What is the common cold?
The common cold, also known as a viral upper respiratory tract infection, is a self-limited contagious illness that can be caused by a number of different types of viruses. More than 200 different types of viruses are known to cause the common cold. Because so many different viruses can cause a cold and because new cold viruses constantly develop, the body never builds up resistance against all of them. For this reason, colds are a frequent and recurring problem.
What are the symptoms of the common cold?
Symptoms of the common cold include nasal stuffiness or drainage, sore or scratchy throat, sneezing, hoarseness, cough, and perhaps fever and headache. Many people with a cold feel tired and achy.
How is the common cold spread?
The common cold is usually spread by direct hand-to-hand contact with infected secretions or from contaminated surfaces. For example, if a person with a cold blows or touches their nose and then touches someone else, that person can subsequently become infected with the virus. Additionally, a cold virus can live on objects such as pens, books, telephones, computer keyboards, and coffee cups for several hours and can thus be acquired from contact with these objects.
Prevention:
The best prevention is staying away from people who are infected, because the overwhelming majority of infections are acquired by inhaling virus-laden air that an infected person has coughed, sneezed, or breathed out. Available clinical evidence also suggests that exposure to cold temperatures may compromise the immune system
Additionally, experts frequently recommend thorough and regular washing of the hands, especially in healthcare environments, as this reduces the likelihood of transmission through the less common route of direct contact. In homes, schools, and workplaces, handwashing and alcohol-based hand sanitizers reduce the number of viruses on the skin significantly, but because upper respiratory infections are primarily acquired through breathing, rather than physical contact, these are not especially effective preventive methods. Not touching the nose, eyes, or mouth with potentially contaminated fingers can also reduce transmission of the virus through direct contact
History:
The name "common cold" came into use in the 16th century, due to the similarity between its symptoms and those of exposure to cold weather. Norman Moore relates in his history of the Study of Medicine that James I continually suffered from nasal colds, which were then thought to be caused by polypi, sinus trouble, or autotoxaemia.
In the 18th century, Benjamin Franklin considered the causes and prevention of the common cold. After several years of research he concluded: "People often catch cold from one another when shut up together in small close rooms, coaches, etc. and when sitting near and conversing so as to breathe in each other's transpiration." Although viruses had not yet been discovered, Franklin hypothesized that the common cold was passed between people through the air. He recommended exercise, bathing, and moderation in food and drink consumption to avoid the common cold. Franklin's theory on the transmission of the cold was confirmed some 150 years later.
HOMOEOPATHY HOME KIT
Aconite napellus: This remedy can be indicated in the early stages of a cold, if symptoms are intense and come on suddenly. Exposure to cold and wind, or a stressful or traumatic experience may precipitate the illness. Symptoms include a dry stuffy nose with a hot thin discharge, tension in the chest, a scratchy throat, and choking cough. The person often feels thirsty, chilly, anxious, and agitated.
Allium cepa: This remedy is often indicated when a person has watery eyes that sting, a teasing cough, much sneezing, and a runny nose with clear discharge that irritates the nostrils and upper lip. The nose usually runs when the person is indoors and stops in open air.
Arsenicum album: A person who has frequent colds, sore throats, and chest problems—with burning pain and feelings of weakness, restlessness, and anxiety—may benefit from this remedy. The person’s head may feel hot while the rest of the body is cold, and problems can be worse near midnight. The nose often feels stopped up, and the person may sneeze repeatedly, without relief. White, think, burning mucus may be produced.
Euphrasia: Red, watery, irritated eyes, frequent sneezing, and a mild, clear nasal discharge suggests a need for this remedy. The person may cough from irritation and from phlegm collecting in the throat. Symptoms can be worse at night, and the person tends to feel better from eating and lying down.
Gelsemium: Lethargy and aching, with headache and droopy eyes, often indicate this remedy. Fever and chills run up and down the spine, and heat or pressure may be felt in the face and nose. A person who needs Gelsemium often trembles and is shaky, or feels extremely dull. This remedy is often helpful for colds that come on in hot weather.
Pulsatilla: Colds producing thick, bland, yellow or greenish mucus suggest a need for this remedy. The nose feels stuffed indoors and runs in open air. The person feels worse in warm or stuffy rooms, with improvement from going outdoors. Congestion and fever often are worse in the evening. A person who needsPulsatilla wants a lot of attention and comforting when ill, and children may be tearful.
FP 6x + KM 6x: These are Biochemic medicines which is usefull in common cold.
[FOLLOWING ARE SOME OF THE FIRST LINE MEDICINES FOR COMMON COLD BUT IT IS ADVISED THAT A QUALIFIED HOMOEOPATHIC DOCTOR SHOULD BE CONSULTED.]
