symptoms

Colds - Causes and Symptoms

Related articles: Cold

Definition

The cold is an acute infection of viral origin, usually not febrile, which causes symptoms affecting the upper airways, such as a runny nose, cough and sore throat. The disorder occurs after an incubation period of 24-72 hours and, in most cases, limits itself within 10 days.

The cold typically begins with "feeling of scraping in the throat" or pharyngodynia, sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion and general malaise. Nasal secretions are initially clear, watery and profuse, then they become mucoid and purulent, dense, whitish or yellowish.

In about 50% of cases, a cold is caused by a rhinovirus, more easily transmitted through inter-human contact, although the spread can also occur through large aerosols. Other infections can be caused by coronavirus, influenza and parainfluenza viruses, enteroviruses, adenoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus and metapneumovirus.

Colds can exacerbate asthma and chronic bronchitis. Chronic forms may instead be associated with complications caused by the same pathogen or bacterial superinfection, such as ear infections (otitis) or paranasal sinuses (sinusitis).

Factors that can predispose to the cold include temperature changes or excessive exposure to cold, recent or ongoing infections, inhalation of dust or irritating gases and stressful lifestyles.

Possible Causes * of Cold

  • Respiratory allergies
  • Aspergillosis
  • Bronchiolitis
  • Bronchitis
  • croup
  • Dengue
  • Atopic dermatitis
  • Diphtheria
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Food intolerance
  • Molluscum contagiosum
  • Ear infection
  • Pertussis
  • Allergic rhinitis
  • Rubella
  • Sixth disease
  • Parainfluenza syndromes
  • Sinusitis
  • thymoma