Contents
What is a cold?
Cold is a generalized name for a number of uncomplicated respiratory tract infections that cause inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. But in a similar context, the term is used by people who are far from medicine.
If you turn to explanatory dictionaries in search of a definition of this word, then in most cases you can find that a cold is a disease that is caused by hypothermia, and not viral infections. In order to catch a cold, it is enough to wet your feet in a puddle, freeze at a bus stop while waiting for a bus, or, for example, drink cold juice. But as a rule, when people say the phrase: “I caught a cold”, in most cases we are talking about a banal viral infection. That is why, in the context of this article, the word cold will be considered as a synonym for SARS.
There are a great many cold viruses, there are more than 250 of them. That is why scientists have not yet been able to develop a comprehensive vaccine against them. The most common are rhinoviruses, they primarily affect the nasal mucosa and are a common cause of colds. It is almost impossible to avoid a collision with them, which is why there are no people who have managed to avoid a cold in their lives. But understanding the causes that cause problems in the body, you can help him cope with the disease faster, as well as distinguish it from a more serious illness, such as the flu.
Signs and symptoms of a cold
On your own, it can be quite difficult to distinguish which disease has struck the body – a cold or the flu. But if there is no way to see a doctor, then the symptoms should be studied thoroughly:
The first and most obvious feature of all SARS is difficult nasal breathing. If there is a possibility that an allergy may be the cause of the edema, then attention should be paid to the accompanying signs of the disease;
Pain and sore throat are also constant companions of a cold;
A slight increase in body temperature: the maximum mark for colds is 38,2 – 38,5 degrees;
After the first day, cough and runny nose are added to these unpleasant companions of the disease.
First sign of a cold
Nasal congestion is not only the first, but almost the main symptom of a cold, by which it can be distinguished, for example, from a sore throat. On the first day of the progression of the disease, the separated secret is transparent and liquid. The discharge is copious, quite often causes sneezing, as well as itching in the nose with reddening of the eyes.
24 hours after the onset of SARS, the secret becomes thicker and more viscous. Its color darkens. You should not be afraid of this, such a change in color does not mean that a bacterial infection has joined, but indicates the beginning of recovery. The body is actively fighting the infection, the main enemies of all viruses that have entered its cells, leukocytes, die in the nose. It is they who give the mucous secretions a darker color. Therefore, antibiotics should not be used in this situation.
It is important to know the differences between an allergy and a cold, as in both cases there is abundant discharge from the nose, sneezing and itching. But at the same time, the allergy lasts much longer, sometimes up to several months, and the symptoms of a cold disappear already on the 8th day of treatment. Mucosal edema upon contact with an allergen manifests itself instantly, while with a cold, it begins to develop gradually with a systematic deterioration in the condition. The main distinguishing feature of allergies from ARVI is that with a cold, the temperature always rises, even if within insignificant limits, this never happens with allergies. Naturally, these diseases are treated differently.
High fever without cold symptoms
Indicators on the thermometer above 38,5 should definitely alert a person. If such values uXNUMXbuXNUMXbare not yet accompanied by characteristic signs of a cold, then you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Influenza is one of the common causes of an increase in body temperature to such values, it is accompanied by such symptoms as: aches in the body and joints, general weakness, pain in the eyes, chills.
Raising the temperature to high values uXNUMXbuXNUMXbcan occur due to a host of other diseases, and not just because of the flu virus entering the body.
These are inflammations of the type:
bacterial nature, for example, pyelonephritis, tonsillitis, meningitis, etc.;
infections: tuberculosis, typhoid, HIV, etc.;
fungal and parasitic infections: mononucleosis, malaria, candidiasis, etc.;
oncology: tumors, lymphomas, leukemias, etc.;
systemic inflammations such as rheumatism, arthritis, lupus, etc.
It is precisely because raising the temperature to high values uXNUMXbuXNUMXbwithout the addition of symptoms of a cold is a very formidable sign that it is imperative to consult a doctor.
The main causes of the common cold
If we talk about a cold in the context of SARS, then the only reason for its occurrence is a virus and there can be no other options. But it is a completely different matter that the virus does not begin its life activity in every cell, but only in the one that does not offer it worthy resistance.
