Common Cold Research Paper

Informative Essay
Word Count: 1,016

Every year many people suffer from the effects of the common cold and seasonal allergies. In the United States alone, there are 1 billion colds per year and 40 million people have seasonal allergies. People who gather in close quarters are most susceptible to the common cold. Seasonal allergies are most commonly reported in schools. Although the symptoms of the common cold and seasonal allergies can be confused it is important to know which symptoms coincide with each illness, the causes of each illness, and how people can treat them. The common cold is a viral infection that starts in the upper respiratory tract and sometimes spreads to the lower respiratory structures, and may cause infections
in the ears. The symptoms of the common cold come in waves. The initial symptoms include a tickle in the throat, a runny nose (clear, thin), and sneezing. Later the nose discharge changes to a yellowish green. A slight fever develops in some people, but typically never goes beyond 102℉. Other symptoms can occur such as coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion, headache, muscle aches, chills, sore throat, hoarseness, watery eyes, tiredness, and a lost appetite. The symptoms of seasonal allergies are an abnormal response of the immune system.
People who have allergies have an immune system that reacts to a usually harmless substance in the environment. This substance is called an allergen. The symptoms of seasonal allergies are clear discharge running from the nose, itchy or dry eyes, sneezing, congestion, and a headache. An itchy nose can also be caused by allergies. Some people experience more severe symptoms like hives or difficulty breathing. Even fewer people experience extreme conditions such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, and mental confusion, in these cases they are advised to visit the emergency
room. The common cold is caused by several different viruses.
More than 200 viruses are linked to the common cold including parainfluenza, influenza, respiratory syncytial viruses, and reoviruses. The most common groups are rhinoviruses and coronaviruses. Different groups of viruses are more infectious at different seasons of the year. However, knowing the exact group of virus a particular strain of the common cold is caused by is not necessary for treatment. It is important to know that it has been proven that being wet for an extended period of time and being cold do not cause a cold, someone has to come in contact with the virus. Seasonal allergies have causes coming from many different sources. A person is exposed to an allergen by inhaling it, swallowing it, or getting it on or under their skin. Most allergies are caused by environmental factors. The most common triggers for seasonal allergies are tree pollen, mold spores, cat dander, smoke, dust mite allergen, weed pollen, rodent dander, pollution, cockroach allergen, grass pollen, and dog dander. Allergic reactions are unique to the individual. For example, the individual’s body may have learned to be allergic to poison ivy from repeated
exposure. Although there aren’t any direct cures for the common cold there are companies that have made medicine to make getting over a cold much more pleasant. These medicines usually contain some sort of antihistamine, decongestant, and/or pain reliever. Antihistamines are made to block the chemical histamine in the body that is produced when the cold virus is present in the blood stream. Histamine increases blood flow and causes cells to swell. Antihistamines are taken to relieve the symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion. Decongestants work to constrict the blood flow to the vessels of the nose. They can shrink the tissue, reduce congestion, and open inflamed nasal passages, making breathing much easier. Many over the counter medications contain a pain reliever. Pain relievers are used to relieve some of the pain associated with the common cold. There are also many natural treatments and home remedies such as drinking fluids to help break up congestion and also to keep from getting dehydrated, inhaling steam will break up mucus in the nasal passages as well. Other non-medical treatments for the common cold are getting plenty of rest, staying well fed, and drinking adequate amounts of fluid. Prevention is an important treatment for the common cold. To prevent the spread of viruses such as those that cause the common cold, people are advised to wash their hands well and frequently, use instant hand sanitizers, cover their mouth and nose when sneezing, dispose of used tissues properly, avoid close contact with those that have a cold during the first two to four days of their infection, not share food or cups, use paper towels rather that shared cloth towels, avoid crowded areas where cold germs are apt to spread, eat healthy, and get enough sleep. Many companies have also created medicine to relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Many of these medicines are available over the counter and even in generic forms. Some people have more severe allergies and have to visit and allergist. Allergists will conduct tests to determine the exact causes of the allergies and may prescribe allergy shots to relieve symptoms. Antihistamines have been used for years to treat allergy symptoms. They can be taken as pills, liquid, nasal sprays, or eye drops. Over the counter eye drops are used to relieve itchy eyes, while nasal sprays are used to treat some of the other symptoms of seasonal allergies. There are some natural options available to help with seasonal allergies. These include European herb butterbur, which has shown impressive results in clinical trials, freeze dried nettles, a tonic made from the herb goldenseal, grape seed extract, arbor vitae, euphrasia, histaminum, cevadilla seed, blood root, quercitin, green tea extract, selenium, bromelain, papain, licorice root, copper, and vitamin C. One billion colds will be suffered this year in the United States alone. Approximately 1 in 4 Americans will suffer from seasonal allergies in their lifetime. Washing hands often and avoiding gatherings that occur in close quarters reduce the risk of getting the common cold. There are various treatment options for both the common cold and seasonal allergies that can drastically improve the symptoms of each.