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| Upper Respiratory Infection ( URI, or Common Cold ) |
What is an upper respiratory infection (URI)?
An upper respiratory infection (URI), also known as the common cold, is one of the most common illnesses, leading to more doctor
visits and absences from school and work than any other illness every year. It is estimated that during a one-year period, people in
the US will suffer one billion colds. Caused by a virus that inflames the membranes in the lining of the nose and throat, colds can be
the result of more than 200 different viruses. However, among all of the cold viruses, the rhinoviruses and the corona viruses cause
the majority of colds.
Cold weather and colds:
Contrary to popular belief, cold weather or getting chilled does not cause a cold, according to the National Institute of Allergy and
Infectious Diseases (NIAID). However, more colds do occur during the cold season (early fall to late winter), which is probably due to
a variety of factors, including the following:
schools are in session, increasing the risk for exposure to the virus
people stay more indoors and are in closer proximity to each other
low humidity, causing dry nasal passages which are more susceptible to cold viruses
Facts about an URI or cold:
Most children will develop at least six to ten colds a year. This number increases for children who attend daycare.
Colds may occur less frequently after the age of 6.
Adolescents and adults get colds about two to four times a year.
When is the "cold" season?
Children are most likely to have colds during fall and winter, starting in late August or early September until March or April. The
increased incidence of colds during the cold season may be attributed to the fact that more children are indoors and close to each
other. In addition, many cold viruses thrive in low humidity, making the nasal passages drier and more vulnerable to infection.
What causes the common cold?
There are many different types of viruses that cause the common cold. In fact, over 200 different varieties of viruses can cause the
symptoms of a cold. The most common virus is called the rhinovirus. Other viruses include the corona virus, parainfluenza virus,
adenovirus, enterovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus.
After the virus enters your body, it causes a reaction - the body's immune system begins to react to the foreign virus. This, in turn,
causes:
an increase in mucus production (a runny nose).
swelling of the lining of the nose (making it hard to breath and congestion).
sneezing (from the irritation in the nose).
cough (from the increased mucus dripping down the throat).
How did I catch a cold?
In order to catch a cold, you must come in contact with one of the viruses that cause a cold, from someone else who is affected. The
cold virus can be transmitted in the following ways:
through the air
If a person with a cold sneezes or coughs, small amounts of the virus can go into the air. Then, if you breathe in that air, the virus will
adhere to your nasal membrane.
direct contact
This means that you directly touched a person that was infected. A cold is easy to spread, because people touch their nose, mouth,
and eyes often and then touch other people or objects and can spread the virus. It is important to know that viruses can be spread
through objects, such as toys, that have been previously touched by someone with a cold.
What are the symptoms of a common cold?
The symptoms of a cold start from one to three days after your child has been in contact with the cold virus. Usually, the symptoms
last about one week, but this varies in each child, and may last even up to two weeks. The following are the most common symptoms
of a cold. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
Infants:
unable to sleep
fussiness
congestion in the nose
sometimes vomiting and diarrhea
fever
Older children and adults:
stuffy, runny nose
scratchy, tickly throat
watery eyes
sneezing
mild hacking cough
congestion
sore throat
achy muscles and bones
headaches
low grade fever
chills
watery discharge from the nose that thickens and turns yellow or green
mild fatigue
The symptoms of the common cold may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your physician for a
diagnosis.
How is a cold different from the flu?
A cold and the flu (influenza) are two different illnesses. A cold is relatively harmless and usually clears up by itself after a period of
time, although sometimes it may lead to a secondary infection, such as an ear infection. However, the flu can lead to complications,
such as pneumonia and even death. What may seem like a cold, could, in fact, be the flu. Be aware of these differences:
Cold Symptoms Flu Symptoms
Low or no fever High fever
Sometimes a headache Always a headache
Stuffy, runny nose Clear nose or stuffy nose
Sneezing Sometimes sneezing
Mild, hacking cough Cough, often becoming severe
Slight aches and pains Often severe aches and pains
Mild fatigue Several weeks of fatigue
Sore throat Sometimes a sore throat
Normal energy level Extreme exhaustion
Who is at greater risk for catching the common cold?
Children suffer more colds each year than adults, due to their immature immune systems and to the close physical contact with other
children at school or daycare. In fact, the average child will have between six to eight colds a year, while the average adult will get
two to four colds a year. However, the average number of colds for children and adults will vary.
How is the common cold diagnosed?
