Did you know colds are caused by a virus? This article will explore cold symptoms, types, cold treatment and prevention. Dr. Naval Parikh has 10 years of experience treating colds and would love to help you get better soon.
What is Cold?
Cold is a viral infection that can attack any part of your respiratory system, including your nose, throat and lungs. The cold virus is spread through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Types of Cold
Common cold
There are over 200 viruses that cause a common cold plus other possible causes such as allergies or bacteria which can also produce similar cold symptoms.
Coronavirus Cold
Coronavirus is a type of virus that causes respiratory infection. It can be transmitted through coughing or sneezing, so you should avoid contact with those around you who have been infected by these germs.
is a rare but serious virus that can cause permanent damage to your nose and throat, such as respiratory problems. It’s also possible for this disease to lead to other concerning conditions like heart failure or asthma among others so pay attention if any symptoms pop up.
It often begins as cold-like symptoms including runny nose and watery eyes before progressing to chest pain on day two for most people; however, death has occurred due to complications from chronic lung disease because coronaviruses attach themselves very firmly into smaller blood vessels near major organs such as the heart which makes them harder to clear out fully without treatment.
Flu (influenza)
Flu is a respiratory illness caused by the Influenza virus and not the cold virus. It may be possible the cold symptoms you are experiencing could be flu instead of colds; if your cold symptoms last more than one week or do not improve after taking over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, then cold symptoms could be flu and it is important to see your doctor for a diagnosis.
Cold Symptoms
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Cold chills
- Fever
Causes of Cold
There are over 200 cold viruses, so they have the potential to do a lot of damage. The flu is another cold-like illness that can be dangerous if not treated properly.
Prevention
Get the Flu Shot
If you get your flu shot every year, it will help protect against cold viruses too. This vaccine can be even more helpful if you’ve just had a cold and aren’t totally over it yet.
Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands frequently can help you avoid colds, especially if there are a lot of cold sufferers in your home or office. Try to keep hand sanitizer on hand for when soap and water aren’t available.
Cover Your Nose and Mouth
When you’re sick, keep cold germs from spreading by covering your nose and mouth whenever you cough or sneeze. You can use a tissue or even just hold a hand over it for a few seconds until the coughing fit is over.
Get Plenty of Rest
When you’re cold, your body is working hard to fight it. Make sure that you get enough sleep and drink lots of fluids so that your cold doesn’t last longer than necessary. Don’t ignore cold symptoms because they can become worse if not treated immediately.
Stay Warm
Cold viruses love cold weather and cold air. If you can, try to stay warm so that your immune system doesn’t have to work as hard to fight the cold virus. Dress in layers and avoid going outside when it’s really cold out.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you’re cold isn’t getting better, make an appointment with your doctor. Sometimes colds can develop complications like pneumonia or bronchitis if left untreated. Your doctor will be able to give you the best cold treatment for fast relief and a speedy recovery.
Treatment of Cold By Dr. Naval Parikh
Dr. Naval Parikh’s cold treatment includes cold medication, antipyretics for fever, antibiotics against secondary bacterial infections and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce nasal congestion.
Sometimes colds may develop complications like pneumonia or bronchitis if left untreated. Dr. Naval Parikh advises seeking medical attention immediately in this case as it can be life-threatening!
Here is how he treats:
Cold Medication
Dr. Naval Parikh’s cold treatment includes cold medicine to reduce cold symptoms and shorten the length of illness. Cold medications include decongestants, antihistamines, pain relievers and fever reducers that can help you get through your cold faster. While taking these medications don’t consume alcohol because it will cause drowsiness in your cold.
Antipyretics for Fever
Temperatures above 38 degrees Celsius or 100.44 Fahrenheit are considered a fever. Dr. Naval Parikh’s cold treatment includes antipyretic medications to reduce your temperature and make you feel more comfortable when you have cold symptoms like chills, aches, sore throat and headache.
Antibiotics Against Secondary Bacterial Infections
This cold treatment includes antibiotics to fight off any bacteria that might have invaded your respiratory system while the immune system was busy fighting a cold. Dr. Naval Parikh says, “If you are prescribed an antibiotic by a doctor in case of cold make sure to take it for full course even if you feel better after a few days. Never take antibiotics for colds by yourself.”
Dr. Naval Parikh’s cold treatment also includes anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce nasal congestion and postnasal drip that can cause chesty cough, sore throat and headache. These medications will help you breathe better so you feel less congested and have more energy when fighting the cold.
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs to Reduce Nasal Congestion
Dr. Naval Parikh’s cold treatment includes anti-inflammatory medications for colds like aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium that can help you breathe better so you feel less congested. These medications will help your nose run more than drip which causes chesty cough, sore throat and headache.
Surgery as Cold Complication
If your cold is caused by a deviated septum or nasal polyps, Dr. Naval Parikh’s cold treatment includes surgery to correct the deformity and improve breathing through your nose. He says “Surgery will always help you breathe better so don’t shy away from it.”
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Naval Parikh Clinic:
Address: 1 West Sample Road, Suite 201. Deerfield Beach, Florida. 33064.
Phone: (954) 782-3170