That is why the following can be distinguished as indirect factors that can affect the incidence of colds in humans:
Subcooling. It is dangerous in both cold and hot weather. Sometimes it is enough to get your feet wet, eat ice cream or stand in a draft, as in a few hours all the signs of a cold will be “obvious”. The vessels of an unprepared person do not have time to rebuild and adequately respond to temperature changes, as a result of which a runny nose appears, the throat reddens, etc .;
Stress can also become an indirect culprit of frequent colds. Most people regard this cause as unworthy of attention, however, this is far from being the case. Nervous tension adversely affects the immune system no less than hypothermia. But since it is impossible to avoid stressful situations, it is worth learning to control your emotions and take natural sedatives;
Any chronic disease in the acute phase disrupts the normal balance of the body and reduces immunity. Quite common are such cases when, against the background of manifestations of peptic ulcer or diabetes, a person begins to suffer from frequent colds;
Improper diet, poisoning, alcohol and smoking, of course, negatively affect the state of immunity. If these factors are eliminated, then colds will begin to bypass.
All these circumstances negatively affect the body and cause viruses to begin to attack unprotected cells more actively. The weaker the immune system, the less strength a person has to resist infections and the more often he gets sick.
Causes of frequent colds
It is absolutely not scary for an adult to have a cold 2 times a year. But when the disease overtakes more than 5 times, and is also accompanied by various complications, then it’s time to worry about your health.
Signs that indicate a weakening of the body’s defenses:
Frequent colds;
Exacerbation of chronic diseases;
Weakness, sleep disturbances and excessive fatigue;
Unmotivated aggression;
Malfunctions in the digestive tract;
Visible changes in the condition of the skin – dryness, peeling, etc.
In order to prevent a cold from overtaking every 2-3 months, it is necessary to raise immunity in various ways. Physiological include good nutrition, with the mandatory inclusion of protein foods, dairy products and vitamins, sports and a competent daily routine, as well as hardening. Pharmacological methods of increasing the body’s resistance to viruses include the use of natural adaptogens, such as echinacea and ginseng, as well as prebiotics and homeopathic remedies. As for immunomodulators, a doctor’s consultation is required before taking it.
Possible complications after a cold
As a rule, any cold lasts an average of a week and passes without a trace. But it also happens that complications arise after an illness.
Sinusitis can often develop after a cold. This disease is expressed in inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, the ducts are clogged, as a result of which they are filled with mucus, pain occurs in the face and eyes, and the temperature rises.
A cold can be complicated by bronchitis. The course of this disease is characterized by a cough with the separation of viscous yellow sputum. Most often, the human body copes with this disease on its own. But if shortness of breath appears, then medical treatment is indispensable.
A cold can be complicated by tonsillitis. In this case, the tonsils, which are located in the throat and are called tonsils, are primarily affected. A white coating appears on them, and painful sensations occur when swallowing. The most severe cases are accompanied by fever and a complete refusal to eat.
Often a cold is accompanied by otitis, that is, inflammation of the middle ear. The symptoms of the disease are pronounced – it is pain in the ears, sleep disturbance, when the eardrum breaks, discharge appears and the temperature rises.
Colds can exacerbate pre-existing chronic diseases and exacerbate their course. This applies to diabetes, HIV infection, emphysema, and some others.
A few reasons to see a doctor after a cold:
Pain in the ears or sinuses, when pressing on the eyes, or when bending over;
Temperature above 38,5°C;
Protracted cough with sputum and shortness of breath;
A cold does not go away after 2 weeks and its symptoms get worse.
The temperature is kept at 37 after a cold – what to do?
Quite often, after suffering a cold, a slight increase in temperature up to 37,2 ° C can be observed.
If you find such values on the thermometer, you should pay attention to indicators such as:
Is general well-being disturbed;
Are there any residual symptoms of a cold after two or more weeks;
Are there any symptoms that indicate the occurrence of complications after a cold.
Many doctors are inclined to believe that after some severe respiratory tract infections, an increase in body temperature can be observed for another 2 weeks.
No drugs should be taken at the same time, it is advisable to follow the following recommendations:
If possible, stay at home, get more rest, do not burden your diet with fatty foods and drink as much liquid as possible;
If going to work is inevitable, then you should beware of increased physical exertion, as this can adversely affect the activity of the heart and blood vessels;
You can support your body by drinking various herbal teas and decoctions.
These methods are effective in relation to a temperature not exceeding the threshold of 37,2 degrees, and if the general condition is not violated. If you feel worse, you should seek the advice of a doctor who will conduct an examination and make appropriate appointments. As a rule, general and clinical blood tests in such cases are very informative and allow you to determine and prevent the onset of a possible complication.