Cold: symptoms and treatments

The symptoms of the common cold are numerous and have a real impact on the patient's daily life. Watery eyes, fever, runny nose or snoring are the main symptoms of rhinitis.

In some cases complications may occur. It will then be necessary to consult a doctor quickly. Cold treatments can be varied. It is possible to use natural remedies or undergo drug treatment.

Colds: medical definition

Colds: Overview

In the majority of cases, the common cold is mild and does not cause major complications. A cold is an inflammation of the nose and throat. This inflammation is the consequence of a virus. The word cold is a generic term for rhino-pharyngitis and more simply refers to an inflammation of the upper pharynx. As a rule, the common cold does not last more than a few days and manifests itself during the cold season.

But who is particularly prone to colds? The main victims are children. And for good reason, their immune defenses are just beginning to develop. Nevertheless, that's not to say that adults aren't concerned. Some adults will also encounter several colds in the year.

Colds: causes and mode of transmission

Now it's about understanding the causes of the common cold. As we have seen, it is particularly common among children and represents up to 20% of the reasons for consultations. Their immune defenses increase with age, the frequency of colds decreases. It should be noted that there are about 200 viruses causing a cold, the most common are rhinoviruses and coronaviruses. Very concretely, the common cold manifests itself when our immune defenses fail to fight against the virus. The viral transmission of the common cold very often results from public places (metro, schools...). Finally, during winter the air is dry and the mucous membrane of the nose more fragile and therefore more vulnerable to viruses.

Colds: intensity and types of colds

Allergic rhinitis or often called "hay fever" occurs during flowering periods. Allergies are caused by pollen, grasses and molds. Its intensity may vary from person to person. In order to make the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, the doctor will carry out skin tests for airborne allergens.

The common cold is an infection of the respiratory tract and mainly of the nose. This infection is the result of a virus. This cold will usually manifest itself over a short week. Be careful, however, to take seriously the risk of complications: angina, bronchitis or even sinusitis or secondary infection.

Colds: Symptoms

Colds: The different symptoms

Although not serious, the common cold disrupts daily life. The symptoms are numerous and the majority of them are quite constraining. Very often the cold begins with a fever and a runny nose. This discharge can be purulent and cause a feeling of stuffy nose. The flow will become increasingly opaque over the days. The patient will quickly present headaches as well as a sore throat. 

Allergic rhinitis, which we mentioned above, has specific symptoms. In addition to the symptoms of the classic cold, the patient will experience repeated itching and sneezing. Finally, there will be tearing, redness and irritation in the eyes. p>

Cold: Snoring

As we have just mentioned, the common cold causes significant nasal congestion. These will cause the patient to snore during the night. In order not to If you see the quality of your sleep disturbed, it is possible to use the Back2Sleep nasal stent. This stent is available in different sizes and adapts perfectly to the morphology of the patient. It helps to fight against snoring effectively.

Colds: Complications

The longer the cold lasts, the greater the chance that the patient will encounter complications. At first, the secretions will reach the pharynx and cause a cough. Then, in a second time, they will affect the larynx. The patient will then be hoarse and will have a dry cough.

Colds: The Treatments

If the symptoms of the common cold are numerous, fortunately the remedies and treatments are too. The common cold can be treated with different natural remedies to avoid following a drug treatment.

Colds: Natural remedies

Natural remedies are on the rise! A very large number of essential oils can relieve the patient with a cold. In the context of allergic rhinitis, it will be recommended to use an essential oil of peppermint or lavender to combat itching. Faced with a classic rhinitis, it is possible to prepare an inhalation of eucalyptus. This helps to decongest.

Salt water is just as simple and particularly effective for cleaning the nose. A thyme herbal tea will have an antiseptic virtue on the respiratory tract.Finally, the Zinc used as soon as the first symptoms of the disease appear makes it possible to considerably reduce its duration.

Colds: Drug treatments

For people with allergic rhinitis, it is advisable to take a preventive homeopathic cure during flowering periods. If the patient has pain and fever, anti-inflammatory drugs may be indicated. If the cold is accompanied by a dry or oily cough, a syrup will help fight the pain. Like salt water, decongestants in spray form are relatively effective. Be careful not to irritate your mucous membranes with prolonged use.