Have a cold – A runny nose is a condition where the nose produces mucus or mucus, either occasionally or continuously. The mucus that comes out can look clear, green, or yellowish. While the texture can be thin or thick, depending on the underlying cause.
Mucus is produced by glands in the nose and sinuses. The function of mucus is to keep the respiratory tract moist and prevent dirt and germs from entering the lungs.
Causes of Colds
A cold occurs when the lining of the nose and sinuses becomes inflamed due to changes in the weather , or due to the entry of irritants or germs into the nose. The causes are very diverse, including:
1. Infection
A cold can occur when a virus infects the nose, throat, or sinuses. Examples include influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), sinusitis, and COVID-19 .
2. Allergies
A person can experience a runny nose when exposed to substances that trigger allergies, such as dust , animal dander, or pollen. This condition is also called allergic rhinitis .
3. Exposure to cold or dry air
Cold, dry air can change the balance of fluids in the nasal passages, triggering the nervous system in the nose to secrete fluid.
4. Eat spicy foods
Colds can be triggered by consuming spicy foods, for example foods seasoned with chili, onions, or black pepper.
5. Side effects of drugs
Medications can also cause cold side effects, such as high blood pressure medications, birth control pills, seizure medications, and heart disease medications.
6. Hormonal imbalance
Colds can also occur due to hormonal imbalances, for example during pregnancy.
Cold Symptoms
A cold is a symptom of a condition or disease. In some cases, a cold can be accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Cough
- Sneeze
- Difficulty breathing
- Body feels tired
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion
- Mucus dripping down the throat ( postnasal drip )
Keep in mind, colds are not contagious. However, colds can be a symptom of contagious diseases, such as coughs and colds (flu).
In addition, chronic colds can be a sign of other diseases that need to be treated further, such as sinusitis.
When to see a doctor
Colds usually go away on their own. However, seek medical help immediately if you experience the following symptoms, as they may be signs of a more serious condition:
- Greenish or bloody mucus comes out, and is accompanied by a bad smell
- Mucus discharge accompanied by sinus pain
- Cold lasts more than 10 days
- A cold accompanied by a high fever (temperature of 39°C or more),
- severe headache, and severe pain in the forehead or face.
- Colds accompanied by loss of sense of smell ( anosmia ) and sense of taste (ageusia)
- Cold accompanied by shortness of breath
- Nasal mucus discharge due to head injury
You also need to be alert if your baby has a cold. This is because a cold in babies is a serious illness. Seek medical help immediately if a cold occurs in a baby under 2 months old, or if the cold makes it difficult for the baby to breathe.
Cold Diagnosis
Diagnosing a cold aims to find out the underlying cause. The doctor will first ask the patient about:
- Medical history, such as allergies or immune system disease
- Use of nasal decongestants in the form of a spray
- Other symptoms that accompany a cold
- Exposure to dust or animal hair in the nose
If necessary, the doctor can also use special tools to see the nasal area. The doctor can also use the help of a camera tube, to see the entire nasal cavity more clearly.
Cold Treatment
Colds can be relieved by drinking plenty of water and getting enough rest. In addition, sufferers can take over -the-counter cold medications to relieve cold symptoms, including:
Nasal decongestants, also known as decongestants , can be sprayed or dripped directly into the nose, for example xylometazoline , or taken orally, for example pseudoephedrine.
Obat antialergi, seperti brompheniramine, chlorpheniramine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, ceritizine, loratadine, fexofenadine, atau bilastine
It is important to remember to follow your doctor’s instructions in using the above medication. Avoid using nasal sprays for more than 3 days in a row unless recommended by your doctor.
Complications of the Common Cold
A cold is generally a condition that can get better on its own. However, in some conditions, a cold can cause complications such as:
Acute ear infection ( otitis media )
Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear caused by bacteria or viruses entering the ear.
Asthma
Cold sufferers who have a history of asthma are at risk of experiencing an asthma attack .
Sinusitis
A cold that doesn’t go away can cause inflammation of the sinuses .
Adenoid enlargement
Adenoid enlargement can occur due to a viral infection in the nose, throat, or sinuses.
Disturbed sleep quality
Blocked nasal passages due to colds have the potential to disrupt the sufferer’s sleep quality.
Cold Prevention
Colds can be prevented by maintaining body hygiene and avoiding substances that trigger allergies, including by taking the following steps:
- Wash your hands regularly to avoid germs
- Avoid contact with people who have colds or fevers.
- Use a tissue when blowing mucus from your nose and wash your hands afterwards.
Eat a balanced nutritious diet and exercise regularly to strengthen your immune system. - Wearing a mask to avoid substances that can trigger allergies, such as dust or pollen.
- Quit smoking to prevent irritation and inflammation of the nasal cavity.
- Clean furniture, doorknobs, stair railings, and other frequently touched items in the home, using a disinfectant solution.
- Get a flu vaccine regularly every year
No Responses