Most common colds are diagnosed based on reported symptoms. However, cold symptoms may be similar to certain bacterial
infections, allergies, and other medical conditions. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
Treatment for the common cold:
It is important to remember that there is no cure for the common cold and that antibiotics will not help treat a common cold.
Medications are used to help relieve the symptoms, but will not make the cold go away any faster. Therefore, treatment is based on
helping the symptoms and supportive care. Specific treatment will be determined by your child's physician based on:
your child's age, overall health, and medical history
extent of the disease
your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
your opinion or preference
Treatment may include the following:
increased fluid intake
This will help keep the lining of the nose and throat moist and help to prevent dehydration.
avoidance of secondhand smoke
Keep your child away from passive (secondhand) smoke, as this will increase the irritation in the nose and throat.
To help relieve the congestion and obstruction in the nose for younger children, consider the following:
Saline nose drops may be used.
Use a bulb syringe to help remove the mucus.
Place a cool mist humidifier in the room.
Analgesics, such as acetaminophen, are sometimes helpful in decreasing the discomfort of colds.
Do not give aspirin to a child who has fever without first contacting the child's physician. Aspirin, when given as treatment for viral
illnesses in children, has been associated with Reye syndrome, a potentially serious or deadly disorder in children. Therefore,
pediatricians and other healthcare providers recommend that aspirin (or any medication that contains aspirin) not be used to treat
any viral illnesses (such as colds, the flu, and chickenpox) in children.
There are other medications for congestion, cough, or runny noses.
Discuss your options with your child's physician.
Can I prevent my child from getting colds?
Taking proper preventive measures can reduce the risk of your child developing a cold. Preventive measures may include the
following:
Keep your child away from a person with a cold.
Encourage your child to wash his/her hands frequently and not to touch his/her mouth, eyes, or nose until their hands are washed.
Make sure toys and play areas are properly cleaned, especially if multiple children are playing together.
What are the possible complications from having a cold?
The following are some of the complications that might occur if your child gets a cold:
ear infections
sinus infections
pneumonia
throat infections
Consult your child's physician for further evaluation.
Click here to schedule an appointment in Queens or/and send alternative medicine and healing without medications
acupuncture specialist your health question or call "Feel Good Acupuncture" at 646-327-7267.
An upper respiratory infection (URI), also known as the common cold, is one of the most common illnesses, leading to more doctor
visits and absences from school and work than any other illness every year. It is estimated that during a one-year period, people in
the US will suffer one billion colds. Caused by a virus that inflames the membranes in the lining of the nose and throat, colds can be
the result of more than 200 different viruses. However, among all of the cold viruses, the rhinoviruses and the corona viruses cause
the majority of colds.
Cold weather and colds:
Contrary to popular belief, cold weather or getting chilled does not cause a cold, according to the National Institute of Allergy and
Infectious Diseases (NIAID). However, more colds do occur during the cold season (early fall to late winter), which is probably due to
a variety of factors, including the following:
schools are in session, increasing the risk for exposure to the virus
people stay more indoors and are in closer proximity to each other
low humidity, causing dry nasal passages which are more susceptible to cold viruses
Facts about an URI or cold:
Most children will develop at least six to ten colds a year. This number increases for children who attend daycare.
Colds may occur less frequently after the age of 6.
Adolescents and adults get colds about two to four times a year.
When is the "cold" season?
Children are most likely to have colds during fall and winter, starting in late August or early September until March or April. The
increased incidence of colds during the cold season may be attributed to the fact that more children are indoors and close to each
other. In addition, many cold viruses thrive in low humidity, making the nasal passages drier and more vulnerable to infection.
What causes the common cold?
There are many different types of viruses that cause the common cold. In fact, over 200 different varieties of viruses can cause the
symptoms of a cold. The most common virus is called the rhinovirus. Other viruses include the corona virus, parainfluenza virus,
adenovirus, enterovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus.
After the virus enters your body, it causes a reaction - the body's immune system begins to react to the foreign virus. This, in turn,
causes:
an increase in mucus production (a runny nose).
swelling of the lining of the nose (making it hard to breath and congestion).
sneezing (from the irritation in the nose).
cough (from the increased mucus dripping down the throat).
How did I catch a cold?
