Common Cold

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A cold is a contagious upper respiratory infection that affects your nose, throat, sinuses and windpipe (trachea). You may have heard that the common cold is a coronavirus. In fact, more than 200 different types of viruses can cause a cold. The most common cold virus is the rhinovirus.

We call colds “common” because as their name implies, they’re widespread. You’ll probably have more colds in your lifetime than any other illness. Adults catch two to three colds a year, while young children come down with a cold four or more times a year.

Common cold symptoms typically appear in stages. The common cold stages include early, active and late.

Early (Days 1 to 3)

Within one to three days of picking up a cold virus, you may notice a tickle in your throat. About half of all people with colds report a tickly or sore throat as their first symptom. Other common cold symptoms you may experience during this early stage include:

  • Sneezing.
  • Runny nose.
  • Stuffy nose (nasal congestion).
  • Cough.

Active (Days 4 to 7)

Symptoms typically worsen or peak during this stage. In addition to the symptoms in stage 1, you may experience:





Body aches.

Headache.

Runny eyes and nose.

Fatigue.

Fever (more common in children).



the symptoms of the common cold in babies?

Symptoms of colds in babies may include:

  • Runny nose (the discharge may start clear; later, it becomes thicker and may be gray, yellow or green).
  • Sneezing.
  • Fever of 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 to 38.9 degrees Celsius).
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Increased drooling because of sore throat and difficulty swallowing.
  • Cough.
  • Irritability.
  • Slightly swollen glands.

MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT

 The common cold treatment

There’s no cure for a cold. You have to let it run its course. Most colds go away on their own within seven to 10 days and don’t turn into anything more serious. Common cold treatment includes over-the-counter (OTC) medications to help reduce your symptoms and keep you comfortable until you recover.

cold medicines relieve symptoms

There are many OTC common cold medication options available to treat your symptoms. But some of these medications aren’t safe for children. Check with a healthcare provider before giving your child OTC medications. Be careful not to combine medicines that treat multiple symptoms. You could get too much of some ingredients, which could cause other health problems, including organ damage.

Medications that may relieve cold symptoms include:

  • Antihistamines: and other antihistamines may stop sneezing and a runny nose.
  • Cough suppressants: Medications such as and codeine can help reduce coughing. Providers don’t routinely recommend these for children under 5 years of age.

common colds in babies treatment

  • Humidifier or vaporizer: Moisten the air in your baby’s room with a humidifier or vaporizer. The clean, cool mist will help moisten the air and decrease the drying of your baby’s nasal passages and throat. Clean and dry the humidifier thoroughly before using it to get rid of bacteria or mold that may have collected in the device. Ensure you have the appropriate filter, and check if it needs to be replaced. Don’t use hot water vaporizers because of the risk of burns.

  • Steam: If you don’t have a humidifier, take your baby into a steamy room such as a bathroom. Turn on the hot water, close the door and sit together in the steamy room for about 15 minutes. Don’t leave your baby alone in the room. Be safe around water. Giving your baby a warm bath may also work.and also take steemer or nebulizer  to stem  your baby .

Babies can continue their normal activities if they seem well enough to do so. If they have a fever or complications, it’s best to keep them at home.

the best common cold remedies are

You may have heard that supplements and herbal remedies, such as zinc, vitamin C and echinacea can treat and prevent colds.

Researchers haven’t found that any of those remedies can prevent colds. But zinc may shorten the illness and reduce symptoms. However, it may cause permanent loss of smell, especially when you use it in nasal sprays.

The best common cold self-care remedy is to get plenty of rest. Consider taking time off from work or school for at least the first few days of illness. Not only will you have more time to rest, but you’ll avoid spreading germs to others.

Also, make sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids to keep your nose and throat moist. Avoid alcohol and caffeine because they have a drying effect.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Although it may cause discomfort, the common cold is usually harmless. You can manage the symptoms of a cold with medications. Speed up your recovery by getting plenty of rest and fluids, and avoid being around others. If you don’t feel better in 10 days, see a healthcare provider.









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