The Common ColdIntroduction: What Is The Common Cold?

The common cold, also known as a head cold or simply a cold, is a disease of the respiratory system. It

is caused by different groups of viruses and characterized by itching in the nose, regular sneezing,

runny nose and chills. These symptoms could be followed by the uncomfortable throat, tiredness,

dizziness, mild headache and thick mucus secretion (Eccles & Weber, 2009).

A Brief History of The Common Cold

The common cold is centuries old and its symptoms with treatment are present in the oldest Egyptian

medical literature (de Graaf, Osterhaus, Fouchier, & Holmes, 2008). Some studies also reported the

presence of the common cold during the Stone Age (Dorfer et al., 1999). The name “cold” was used

first in the 16th century due to the resemblance of its symptoms with the effects cold weather on the

human being. The most common cause of the common cold, i.e. Rhinovirus was identified in 1956 by

the researchers of the United Kingdom (UK).

Research to find the treatment for the common cold has been going on since ancient times.

Hippocrates, in 400 BC, discovered that bleeding was slightly effective in the treatment of the common

cold. Later on, a Roman philosopher recommended that people “kiss the hairy muzzle of a mouse” in

order to feel better. In 1970 and 1979 miraculous effects of zinc and vitamin c were discovered for the

relief of the common cold, respectively. However, medical research is still anxious about the

prevention and treatment of the common cold (Atzl & Helms, 2009).

Causes of The Common Cold

The common cold is caused by almost 100 different varieties of the Rhinovirus. In some cases, other

types of viruses are also involved. Due to this reason, people have many episodes of the common cold

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during the whole year. It may occur at any time in a year, but most prevalent during the fall and winter

seasons. Thus, it is not specifically caused by cold weather (Diane E Pappas, 2015).

A complex interaction is involved between the host (infected person) and virus during the

development of the common cold. A detailed mechanism for the development of the common cold is

still under research, however, it is believed that the main site for the replication of the virus is

nasopharynx (nasal/throat area) (Winther, Gwaltney, Mygind,

Turner, & Hendley, 1986). First, the virus is deposited

into the nasal mucosa and eyes. Then it enters the nose via

lacrimal duct. From the nose, it is transported to the

nasopharynx. After that, it gains entry into epithelial cells (cells

lining the nasopharynx) by binding with receptors. Here it

starts to replicate to produce infection. Infection progresses

causing the blood vessels to get larger (vasodilation) and

changes to the permeability of nasal lining, which leads to the

nasal blockage and a runny nose. Moreover, increased mucous secretion and sneezing is also started.

Meanwhile, the release of many inflammatory mediators is also initiated which causes other symptoms

of the common cold (Heikkinen & Järvinen, 2003).

The incubation period of the common cold virus is 1-7 days (Nicholson, 1998). The common cold

starts with a sore throat and nasal stuffiness. This is followed by sneezing, cough and nasal discharge

with infrequent fever (Igarashi et al., 1993). Other symptoms may be a change in voice pattern, mild

headache, fatigue and malaise (Nicholson, 1998). The symptoms of the common cold last for an

average of 14 days. The common cold is transmitted due to direct contact with the infected person or

from the virus being present in the atmosphere (Dorfer et al., 1999).

Current Treatment of The Common Cold

The common cold is caused by many different viruses variations, which is why there is no universal

treatment for it. Therefore, symptomatic treatment is provided to resolve the disturbing symptoms with

the help of over the counter (OTC) medications (Heikkinen & Järvinen, 2003).

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Classes of drugs used during the symptomatic treatment of the common cold include; anti-allergic,

nasal decongestants, cough suppressants, and mucus expectorants. However, the United States Food

and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended not to use these medications in children under 6

years of age due to the side effects of these medications (Eccles & Weber, 2009).

Among home remedies, humidified air and saline nasal drops may improve symptoms of nasal

congestion and runny nose. For cough honey helpful for children older than 12 months. Adequate

intake of food and fluids should be maintained for further relief from the symptoms.

It is worth mentioning here that antibiotics are not effective in treating the common cold, due to the

viral nature of the disease. However, they may be required during the bacterial complications caused by

the common cold. Further, the use of nasal sprays containing steroids should be avoided in children

(Diane E Pappas, 2015).

A number of alternate products such as zinc and vitamin C are also present to relieve the symptoms,

but the use of these products is not encouraged due to the lack of evidence regarding their

effectiveness.

Appropriate hygiene measures can help in the prevention of the common cold.

Methods such as; hand washing with soap for a few seconds, use of alcohol-based

hand rubs and use of a household cleaner to kill virus could be applied to prevent

the spread of the virus of the common cold (Diane E Pappas, 2015).

Impact of The Common Cold

The common cold is the most prevalent disease of the globe. It is a self-limiting disease and confined

only to the upper respiratory tract. But, in some patients, it can cause severe problems due to the spread

of the virus to other parts of the body (Heikkinen & Järvinen, 2003). Despite our development in

medicine, it is a great burden in terms of suffering and economic losses due to visits to the hospitals

and loss of work (Adams, Hendershot, & Marano, 1999). Infants and children are the populations most

affected by the common cold and children 6 years old and younger suffer from six to eight colds per

year. This is ultimately responsible for about twenty-two million missed days of education. Moreover,

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150 million days of work are missed by employees which cost about $20 billion annually (Diane E

Pappas, 2015).

Future Prospects of The Common Cold

Due to the main role of viruses in the pathogenesis of the common cold, antivirals could be expected to

have potential effects in the treatment of this disease. That is why current research is focused on the

testing of antivirals against the Rhinovirus (Eccles & Weber, 2009). Development of sophisticated

techniques to detect the nature of the viruses causing colds is also in the process. Additional research

on the host response and viral interaction during the common cold is also ongoing. Moreover, there is

also a dire need for the awareness of programs about the ineffectiveness of the antibiotics in the

treatment of the common cold (Heikkinen & Järvinen, 2003).

Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. What are the symptoms of the common cold?

2. Why was it called a cold?

3. What is the general name of the virus that causes the common cold?

4. Describe how a cold virus “takes hold” inside its host.

5. What is an “incubation period” and how long does it last for the common cold?

6. How is the cold spread?

7. How is a cold treated?

8. Why are antibiotics not used to treat a cold?

9. What hygiene measure can be used to prevent you from getting a cold?

10. Which population is most likely to get sick from the common cold and how often, on average,

do they suffer from it?

11. Regarding your answer to number 10 above, explain why you think this might be the case.

12. Antibiotics are used too often to treat a cold even though they have absolutely no effect. From

your previous knowledge, why is the overuse of antibiotics a bad thing?

13. What will you do in the future to prevent yourself from getting sick?

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