In order to catch a cold, you must come in contact with one of the viruses that cause a cold, from someone else who is affected. The
cold virus can be transmitted in the following ways:
through the air
If a person with a cold sneezes or coughs, small amounts of the virus can go into the air. Then, if you breathe in that air, the virus will
adhere to your nasal membrane.
direct contact
This means that you directly touched a person that was infected. A cold is easy to spread, because people touch their nose, mouth,
and eyes often and then touch other people or objects and can spread the virus. It is important to know that viruses can be spread
through objects, such as toys, that have been previously touched by someone with a cold.
What are the symptoms of a common cold?
The symptoms of a cold start from one to three days after your child has been in contact with the cold virus. Usually, the symptoms
last about one week, but this varies in each child, and may last even up to two weeks. The following are the most common symptoms
of a cold. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
Infants:
unable to sleep
fussiness
congestion in the nose
sometimes vomiting and diarrhea
fever
Older children and adults:
stuffy, runny nose
scratchy, tickly throat
watery eyes
sneezing
mild hacking cough
congestion
sore throat
achy muscles and bones
headaches
low grade fever
chills
watery discharge from the nose that thickens and turns yellow or green
mild fatigue
The symptoms of the common cold may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your physician for a
diagnosis.
How is a cold different from the flu?
A cold and the flu (influenza) are two different illnesses. A cold is relatively harmless and usually clears up by itself after a period of
time, although sometimes it may lead to a secondary infection, such as an ear infection. However, the flu can lead to complications,
such as pneumonia and even death. What may seem like a cold, could, in fact, be the flu. Be aware of these differences:
Cold Symptoms Flu Symptoms
Low or no fever High fever
Sometimes a headache Always a headache
Stuffy, runny nose Clear nose or stuffy nose
Sneezing Sometimes sneezing
Mild, hacking cough Cough, often becoming severe
Slight aches and pains Often severe aches and pains
Mild fatigue Several weeks of fatigue
Sore throat Sometimes a sore throat
Normal energy level Extreme exhaustion
Who is at greater risk for catching the common cold?
Children suffer more colds each year than adults, due to their immature immune systems and to the close physical contact with other
children at school or daycare. In fact, the average child will have between six to eight colds a year, while the average adult will get
two to four colds a year. However, the average number of colds for children and adults will vary.
How is the common cold diagnosed?
Most common colds are diagnosed based on reported symptoms. However, cold symptoms may be similar to certain bacterial
infections, allergies, and other medical conditions. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
Treatment for the common cold:
It is important to remember that there is no cure for the common cold and that antibiotics will not help treat a common cold.
Medications are used to help relieve the symptoms, but will not make the cold go away any faster. Therefore, treatment is based on
helping the symptoms and supportive care. Specific treatment will be determined by your child's physician based on:
your child's age, overall health, and medical history
extent of the disease
your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
your opinion or preference
Treatment may include the following:
increased fluid intake
This will help keep the lining of the nose and throat moist and help to prevent dehydration.
avoidance of secondhand smoke
Keep your child away from passive (secondhand) smoke, as this will increase the irritation in the nose and throat.
To help relieve the congestion and obstruction in the nose for younger children, consider the following:
Saline nose drops may be used.
Use a bulb syringe to help remove the mucus.
Place a cool mist humidifier in the room.
Analgesics, such as acetaminophen, are sometimes helpful in decreasing the discomfort of colds.
Do not give aspirin to a child who has fever without first contacting the child's physician. Aspirin, when given as treatment for viral
illnesses in children, has been associated with Reye syndrome, a potentially serious or deadly disorder in children. Therefore,
pediatricians and other healthcare providers recommend that aspirin (or any medication that contains aspirin) not be used to treat
any viral illnesses (such as colds, the flu, and chickenpox) in children.
There are other medications for congestion, cough, or runny noses.
Discuss your options with your child's physician.
Can I prevent my child from getting colds?
Taking proper preventive measures can reduce the risk of your child developing a cold. Preventive measures may include the
following:
Keep your child away from a person with a cold.
Encourage your child to wash his/her hands frequently and not to touch his/her mouth, eyes, or nose until their hands are washed.
Make sure toys and play areas are properly cleaned, especially if multiple children are playing together.
What are the possible complications from having a cold?
The following are some of the complications that might occur if your child gets a cold:
ear infections
sinus infections
pneumonia
throat infections
Consult your child's physician for further evaluation.
Click here to schedule an appointment in Queens or/and send alternative medicine and healing without medications
acupuncture specialist your health question or call "Feel Good Acupuncture" at 646-327-7267.