Acute coryza side effect free treatment and various treatment methods

The common cold is a widely known respiratory infection that almost everyone experiences at some point in their lives. It is usually caused by viruses and affects the nose, throat, and upper respiratory tract. While a cold is generally short-lived, it can sometimes become persistent. In this blog, we will discuss what the common cold is, how it occurs, its types, and the causes of catching a cold.

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The YouTube playlist below provides evidence of successful treatment of several ENT & Pneumological disorders including Acute coryza

What is Acute coryza?

The common cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract, including the nose and throat. During a cold, symptoms like sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and sore throat are common. The Rhinovirus is the most frequent cause of the common cold.

How does Acute coryza happen?

The common cold spreads through viruses, which are transmitted via respiratory droplets. These droplets are released when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks. The infection can also spread by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.

How many types of Acute coryza are there?

1. Acute Rhinitis:
   • This is the most common type of cold, characterized by a runny nose, sore throat, and coughing. It typically resolves within 7-10 days.
2. Chronic Rhinitis:
   • This refers to long-term cold symptoms, where the nose remains blocked and the inner nasal passages are inflamed. Patients with chronic rhinitis often experience prolonged difficulty in breathing.

What are the causes of Acute coryza?

• Viral Infections: Rhinovirus, coronavirus, and other viruses are the primary causes of the common cold.
• Cold Weather: The prevalence of colds increases during winter or in cold environments.
• Weak Immune System: People with a weakened immune system are more susceptible to catching colds.
• Dust and Allergies: Exposure to dust, pollen, or allergens can also lead to cold symptoms.

Symptoms of Acute coryza

• Runny Nose: Constant nasal discharge or congestion.
• Sore Throat: A scratchy and painful sensation in the throat.
• Sneezing: Increased frequency of sneezing.
• Coughing: May experience dry or wet cough.
• Headache or Heavy Head Feeling: A sensation of heaviness in the head, sometimes accompanied by headaches.
• Nasal Congestion: Blocked nose leading to difficulty in breathing.
• Mild Fever: A slight increase in body temperature, though not severe.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired and experiencing overall body weakness.

Progression of Acute coryza

The common cold typically starts with mild symptoms like a scratchy throat and sneezing. This is followed by a runny nose and nasal congestion. Within a day or two, symptoms like sore throat and mild coughing begin. By the third or fourth day, the cough may become more persistent, and thicker nasal discharge may develop. Generally, symptoms start to improve within 7-10 days, and full recovery occurs within one to two weeks.

What is the risk of Acute coryza and Rix factor? 

• Close Contact with Infected Individuals: Being near someone who is sneezing or coughing can increase the risk of infection.
• Weakened Immune System: Individuals with a weak immune system are more prone to catching a cold.
• Cold Weather: The incidence of colds is higher during winter months.
• Improper Hand Hygiene: Touching the face, nose, or eyes without washing hands increases the risk of infection.

What to do and avoid if you have Acute coryza

Do’s (Recommended Actions):

• Get Plenty of Rest: Allow your body time to recover.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink lots of water to keep the body hydrated and thin mucus.
• Inhale Steam: Inhaling steam helps clear nasal passages and makes breathing easier.
• Home Remedies: Ginger tea, honey, and lemon mixtures can help alleviate cold symptoms.

Don’ts (Things to Avoid):

• Avoid Smoking: Smoking irritates the airways and can worsen a cough.
• Avoid Cold Foods: Cold foods and drinks can exacerbate cold symptoms.
• Avoid Dusty and Polluted Environments: Dust and pollution can make nasal congestion worse.
• Avoid Strenuous Physical Activity: Physical exertion can further weaken the body during a cold.

What lab tests are required to diagnose Acute coryza?

The common cold is usually a mild viral infection, and in most cases, lab tests are not necessary for its diagnosis. However, if symptoms persist or become severe, doctors may recommend specific lab tests to determine the exact cause. Below are some lab tests that may be conducted:

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC):
   • A CBC test measures the number of white blood cells in the blood, which indicates the presence of an infection or inflammation in the body. It can help distinguish whether the cold is due to a bacterial infection.
2. Nasal Swab Culture:
   • A sample is taken from the nose and cultured in a laboratory to identify viruses or bacteria. This helps determine whether the cold is caused by a specific virus or bacteria.
3. Influenza Test:
   • If a doctor suspects that the cold may be due to influenza, an influenza test is conducted. This involves taking a sample from the nose or throat and testing it in a lab.
4. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Test:
   • This test is typically performed on children if a doctor suspects that the child may be infected with the RSV virus.
5. Throat Culture:
   • A throat culture is performed to check for infections in the throat by collecting a sample from the back of the throat. It is useful in identifying bacterial infections like strep throat.

