Shalini Saksena speaks to doctors to find out why common cold is becoming increasingly difficult to treat
When you get a flu—cold and cough—does it take weeks to recoverIJ Do you keep coughing for weeks on end even though you have had a course of antibiotics twice overIJ Do you need to take a puff when the wheezing startsIJ You are not alone. Doctors in the Capital tell you that these days in active clinic practice they come across multiple strains of virus which has other features as well along with common cold namely mild fever, throat infection, abdomen pain, loose motion, and headache.
Dr Piyush Goel, Consultant, Pulmonologist & Critical Care, Columbia Asia Hospital, Gurgaon says: “If the runny nose doesn't go away within one week, this might be the appropriate time to consult a doctor and get yourself examined for flu. The symptoms of flu and cold are quite similar and the former can be diagnosed only through medical diagnosis of the blood. Symptomatic treatment to be given to treat common flu. Drinking lots of fluids is thus necessary to treat the common cold or even flu. If the symptoms go untreated they can turn into pneumonia.”
He also tells you that ignorance of symptoms can lead to intensity of the cold. “Sometimes people estimate that the cold can be treated without medications. Even though part of it is true, it never hurts to ease the symptoms as they can be intense.
Common cold can also result in shortness of breath and chest congestion. If the fever is beyond 102 and persists for a week, please see a doctor before it turns into a flu,” Dr Goel advises and says that flu shots if administered on time, undoubtedly work. “The flu shots are meant to guard the immunity of the body against viral attacks.” He says and busts a myth associated with cold.
“Thinking that taking bath in cold water would cure your cold is a myth as it just intensifies the cold. There should also be a limit to over-the-counter drugs taken during cold. They might help treat congestion faster but can have long-term health implications as the body might grow resistant to it.” Dr Goel says.
Dr Atul Arora, senior consultant physician with RG Stone Urology & laparoscopy Hospital in New Delhi says are many things that people are not aware of when it comes to common cold. “The names itself suggests that common cold is common mainly during winters.
Almost 70-80 per cent people tend to catch common cold from the infected. It is common in all age groups but mainly gets infected to children who are less than 6 years of age or at the extreme age of 60-65 years. It is normally spread due to close contact, air droplets from the infected, mainly to people who have low immune system. The biggest cause of common cold in medical terms is spread by virus and the commonest virus is Rhinovirus. Ideally there is not much treatment required as it takes its own course and self limiting to seven-10 days until and unless it is secondary infected by bacteria and fungus,” Dr Arora, explains.
This doesn't mean that cold can't be avoided. The rule of thumb for an infected person is to cover his face with a tissue or a handkerchief to avoid spreading the infection. Also, do not touch your nose or mouth again and again.
In case you accidently touch your nose and are not carrying a tissue or a handkerchief then you can use a technique which many people are not aware of is known to be under elbow technique which refers to covering your face under the elbow while sneezing as it prevents the infection from spreading. Also, try not shaking your hand with the infected person, if you do then do wash your hands after with soap and water. While travelling also you can wear a mask or simply cover yourself to keep away from the infection that spreads through air.
Dr Goel adds to the list and says that winter borne disease can easily be prevented if we be less reckless about our daily activities. “Switching frequently from hot to cold surroundings increases the chances of having cold. Not washing hands, stay covered even though you feel you no longer need it. Persists for more than 5 days and also if patient had breathlessness not taking orally well also if patient is elderly and immune compromise with underlying co morbidities like COPD, asthma, heart diseases, cancer patients should consult doctor early. A good diet rich with vitamins and minerals would guard your immunity.
And the reason why it takes a patient to recover is because common cold has its own course whether you treat it or don’t treat it. “The simple viral gets self limited within 7-10 days. Basically it has a life cycle but if it is super infected then definitely you should see a doctor for a course of antibiotic,” Dr Goel asserts.
Another problem is that not many people are aware of common cold and its symptoms through which one can get infected. “Do not unnecessarily take medicines as it takes 7-8 days to recover from common cold. Taking plenty of liquids, steam, having a proper nourished diet, proper rest can help one to recover faster,” Dr Arora says.
For Dr Goel treatment entails normal procedures of regular follow-ups. “Strictly follow the dosage given by the doctor and do not self-medicate as it might cause further complications. Ignorance can be fatal. Common cold can even turn into pneumonia. Especially watch out for children as they have compromised immunity,” he says.