Understanding the Common Cold: Causes, Symptoms, and Relief

Common Cold

The common cold is a viral infection affecting the upper respiratory tract, primarily the nose and throat. Although people of all ages can be affected, children under six years old are most susceptible. There are numerous viruses capable of causing the common cold, making it difficult to pinpoint exact causes. Fortunately, most individuals recover within one to two weeks, though symptoms may persist longer in smokers. It’s generally recommended to consult a doctor if symptoms last beyond this period.^[1] According to a 2011 report by the Canadian Family Physician, about half of all annual doctor visits stem from colds—500 visits per 1,000 patients. The common cold accounts for roughly 40% of work absences and 30% of school absences. Adults typically experience 4–6 colds per year, while children may have 6–8 episodes annually.^[2]

Symptoms of the Common Cold

Symptoms usually appear two to three days after infection and typically last seven to ten days, as previously noted. Common signs include:^[3][4]

• Nasal congestion or runny nose.
• Sore throat.
• Headache.
• Muscle aches.
• Cough and sneezing.
• Elevated body temperature.
• A feeling of pressure in the ears and face.
• Loss or reduction in taste and smell.

To learn more about cold symptoms, read: (What Are Cold Symptoms).

Causes of the Common Cold

Multiple viruses can trigger colds, with rhinovirus being the most common. Other culprits include enteroviruses, human respiratory syncytial virus, adenoviruses, coronaviruses, human metapneumovirus, and human parainfluenza viruses. These viruses spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or speaks. Transmission can also occur via contaminated personal items or direct contact such as handshakes. Viruses enter the body through the nose, mouth, or eyes—either directly from droplets or indirectly by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face.^[5][6]

To learn more about cold causes, read: (What Causes Colds).

To learn more about how colds spread, read: (Spread of the Common Cold).

Diagnosing the Common Cold

Diagnosing a cold is straightforward—symptoms alone are often sufficient. Many people manage at home without seeing a doctor. However, medical consultation is advised if symptoms are severe. Laboratory tests and imaging like X-rays are rarely needed unless other conditions such as pneumonia or influenza must be ruled out. Imaging may also help identify complications like sinus or ear infections, or worsening of pre-existing conditions such as asthma.^[7][8]

To learn more about diagnosing colds, read: (Diagnosing the Common Cold).

Treatment for the Common Cold

Most people recover naturally within a short time without specific treatment. Rest, staying hydrated, and eating nutritious food are key. Individuals can resume normal activities once they feel significantly better. For symptom relief, medications may be used depending on the individual’s condition. Key options include:^[9][10]

• Paracetamol helps relieve muscle pain and headaches associated with colds, and reduces fever. A benefit is that it generally does not cause nausea or stomach upset.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen help reduce headache and fever.
• Decongestants alleviate nasal congestion.
• Antihistamines reduce nasal discharge and sneezing.
• Expectorants help loosen mucus, making it easier to expel.

To learn more about treating colds, read: (How to Get Rid of a Cold Quickly).

Preventing the Common Cold

Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent colds due to the vast number of causative viruses and their frequent mutations. The best preventive measure is practicing good hand hygiene, as most infections result from touching contaminated surfaces or objects. Recommended practices include:^[11]

• Frequent handwashing for everyone, including workers, household members, and those who are sick.
• Using tissues when coughing or sneezing and disposing of them immediately. Sick individuals should ideally stay in a separate room.
• Avoiding work or school when experiencing coughing or sneezing to minimize transmission risk.
• Regularly disinfecting surfaces and personal items to reduce virus spread.

To learn more about preventing colds, read: (Ways to Prevent Colds).

Loss of Smell and Taste Due to the Common Cold

Severe congestion from a cold can block the nasal passages, leading to loss of smell. Since much of what we perceive as taste actually comes from odor molecules rising to the back of the nose during chewing, smell loss results in diminished taste perception. Most people regain these senses once the cold resolves. The underlying cause involves viral damage to nerve tissue or mucous membranes in the nasal cavity, triggering inflammation either in the nasal lining or within the nerves themselves. This disruption impairs sensory function. Because smell and taste are closely linked, both senses are affected. This condition can occur across all age groups and health statuses.^[12][13]

To learn more about smell and taste loss from colds, read: (Loss of Smell and Taste Due to the Common Cold).

Benefits of the Common Cold

While medications help ease cold symptoms, these symptoms are actually part of the body’s natural immune response to fight off viral infection and speed recovery. The immune system employs several protective mechanisms during a cold, including:^[14]

• Mucus helps flush out dead viruses.
• Coughing expels viral particles from the lungs.
• Fever helps destroy viruses within the body.
• Sneezing clears irritants and allergens from the airways.

To learn more about the benefits of having a cold, read: (Benefits of the Common Cold).

References

1. ↑ "Common cold", www.mayoclinic.org, Retrieved May 29, 2020. Edited.
2. ↑ "Common cold", www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, Retrieved May 29, 2020. Edited.
3. ↑ "Common Cold", my.clevelandclinic.org, Retrieved May 29, 2020. Edited.
4. ↑ "Common cold", www.nhs.uk, Retrieved May 29, 2020. Edited.
5. ↑ "Common cold", www.nchmd.org, Retrieved May 29, 2020. Edited.
6. ↑ "All about the common cold", www.medicalnewstoday.com, Retrieved May 29, 2020. Edited.
7. ↑ "Common Cold", www.hopkinsmedicine.org, Retrieved May 29, 2020. Edited.
8. ↑ "An Overview of the Common Cold", www.verywellhealth.com, Retrieved May 29, 2020. Edited.
9. ↑ "Common cold", www2.hse.ie, Retrieved May 29, 2020. Edited.
10. ↑ "Common Cold: Management and Treatment", my.clevelandclinic.org, Retrieved May 29, 2020. Edited.
11. ↑ "Common Cold", www.merckmanuals.com, Retrieved May 29, 2020. Edited.
12. ↑ "How viruses like the coronavirus can steal our sense of smell", scopeblog.stanford.edu, Retrieved May 29, 2020. Edited.
13. ↑ "Viral Anosmia", core.ecu.edu, Retrieved May 29, 2020. Edited.
14. ↑ "Why Cold Symptoms are Good and How to Support the Immune System Naturally", maxliving.com, Retrieved May 29, 2020. Edited.