What lifestyle should Acute coryza patients follow?

Having a healthy lifestyle is important for improving immunity and recovering quickly when dealing with the common cold. Here are some lifestyle tips for patients:

1. Get Plenty of Rest: Adequate sleep and rest help boost the immune system, allowing the body to recover faster from the cold.
2. Maintain Cleanliness: Wash hands regularly, dispose of used tissues properly, and avoid staying in polluted environments.
3. Inhale Steam: Taking steam inhalation helps reduce mucus in the airways and makes breathing easier.
4. Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water is crucial for a quick recovery from a cold. It helps thin mucus and makes it easier to breathe.

What should Acute coryza patients eat and avoid?

What to Eat:

• Warm Soups and Broths: Chicken soup or vegetable broth provides comfort during a cold and helps clear the airways of mucus.
• Ginger Tea: Ginger tea is effective in reducing cough and sore throat during a cold. It has natural anti-inflammatory properties.
• Honey and Lemon Mixture: Mixing honey and lemon in warm water helps soothe a scratchy throat and reduces cold symptoms.
• Vitamin C-rich Fruits: Foods like oranges, grapefruits, and kiwis help strengthen the immune system and speed up recovery.

What to Avoid:

• Cold Beverages and Ice Cream: Cold drinks can worsen cold symptoms and lead to more mucus buildup in the airways.
• Spicy Foods: Spicy foods can irritate the throat and respiratory tract, increasing the risk of a persistent cough.
• Excessive Caffeine: Too much caffeine from tea and coffee can dehydrate the body, which is not ideal during a cold.
• Heavy and Oily Foods: Light and easily digestible foods are better during a cold. Avoid heavy and oily foods that can be hard to digest.

Exercise and therapy for Acute coryza

During a common cold, certain simple exercises and therapies can be very effective in improving respiratory function and speeding up recovery. These help enhance breathing, clear mucus, and provide relief to the body.

Exercises:

1. Diaphragmatic Breathing:
   • Place your hands on your stomach, inhale slowly through your nose, and try to expand your belly. Exhale while contracting your stomach. This helps clear mucus in the airways and makes breathing easier.
2. Pursed Lip Breathing:
   • Inhale through your nose and exhale slowly through pursed lips. This helps reduce pressure in the airways and increases oxygen levels in the body.
3. Deep Breathing:
   • Take deep breaths by inhaling slowly through the nose and exhaling slowly through the mouth. It helps improve lung function.
4. Light Walking:
   • Light walking during a cold can help keep the body active and enhance lung function. However, if the body feels too weak, resting is better.

Therapies:

1. Steam Therapy:
   • Inhaling steam from hot water helps relieve congestion and keeps the airways clear. It helps thin mucus and makes breathing easier.
2. Saline Nasal Drops:
   • Saline drops can be used to clear nasal passages. They help reduce nasal blockage and ease breathing.
3. Using a Humidifier:
   • Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air helps reduce mucus in the airways and makes breathing easier. It also helps reduce dryness in the nose and throat.
4. Hot Towel Compress:
   • Placing a warm towel on the throat or over the face can provide relief and ease breathing. It helps reduce mucus buildup in the airways.

Allopathic treatment for Acute coryza

The common cold is caused by a viral infection, and allopathic treatment primarily focuses on relieving symptoms. Since it is caused by a virus, antibiotics are not effective, but certain medications can help ease respiratory distress and other symptoms. Below is a detailed description of common allopathic treatments for a cold:

Allopathic Medications and Treatments:

1. Decongestants:
   • Decongestants help reduce nasal mucus and relieve a blocked nose. Medications like Pseudoephedrine or nasal sprays such as Oxymetazoline can be used. However, they should not be used for extended periods.
2. Antihistamines:
   • Antihistamines are helpful in reducing cold symptoms caused by allergies. Medications like Chlorpheniramine or Diphenhydramine are often used to reduce sneezing and runny nose.
3. Pain Relievers:
   • Pain relievers can be used for headaches, sore throat, or body aches associated with a cold. Paracetamol or Ibuprofen is commonly used for this purpose.
4. Cough Syrup:
   • Different types of cough syrups are used for dry or wet coughs. For example, Dextromethorphan is effective for dry cough, and Guaifenesin works well for productive (wet) cough.
5. Antiviral Medications:
   • If the cold is caused by a viral infection like influenza, a doctor may recommend specific antiviral medications such as Oseltamivir.

