The common cold is a viral infectious disease that infects the upper respiratory system . It is also known as acute viral rhinopharyngitis , or acute coryza . Being the most

common infectious disease in humans , the cold is mainly caused by corona viruses or rhinoviruses .

Depending on the extent at which your patient is affected by these

viruses , you will know which steps to take from then on . It also differs from one person to the other , different types of people might experience different symptoms and the intensity of these

might be different as well . For instance , if someone has asthma , a cold might aggravate the patient ’ s condition . This is an example of an underlying condition that doctors should be aware of .

Symptoms of a common cold :

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Sore throat

• Cough

• Congestion

• Slight body aches or a mild headache

• Sneezing

• Low-grade fever

• Generally feeling unwell ( malaise ).

The fact that common colds don ’ t have a vaccine of any kind makes it challenging for doctors and patients alike .

Although there is no real way of curing a common cold , these are ways you can advise your patients to ease their symptoms .

• Drink plenty of fluids and keep well hydrated , being dehydrated when infected with a cold can make you feel worse .

• Get plenty of bed rest ; it is important to get as much sleep / rest as possible when infected as the body ' s immune system is fighting off the virus .

• Take aspirin , paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve headache or fever . Do not give aspirin to children under the age of 16 .

• Some people find that inhaling steam helps ease the symptoms of nasal congestion .

In your daily practice you will deal with different types of personalities , including curious patients . He / she will want to know the difference between a cold and flu .

These two conditions have very similar symptoms . The main difference is that flu is more severe and can last much longer than a cold would . Another difference being that , generally , the onset of flu symptoms is more rapid than those of a cold .

Upon diagnosis , analysing your patient ’ s symptoms and reaching a conclusion that he / she has a cold you can then aim to calm your patient by telling them that they will not have severe effects on their body and might end sooner than expected , if treated well .

References available on request .

56 MAY 2017 | MEDICAL CHRONICLE