Posts Tagged ‘Cough’

What is the common cold, symptoms, timeline, etc ?

The common cold is something that infects a huge number of people at any point of time, especially when the weather changes or it starts getting colder. Rare would be the person who has not been affected by the common cold. So, what is the common cold ? What are the symptoms, and what is the problems that it causes in people ? How long does the common cold last ?
Common cold is caused by a type of virus known as rhinoviruses, and is a actually a combination of problems that affect the nose and the throat (infection of these passages). Some of the symptoms of the common cold are also similar to the symptoms of influenza, and to some extent, that of mild ‘strep’ throat (which is not caused by a virus, but by a bacteria). In all these cases, proper medical attention can distinguish between them. One of the biggest problems in terms of perception about the common cold is that increased exposure to cold weather causes the cold, but this is not backed out by medical facts.
What are the symptoms of common cold ? Some of the most indicators are: cough, nasal congestion, low fever (normally does not cross 100°F, but can go upto 102°F), and a running nose. Then there are other indicators such as mild aches, scratchiness in the throat, changed voice (temporary change), and sneezing (that leaves you weak when you do sneeze) and also a slight pain in the back when you laugh heartily (you actually beg for people not to make you laugh). A running nose is mentioned, but it is actually one of the biggest indicators. And then you have some side effects that really effect you in terms of your efficiency: tiredness / weakness, headache, occasional muscle aches, tears in your eyes; these latter set of symptoms actually set you back a lot in terms of your capacity to do any kind of work (when I get a cold, I get all of these, and then do nothing but relax at home, since working is impossible when these effects of the cold are at their worst).
Initially, the nose running is very clear for the first few days, and then starts thickening (and getting colored) up over a period of time as the body gets into the infection fighting mode. These immune cells, manufactured by the body to fight the infection, also end up in the discharge from the nose and cause the thickening and coloring up of the discharge. This last bit is somewhat controversial, since many doctors apparently consider the thickening and coloring up of the discharge as an indicator of a bacterial infection, and prescribe antibiotics, but most medical personnel have met have confirmed that the discharge having a color is not an indication that there is a bacterial infection along with the viral infection.
Why do believe that more cold weather can cause an increased chance of the common cold. Well, this is because these weather conditions are actually more conducive for the virus that causes the common cold (and the humidity levels in the atmosphere is also lower).
I hope the above information helps people. Keep in mind however, that other problems such as influenza have some common symptoms with the common cold and if your cold problem is not going away, it is essential that you consult your doctor and get more scientific advice besides trying to read up on the internet.

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Common Cold – The common tips and tricks to prevent and treat common cold.

Common cold includes running nose, sore throat, coughing and sneezing. Many viruses causes common cold out of which rhino-virus is the most common type. The condition of the mucous that comes from the nose (commonly known as a runny nose) changes over a time period. In the initial days of the cold, the mucous is transparent, being just meant to wash germs from the nose. After a period of around two days, there is a fight back by the body’s immune system, which makes the mucous more white. As the helpful bacteria in the nose starts to come back, the mucous starts to get a tinge of green.

The symptoms of a common cold are running nose, sore throat, sneezing, watery eyes, headache and body aches, cough and stuffed nose.

For minor symptoms of common cold:
- Drink good amount of fluids and take a lot of rest.
- Take pain relievers and a decongestant but do not use if you have high blood pressure.
- For sore throat tea with honey relieves the dysphagia.
- Fresh air stimulates the circulation and provides oxygen to body.
- Lime Juice is the most effective remedy for common cold. Take a glass of lukewarm water and dilute the lime juice in it. You can add a tablespoon of honey to enhance its efficiency.
- Take steam for cleaning nasal and pre-nasal areas.
- Avoid the things that trigger cold.
- Try some breathing exercises for fresh air circulation.
- Wash hands very regularly.
- Do not touch your face, nose, ears, mouth as common cold spreads on touching.
- The disposable items should be used if someone in your family is infected.
- Maintain proper hygiene and healthy lifestyle.
- Emotional stress should be controlled.

Infection by cold viruses can be causes by either touching your skin or environmental surfaces that have cold germs on them and then touching your eyes or nose. It can also be caused by inhaling drops of mucus full of cold germs from the air.

See a doctor if temperature is higher than 100.4° F and the symptoms last more than 10 days and they are not relieved by over-the-counter medicines.

There is a common misconception that antibiotics can cure common cold. The fact is that antibiotics are used for treating a bacterial infection and not a viral infection. You should use antibiotics only when the doctor subscribes.

There is an important reason why colds are so common in children is because they are often in close contact with each other in daycare centers and schools.

What is Asthma? What are its causes, symptoms, prevention measures and treatment?

Asthma is a problem in which there is an airways blockage and it is a lung disorder. Air is carried in and out of the lungs through tubes called airways. In asthma, the bronchial tubes are inflammed which causes swelling and the air pathways are narrowed which in turn causes breathing problems. Asthma can be severe. In severe asthma attacks, the airways are narrowed to such an extent that vital organs do not gt enough oxygen. Asthma can cause death if not prevented on time. Asthma can be categorized into allergic asthma and asthma induced due to exercise. Asthma attack can last for few hours or few days.

CAUSES OF ASTHMA ATTACK
- Allergic to pollen.
- Allergic to dust.
- Climate change.
- Respiratory infections.
- Too much stress.
- Allergic to tobacco.
- Hereditary.
- Exposure to airborne allergens.
- Exposure to some viral infections in childhood.
- Paints.
- Animal fur.

SYMPTOMS OF ASTHMA ATTACK
- Problem in breathing.
- Wheeziness.
- Cough.
- Chest tightness.
- Swelling.
- Breath shortness.
- Asthma attack can get worse in morning and night.
- Asthma attack gets worse with exercise.
- Skin between the ribs is pulled while breathing.
- In case of emergency, bluish color appears on lips and face, pulse increases rapidly, state of confusion, severe anxiety, sweating, abnormal breathing pattern, chest pain.

PREVENTION OF ASTHMA ATTACK
- Identify the allergens that exist indoors and try to avoid them.
- Avoid environmental tobacco smoke.
- Avoid dust mites.
- Allergens from pets, cockroaches and other pests should be avoided.
- Pollen season depends on where you live. Be extra careful in pollen season.
- Avoid certain foods like fish, egg, peanuts, soy, wheat that can prove allergic.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF ASTHMA
Diagnosis of asthma includes checking the physical history, blood tests, chest x-ray, lungs test, allergy test. Asthma is treated with two kinds of medicines: quick-relief medicines to stop asthma symptoms and long-term control medicines to prevent symptoms. It is treated in three ways:
- Monitoring the symptoms of asthma.
- How to avoid the triggers to cause asthma.
- Treatment with medications.
- Visit the doctor.