Symptoms
Possible symptoms of cold sniffles include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes, feeling sick, headache, and sore skin under the nose. A common cold may be accompanied by other symptoms of a cold, such as sore throat, hoarseness, cough and low-grade fever. Possible complications include tubal catarrh, middle ear infection and sinusitis. A cold is common in children and may also occur several times a year in adults.
Causes
A common cold is a viral infectious disease, most commonly caused by rhinoviruses. Numerous other viruses such as parainfluenza viruses, coronaviruses, RSV, adenoviruses, and enteroviruses are also possible causative agents. Cold, on the other hand, is not the cause of a cold, but only a risk factor. Common cold is transmitted directly from person to person as a droplet infection or indirectly through surfaces and objects.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made by oneself or by medical treatment. It is necessary to exclude other causes that may also cause rhinitis, such as hay fever, rhinitis medicamentosa, or vasomotor rhinitis.
Nonpharmacologic treatment
- Disposable tissues
- Good hygiene to avoid transmission: Wash or disinfect hands regularly, avoid close contact, do not sneeze into the air, do not use cloth hankies.
- Nose plugs are used in infants to aspirate the secretion
- Drink enough
- Humidifier
Drug treatment
A cold usually heals on its own. Drug therapy is not essential, but it can relieve uncomfortable symptoms, improve performance, and possibly help reduce complications. Causal antiviral therapy is not currently available. Decongestant nasal sprays:
- Or nasal drops with active ingredients such as xylometazoline and oxymetazoline are among the most commonly used drugs to treat a cold. They constrict dilated blood vessels in the nasal mucosa, stop excessive secretions, and facilitate nasal breathing. They should not be used for more than 5 to 7 days, as they can lead to dependence (rhinitis medicamentosa).
Sea water or saline solution:
- Is used in the form of sprays and rinses to moisten and cleanse the nasal mucosa. Sterile saline solutions in ampoules are used even in infants. See also under moistening nasal sprays.
Inhalations:
- Inhalation of warm water vapor is considered soothing. Herbs, essential oils or cold balms can be added to the water.
Nasal ointments:
- Take care of dry nasal mucous membranes and sore skin under the nose. Some contain essential oils, which leads to a relieving feeling in the nose.
Cold baths:
- Contain mixtures of essential oils. Not all cold baths are suitable for infants.
Cold balms:
- Cold balms often consist of a greasy base such as petrolatum, in which essential oils and balms are present. They are rubbed against on the chest or inhaled with water.
Pens (inhalers):
- Are made of plastic with an opening and contain a core with volatile components such as camphor and menthol. They are held to the nostril and it is inhaled deeply.
Oral sympathomimetics:
- Such as phenylephrine, ephedrine, or pseudoephedrine are used for peroral treatment. They are not suitable for all patients and have potential adverse effects. The contraindications and interactions must be considered. In our view, a predominantly locally acting nasal spray is more suitable.
Herbal medicines:
- Like cold teas with elderberry or lime blossom.
Alternative medicine:
- There are many medicines from the Alternativmedzin available for treatment.
