Signs and Symptoms
- Sneezing and runny nose from nasal congestion
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Hoarseness
- Fever (102 F or lower)
- Headache
Causes
More than 200 different types of viruses cause colds. You can get a cold by touching a person with a cold (for example, by shaking hands with a person with a cold) and then touching your nose or eyes. Colds are also transmitted through the air. Exposure to cold outdoor air and fatigue do not make you more likely to get a cold, although psychological stress may.
Risk Factors
People more likely to get colds include:
- Children and those over 65
- Children who have parents who smoke
- Children who attend day care
- Smokers and those exposed to second hand smoke
- Those exposed to industrial smoke, toxic fumes, or other air pollutants
- People with immune system disorders, like HIV, AIDS, or cancer, or compromised immune function, like
those taking steroids for a long time
- People under a fair amount of stress
In addition, colds are more likely during the winter months, but not because of exposure to cold air. This is likely because of the increased contact with others who are sick due to more time spent indoors.
Diagnosis
Most people recognize that they have a cold and treat it themselves without seeing a doctor. If you do see your doctor, the diagnosis will be made based on your symptoms and exam. Tests are not necessary. Colds generally
go away on their own after about 7 to 10 days. If you have an underlying lung condition, however, like asthma or emphysema, you should let your doctor know right away when you get a cold.
Preventive Care
Although anyone and everyone can get a cold, there are a few things that you can do that may help improve your
immune system and make you less susceptible to getting colds:
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a proper diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in fat
- Get sufficient rest at all times
- Minimize your stress and your reaction to stress. Consider yoga, tai chi, or other forms of relaxation on an
ongoing basis.
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after coming into contact with someone who has a cold.
Treatment Approach
With a cold, the goal of treatment is to improve your symptoms as quickly as possible. With that said, even if you
do nothing, they should go away within 10 days. Antibiotics (which are for bacterial infections) and antihistamines (which are for allergies) cannot help cure your cold. There are medications, herbs, supplements, and homeopathic remedies that may make you feel better while you have a cold.
Lifestyle
- Drink a lot of water to help loosen secretions.
- Rest to restore your energy and avoid complications from the cold like bronchitis or pneumonia.
- Eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. These foods provide lots of antioxidants (substances that may help boost your immune system), especially vitamins A and C.
Suggested Nutritional Supplementation
Immune support for initial onset - 1st and 2nd Days of Immune Challenge
- Essential Defense® - 1 to 2 tablets every half hour as needed.
Essential Defense is a time-honored traditional Chinese formula used to promote healthy immune function
Immune Support for the Duration
- Cold & Flu Remedy - Dissolve 15 drops in the mouth every 30 minutes, reducing to 3 to 4 times daily Cold & Flu Remedy is a high quality, hand-made homeopathic formula designed to relieve headaches, fever, chills, respiratory symptoms, exhaustion, or body aches.
- ImmuCoreTM - 3 tablets daily
ImmuCore is designed to provide a multiple mechanistic approach to support healthy immune system function through enhancing activities of macrophages, natural killer cells, and T cell subsets.
- Andrographis Plus® - 2 tablets every two hours for 12 hours with unchilled water. Then take 1 tablet 3
times daily between meals for five days.
Andrographis Plus combines a proprietary blend of Ayurvedic and Asian herbs designed to promote healthy immune function.
