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Conquering colds
The bothersome symptoms of colds are nothing to sniff at. Learn about the basics of the common cold and stop panicking at the first sneeze.
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he ‘common cold’ is called such for a reason – it’s the most common illness and probably the most common reason for missing work. Colds are an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), a term used to classify infections that affect only the upper part of the respiratory tract. URTIs include any infection that affects the nose, sinuses, throat (pharynx) or voice box (larynx). Aside from colds, sore throat (pharyngitis)* and sinusitis are other common URTIs. Colds are caused by viruses, such as rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus and the respiratory syncytial virus. Only very rarely will a bacterial infection complicate a cold. Other possible complications include bronchitis (infection and inflammation of the main airways), pneumonia (lung infection), ear infection, sinusitis and worsening of asthma. Most colds, however, just come and go without leaving any lasting damage. Cold signs and symptoms A cold is typically accompanied by a runny or congested nose and sneezing. Other symptoms include: • Sore throat • Cough • Muscle pain • Headache • Postnasal drip (excessive mucus that accumulates in the back of the nose and throat) • Decreased appetite • Fever (rare in adults)
A Slice of Orange is a newsletter designed to help clarify basic health information and offer juicy tips on uplifting your health.
Editorial team *Read up on sore throat in the March 2008 issue of A Slice of Orange.
Alvin Delfin Christine Llenes Orange de Guzman, MD
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Once you’ve caught a cold virus (there are hundreds!), symptoms can start in 2 to 3 days. Your nasal secretions can become thicker or turn yellow or green, but this is natural and is not a sign for you to take antibiotics. Uncomplicated colds end in about a week but some symptoms, such as cough, may linger.
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Of cough and colds
Colds share symptoms with many other respiratory diseases. For instance, a runny nose can also be a symptom of allergies or influenza (see Table). It’s wise to consult a doctor if you are not sure about what you have. Table. Symptoms common to URTI, allergy and influenza Symptom
URTI (eg, colds)
Allergy
Influenza
Itchy, watery eyes
Rare
Common
Sometimes
Nasal discharge
Common
Common
Common
Nasal congestion
Common
Common
Sometimes
Sneezing
Very common
Very common
Sometimes
Sore throat
Very common
Sometimes
Sometimes
Cough
Common
Sometimes
Common
Headache
Rare
Uncommon
Common
Fever
Rare
Never
Very common
Malaise
Sometimes
Sometimes
Very common
Fatigue, weakness
Sometimes
Sometimes
Very common
Muscle pain
Slight
Never
Very common
Ever wonder why these two usually go together?
Cough is a symptom – not an actual disease – that works to keep the throat clear. It’s a much-needed, protective reflex that can accompany mild infections such as colds or more severe illnesses such as lung cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The cough associated with colds usually lasts for just 2 to 3 weeks. Any cough that lasts longer should be checked out by a doctor.
Keep your colds to yourself
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hen you have a cold, you are practically overflowing with viruses. When you sneeze, or blow or wipe your nose, you are actually spreading these viruses around. You can infect people beside you if they inhale the virus you have just sprayed or touch their nose, eyes or mouth after touching something you have touched. A cold is most easily spread during the first 2 to 3 days. You’re not likely to infect other people after a week of having colds.
In children with asthma, the common cold can easily set off asthma symptoms.
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Treating colds You do not need special medications to treat colds (as well as most of the other URTIs). Here are some recommendations to relieve colds:
If you have an URTI, such as colds, see your doctor: • If symptoms become worse • If symptoms persist longer than 3–4 weeks • If you experience fast breathing, shortness of breath, chest pains or if you cough up blood • If you become drowsy or confused • If you have a recurring URTI • For any other bothersome symptoms
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using the bathroom; after being in a crowded place; after doing chores; after changing diapers; after coughing or sneezing; and after touching animals. • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available. • Stop smoking. Keep as far away from second-hand smoke as possible. • Aim to keep your immune system healthy by sleeping about 7–8 hours a night, eating healthily, exercising regularly and keeping your stress levels low.
• Drink lots of fluids. • Get plenty of rest. • You may try over-the-counter medications to ease symptoms. Paracetamol or ibuprofen may be taken for fever, headache or muscle aches. Remember, however, that decongestants, anti-fever meds or pain relievers won’t shorten the length of a cold. • Do not take antibiotics for simple colds. The more you use antibiotics, the more likely you can contract severe infections caused by more resistant organisms in the future. Antiviral medications haven’t been proven to speed up the duration of colds either. Preventing colds • Wash your hands thoroughly for about 15–20 seconds with soap and water: before eating or handling food; after
For the nth time! If there’s anything that couldn’t be stressed enough, it’s this: colds are caused by viruses. This is important because it means antibiotics, which target only bacteria, do not have any effect on this infection. In other words, even if you don’t treat a cold, it will go away on its own. This is why the prescribed ‘treatment’ for colds mostly involves keeping yourself comfortable and healthy.
A slice of trivia What is the more popular term for ‘acute viral nasopharyngitis’? Clue: The answer is all over this newsletter! Freshen up on your researching skills, e-mail us the answer at orange@activelink-consult.com and win a prize! From those with the correct answer, 20 people will be randomly chosen to win a bottle of Kamillosan® M Spray Solution.
We’ll include the answer in the next issue of A Slice of Orange. Answer to last issue’s question: Who wrote The Power of Positive Thinking? His initials are NVP.
Dr Norman Vincent Peale (1898–1993) was a Protestant preacher and a prolific writer. The Power of Positive Thinking, his most widely read work, was first published in 1952 and stayed on The New York Times bestseller list for over 180 consecutive weeks. The book has sold
Looking to enhance your corporate healthcare benefits? E-mail us at benefits@activelink-consult.com. The information in this newsletter is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Consult a doctor for all matters relating to your health, particularly for symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. © 2008 ActiveLink
Benefits Made Better
ActiveLink 104 VA Rufino Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City, 1229 Philippines T: +632 817 4606 / 817 7900 www.activelink-consult.com
around 7 million copies and been translated into several languages.
The Orange wants to he ar from you! Dying to ask us your health related questio ns? Itching to share your pe rsonal health tips? Want to sugg est topics for future issues? Feel free to contac t us. You can e-m ail our team at orange@activ elink-consult.c om.