| The common cold is an acute and self-limited illness caused by any of more than 250 viruses that invade the mucous cells of the nose and disrupt their normal functioning. Once infected with one of the 250 strains, the immune system develops antibodies to it, so any subsequent colds are the result of one of the other 249 strains. The most common subtype of virus that causes a cold is a group that is found in the nasal passages, rhinoviruses. Less common cold viruses include coronavirus, adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
The illness is characterized by a runny nose (rhinorrhea), nasal congestion, sneezing, mild fatigue, mild fever, and sore throat, with or without a cough. Symptoms of this illness are confined to the upper respiratory tract and do not involve the lungs.
Contrary to popular belief, most cold viruses do not spread through the air and are seldom transmitted from airborne particles expelled when someone with a cold coughs or sneezes. Researchers have also shown that exposure to cold temperatures has little or no effect on the development of a cold, nor do factors such as diet, exercise, or enlarged tonsils. The vast majority of cold viruses are transmitted through hand contact with an infected person. After exposure to a cold-causing virus, symptoms usually appear within 48 to 72 hours.
Colds generally last from 5 to 7 days, with about 25% having symptoms that continue for up to 2 weeks.Risk: Factors that increase an individual's susceptibility to colds include psychological stress, allergic disorders (affecting the nose or throat), and menstrual cycles. Women (age 20 to 30) have more colds than men. Incidence and Prevalence: Normal healthy adults may average 2 to 4 colds per year, although the range varies greatly. In a single year in the US, individuals suffer an estimated 1 billion colds. Colds are the most frequent cause of absenteeism from work. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| History: Common symptoms include dry, sore, or scratchy throat; runny or stuffy nose; cough; sneezing; sinus blockage; headache; and body aches. Physical exam: Mild fever (99° F to 101° F [37.2° C to 38.3° C]) may be present. Examination may reveal reddening of the throat or nose with swelling of these mucosal tissues. Lymph nodes in the neck may be enlarged and tender. Tests: Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and symptoms; no laboratory tests or x-rays are necessary for diagnosis. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| The infected individual should be isolated as much as possible to avoid contaminating others. Without treatment, cold symptoms should disappear in about 7 to 10 days. Because no cure for the common cold exists, only symptomatic treatment is available: bed rest, increased fluid intake, inhaling steam (through a humidifier or a hot shower) to ease congestion; gargling with warm salt water (to relieve inflammation, discomfort, and swelling of the throat), saline gel (for irritated nasal tissue), and analgesics (for headache and fever).
Nonprescription cold preparations (decongestants and cough suppressants) may relieve some cold symptoms, but will not cure or even shorten the duration of the illness.
Since antibiotics do not kill viruses, these drugs should not be used to treat routine colds. Antibiotics should be reserved for treating any bacterial complications of colds (sinusitis or ear infections). |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| The prognosis for the common cold is excellent. Individuals can expect symptoms to disappear in approximately 7 to 10 days and a complete recovery to pre-illness health. In individuals with chronic respiratory conditions, the decreased immunity caused by the cold may put these individuals at greater risk for developing secondary bacterial infections, such as sinusitis, bronchitis, or pneumonia. In these cases, a protracted recovery period may be expected. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| The great majority of common colds run their course without complication. The most common complications of colds are secondary bacterial infections (sinusitis and ear infection). Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions (asthma or chronic lung disease) are more susceptible to secondary bacterial infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| A day of bed rest may be necessary for a particularly bad cold. Usually, individuals may continue to work despite cold symptoms. Individuals with colds should be encouraged to take precautions not to infect other workers, including staying as isolated from others as possible, using tissues and discarding them properly after use, and washing hands frequently. As with other respiratory illnesses, exposure to inhaled irritants such a dust, gases, smoke, and cold air should be minimized or avoided. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| If an individual fails to recover within the expected maximum duration period, the reader may wish to consider the following questions to better understand the specifics of an individual's medical case. Regarding diagnosis:
- Does individual have a runny nose? Congestion? Sneezing? Sore throat? Cough?
-
Does individual have a mild fever or fatigue? Enlarged lymph nodes?
-
Are the lungs involved?
-
Does individual have additional symptoms? Have they lasted more than 2 weeks?
Regarding treatment:
- Was individual isolated as much as possible to prevent spread?
-
Is individual following a proper treatment regimen (rest, increased fluids, analgesics)?
-
Is individual a smoker?
Regarding prognosis:
- Can individual's employer accommodate any necessary restrictions?
-
Does individual have any conditions that may affect ability to recover?
-
Have any complications developed such as a secondary bacterial infection, and are these receiving appropriate treatment?
|
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Salem, Leon. "Colds." eMedicine Consumer Health. Eds. Steven C. Gabaeff and Francisco Talavera. 7 Apr. 2005. Medscape. 19 May 2005 <http://www.emedicinehealth.com/articles/15317-1.asp>. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor