Common cold, (viral) Rhinitis, is one of the most common diseases. It is caused by variety of viruses. It is an infection that starts in the upper respiratory tract, sometimes spreading to the lower structures. It also contributes to infections of the eyes (watery and turning red) or middle ear (such as blockage). Forceful blowing of the nose [remember to close one nostril, while blowing the other gently], causes temporary deafness and mild pain. Nose also tends to lose the sensation to smell and obstructs breathing, which forces us to breathe through mouth. Food doesnt taste as good as it should be.

About 200 different strains of virus are capable of producing cold. Person to person contact, using of handkerchief used by one having cold or prolonged use of same handkerchief, etc. spreads the cold.

It is related by Abu Hurayrah that "When the Apostle of Allah sneezed, he used to cover his face with both hands or a cloth to suppress its report," - Abu Dawud. While sneezing we should cover the mouth and nose with our hands or kerchief or tissue paper so that we can stop the cold virus from spreading and causing infections to others.

Symptoms vary from person to person, but in the individual the same symptoms tend to recur in succeeding bouts of infection. The viruses start spreading from an infected person before the symptoms appear, and the spread reaches its peak during the symptomatic phase. Symptoms include sneezing, (in hadith literature it is mentioned that if a person sneezes more often then he has cold), headache, fatigue, sore throat, inflammation of the nose (rhinitis), and nasal discharge, scratchy throat. There is usually no fever. The symptoms usually last for o?nly a few days. Burning sensation followed by nasal discharge is the first warning. The secretions are watery, clear, and excessive (Rhinorrhoea). Later, they thicken, increase in mucus (and pus content), and may colour yellow-green, with traces of blood. Cough can be dry or accompanied with little or large amounts of mucus. The presence of the purulent nasal discharge suggests bacterial infection.

Spread is due to result of sudden exposure to cold, rain, or sudden temperature changes and a sneeze from persons already suffering from cold. The virus of common cold tends to multiply in the nasal passage. The incidence of colds peaks during the autumn, and minor epidemics commonly occur throughout the winter. The reason for this incidence is unknown; it may not stem mainly from stresses imposed by chill weather but rather result from the greater amount of time spent indoors, which increases the likelihood of close contact with those persons carrying cold viruses. Dust or mites are also responsible.

Other, more serious diseases with similar general symptoms may be mistaken for cold; some of these are tuberculosis, bronchitis, lung abscesses.

There is little immediate hope of an effective cure since the viruses transform themselves so rapidly. Treatment is, in most instances, directed toward allaying of symptoms, coupled with rest and adequate fluid intake, for e.g. clean water, tender coconut, ginger tea & seasoned chicken soup with a couple of carrot, o?nion & garlic; (avoid soft drinks, coffee, etc). Fluids help loosen mucus in the nose and chest (drawing in of water into the nose and blowing it out tends to help in clearing the mucus and in clear breathing). Avoid acid producing food like sugar, refined sweets, snacks, meat, baked goods, bread, etc., since it causes reduction in the total amount of white blood cells, which fight infection. It thickens the mucus in the linings in the nose and lungs, thus worsening infection.

As goes the adage, "A treated cold takes o?ne week and an untreated cold takes 7 days to resolve." There is no proved specific treatment for cold, but supportive measures such as decongestants, steam inhalation may provide some relief of rhinnorrhea (runny nose) and nasal obstruction. Rest is important. Hands and handkerchiefs should be washed frequently. Tissue paper can do well.

Important: The article is for general information. It should not be used as a medical substitute. Contact your physician for treatment.