Common Cold

Overview

The common cold is a upper respiratory tract infection caused by viruses. The most common symptoms include fever, rhinitis, cough, phlegm and sore throat. It is usually mild and resolves on its own with time. Patients may commence self-treatment with over-the-counter medications when symptoms emerge. However, if this worsens, one should seek medical treatment from a healthcare professional.

Symptoms

Symptoms of common cold may include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Rhinitis
• Cough
• Sore throat

 Symptoms will last around 7 to 10 days but should gradually improve. If worsening occurs, one should seek medical treatment from healthcare professional.

Treatment

In most cases, viruses like the common cold just require to run their course. Regarding treatment, there are two types, home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) medication.

Home remedies:

Home remedies are not able to treat or cure common colds however they may help to manage the symptoms such that the patient feels better.

Home remedies may include:

• Drinking adequate water
• Having adequate rest
• Vitamin C supplements

Over-the-Counter Medication:

Over-the-Counter Medication include the following classes:

• Pain Relievers: Pain Relievers such as Paracetamol may help to relieve headaches and body aches
• Antihistamines: Antihistamines block histamine release, thereby reducing itchness and runny nose
• Lozenges: OTC lozenges such as Dequa lozenges soothe sore throat symptoms

You can find our range of products here: https://www.beaconshealth.com/collections/cold-and-cough

Prevention

These are the steps you can take to prevent common colds

• Clean and disinfect regularly
• Wear a mask if you are feeling unwell.
• Lead a healthy and balanced lifestyle, including diet and exercise
• Consider regular intake of vitamin C supplements

Vitamin C supplements may not prevent common colds however regular intake may help to shorten the time of illnesses caused by cold virues.

When to see a doctor

Common colds will usually resolve on its own however if the following occurs, please visit a medical doctor:

• Persistent high fever
• Trouble breathing or chest pain
• Vomiting
• Severe or lasting cough
• Severe or lasting sore throat

References

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351611

https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/the-common-cold

https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/cold#when-to-get-care

National Library of Medicine; Common colds: Research summaries – Does vitamin C prevent colds? December 11, 2023