs and upper airway passages. Productive coughs (i.e., coughs that bring up thick mucous) are a typical common cold symptom and should not be suppressed. In contrast, non-productive coughs (dry, hacking coughs) may develop toward the end of a cold, after exposure to an irritant or following a viral illness and may require further attention.

- Other symptoms: Other cold viruses may also produce symptoms such as muscle-ache, loss of appetite, headache and inflammation of the eyes.

The common cold can be distinguished from the flu (influenza) in by the sudden appearance of a high fever (102-105 F), more severe symptoms, and longer duration of illness. The flu may be prevented to an extent by flu vaccines and a few prescription medications.

How to Treat Coughs & Colds

There is no cure for the common cold. However, a range of treatments is available that can boost your immune system and provide symptom relief.

Non-prescription medications used to relieve cold symptoms include:

- Pain-relievers, such as paracetamol and aspirin, which relieve headache, body ache and muscle pain and help reduce fever.

- Decongestants, nose drops and nasal sprays are effective in treating nasal congestion

- Sore throat lozenges and gargles (in addition to the standard salt-water gargle) help relieve sore throat and hoarseness.

- Cough suppressants containing dextromethorphan and antitussives can provide relief from dry cough.

- Expectorants may help reduce mucous in the lungs and relive productive cough.

- Antihistamines may be used to relieve sneezing and inflammation of the eyes.

Remember - cold medications vary in terms of the symptoms they are intended to treat, so read the labels carefully before taking them. If you are unsure which product is right for you, consult your doctor or pharmacist. 

Whether or not you are taking medication to relieve symptoms of the common cold, be sure to drink plenty of fluids, eat a balanced diet and get lots of rest to speed up your recovery.

Cough & Cold Products from Netpharmacy:

Cough Medicine

Decongestants

Headache & Congestion

Preventative

Sore Throat

Swollen Glands

See Your Doctor

If you have (or suspect you have) a cold, see your doctor if the cold lasts for more than a week, as it may otherwise lead to complications such as strep throat, ear infection, pneumonia, sinusitis.

Consult your doctor immediately if you have a fever accompanied by sweating and chills, and/or if you cough-up colored phlegm or blood.

Helpful Links

 Common Cold (TVNZ)

 Common Cold (Everybody.co.nz)

 The Common Cold (Wikipedia)