Common cold is an upper respiratory tract infectious disease caused by a different type of viruses. Viruses invade your body and failed it to generate resistance against of all of them. So, it is considered as a frequent illness. The problem of common cold mostly circulates during fall, winter and spring. This is also a communicable disease that can be passed from one person to another in the small drops produced during coughing and sneezing. They can also be spread by hand to hand contact after touching infected noses and eyes. This virus can be present anywhere such as on dusty places on pens, keyboards etc.
The main cause is virus and substances in the air known as allergens that can give rise to common cold.
Lack of fresh air, closed windows, poor health and some indoor air pollutants seem to increase susceptibility of this problem.
Cold symptoms usually appears with sore and an itchy throat. This is followed by a stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, loss of appetite and fatigue. Fever may be present in children, but is rare in adults.
Lower age group that includes young children and infant are more prone to common cold as they have immature immune system and more likely to be affected by such viral infections. Seasonal changes are also one of the reason as the problem of common cold is mostly seen in winter fall or rainy season. Sleep disturbances may increase the risk of developing cold symptoms.
To minimize your risk of getting sick or making others sick, follow good hygiene habits such as wash your hands regularly and not forget to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, using a tissue or your upper sleeve.
Diagnosis is done on the basis of symptoms and signs. Physical examination is done such as chest X-ray.