Homeopathic treatment for Acute coryza

Homeopathic treatment for the common cold offers a natural and safe approach to managing symptoms. It focuses on strengthening the body’s natural immune response and reducing the severity of symptoms. The selection of homeopathic remedies depends on the nature, intensity of symptoms, and the patient’s overall health.

Effective Homeopathic Remedies for the Common Cold:

1. Aconite:
   • Aconite is effective if a cold starts suddenly after exposure to cold winds, accompanied by sneezing, fever, and a dry throat. It is best used in the initial stages of a cold.
2. Arsenicum Album:
   • This remedy is useful for runny nose, burning sensation inside the nostrils, and general weakness. It is particularly beneficial for colds that worsen in winter, with a feeling of chilliness.
3. Allium Cepa:
   • Allium Cepa works well when there is a watery discharge from the nose along with watery eyes. It is effective for reducing nasal irritation and a runny nose.
4. Bryonia:
   • Bryonia is used for dry colds with a cough. It is particularly helpful when the patient experiences an increase in coughing while lying down.
5. Euphrasia:
   • Euphrasia is helpful when the cold is accompanied by watery eyes and a burning sensation in the eyes. It helps to relieve symptoms related to eye irritation.

Herbal treatment for Acute coryza

Herbal remedies for the common cold provide a natural and safe way to alleviate symptoms and boost the body’s immune system. Here are some effective herbal ingredients for treating the common cold:

Herbal Remedies for the Common Cold:

1. Ginger:
   • Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe sore throat and reduce coughing during a cold. Preparing tea with slices of ginger in hot water can help relieve cold symptoms.
2. Holy Basil (Tulsi):
   • Holy basil has antiviral and antibacterial properties. Drinking tulsi tea can help reduce cold symptoms and keep the respiratory tract clear.
3. Lemon and Honey:
   • Lemon is rich in vitamin C, which boosts immunity, while honey helps soothe a scratchy throat. Mixing lemon and honey in warm water is beneficial for relieving cold symptoms.
4. Turmeric Milk:
   • Turmeric contains curcumin, an anti-inflammatory compound that helps soothe the respiratory system during a cold. Mixing half a teaspoon of turmeric in a glass of warm milk can provide relief.
5. Peppermint:
   • Peppermint helps clear the respiratory tract. Drinking peppermint tea or inhaling peppermint oil vapor can ease breathing.

A few famous Acute coryza-related journals and web links

Famous Journals for the Common Cold and Their Web Links:

1. Journal of Infectious Diseases
   • This journal publishes research on the common cold and other viral infections, including studies on the impact of viruses, preventive measures, and treatment options.
   • Web Link: Journal of Infectious Diseases
2. The Lancet Infectious Diseases
   • This journal by The Lancet focuses on high-quality research related to viral infections like the common cold and its complications. It provides information on primary and advanced treatment methods.
   • Web Link: The Lancet Infectious Diseases
3. New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM)
   • NEJM publishes various research articles and reviews on the common cold, flu, and other respiratory viral infections.
   • Web Link: New England Journal of Medicine
4. Clinical Infectious Diseases
   • This journal provides detailed research on viral infections, including colds, and covers various treatment and prevention strategies.
   • Web Link: Clinical Infectious Diseases
5. Virology Journal
   • This journal focuses on research related to viral diseases such as the common cold, studying the mechanisms of infection and therapeutic approaches.
   • Web Link: Virology Journal

Conclusion

While the common cold is a highly prevalent health issue, it is usually not severe and tends to resolve within a few days. With adequate rest, plenty of fluids, and home remedies, recovery is typically quick. However, if the cold persists for an extended period or if severe symptoms develop, it is important to seek medical advice.