Head cold - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

The problem of a head cold may be minor, but it can affect daily life. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), a head cold is also called a common cold. The problem of the common cold is seen two to three times a year in adults, whereas the problem of the common cold can occur eight or more times in children. Most common cold problems last for about a week. However, some people, especially those with a weak immune system, may develop other illnesses such as bronchitis, sinus infections, or pneumonia due to a head cold. Therefore, to prevent this problem, it is important to first understand its symptoms.

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Symptoms of the common cold include -

• Watery nose.
• The feeling of a stuffy nose.
• Sneeze.
• Sore throat.
• Having cough problem.
• Mild fever.
• Feeling sick.
• Mild headache or body ache.

According to research, symptoms of a head cold can appear one to three days after coming in contact with the virus. These symptoms may persist for 7 to 10 days.

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The main causes of head cold include -

• Rhinovirus.
• Human metapneumovirus.
• Human parainfluenza virus.
• Respiratory syncytial virus.

Apart from these viruses, there can be other reasons for a head cold. The virus spreads in the air by coming in contact with the droplets scattered in the air due to sneezing or coughing. In such a situation, if a person comes in contact with the virus, the chances of becoming a victim of a head cold may increase. Keep in mind that people with weak immune systems are more prone to head colds.

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The problem of a head cold is caused by viral infection, hence there is no benefit in taking antibiotics. Therefore, in case of a head cold, the following remedies can prove effective -

• Rest as much as possible.
• Liquids, especially water and juice, should be consumed as much as possible.
• Do not consume beverages like coffee, soda, and alcohol, as these can dehydrate the body.
• You can gargle once or twice a day by adding salt to warm water.
• You can consume hot tea or soup.
• Sore throat spray or saline spray can be used to treat the problem of hoarseness.
• In case of headache or body pain, over-the-counter medicines such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen can be taken.
• Adults can take aspirin but do not give aspirin to children and teenagers, as it can increase the risk of Reye's syndrome.

Note: Above we have given the names of medicines only for information. You must consult a doctor before taking any kind of medicine. Also keep in mind that antibiotics kill bacteria, not the virus that causes head cold. Therefore, avoid taking medicines of your own free will.

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You must contact a doctor in the following situations -

• Difficulty in breathing.
• A wheezing sound coming from the throat.
• Feeling more sore throat.
• Severe headache along with fever.
• Excessive cough problem.
• Feeling pain in the ear.
• Pain near the head, eyes, or nose.
• Having problem of rash.
• Feeling more tired.
• To be confused.
• Having problem of bronchitis.
• Ear infection.
• Having pneumonia.
• Having sinusitis.

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Head colds can be avoided by keeping the following things in mind -

• Keep your distance from people infected with the common cold.
• Make sure to wash hands after shaking hands with infected people. If you want, you can also use sanitizer or soap.
• If you are suffering from a head cold, do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth again and again.
• Towels, utensils, or other personal items of infected people should not be shared.
• Follow a healthy diet.
• Strengthen the immune system.
• Make sure to take seven to nine hours of sleep.
• Do exercise, yoga, or meditation regularly.

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Generally, it may take one week to 10 days to cure the problem of a head cold. If this problem is not cured in 10 days and the patient is suffering from bronchitis, pneumonia, or sinusitis, then a doctor should be contacted as soon as possible. Considering the health condition of the patient and the severity of the disease, the doctor can provide treatment, so that he can get it as soon as possible.

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