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Respiratory Diseases - Diseases of the Human Respiratory System

Common Cold

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What we call the common cold is actually a set of symptoms of upper respiratory infection caused by a wide range of infectious viruses. Symptoms include watery nasal discharge, sneezing, stuffiness, sore throat, fatigue, muscle aches and headache, and - occasionally - fever. If the doctor suspects a cold, he will look out for inflamed nasal lining, a swollen turbinate, clear mucus or a red throat. In any case, call him if your fever fails to subside in 48 to 72 hours or if it exceeds 102 degrees F.

Because of the large number of viruses that can cause viral rhinitis, it is impossible for the body to develop immunity against a cold. The body may become immune to a particular virus. However, another one may come along producing the same symptoms. That is also the reason why no preventive vaccine has been developed for the common cold.

Colds do not arise because you become chilled or wet. The viruses that cause colds pass from person to person, usually through body contact with nasal secretions or because viruses come into contact with nasal secretions or branes. A cold usually takes 7 to 10 days to subside.

Over the counter decongestant medications and acetaminophen can temporarily reduce the symptoms of a cold. Recent studies suggest that the zinc, taken in the form of lozenges three or four times a day, may help reduce the length of the cold. However, these studies are inconclusive. Prevention, therefore, is the best defence against colds. Except for symptomatic treatments, there is no effective medical therapy for colds.


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Posted by:  Aneesa(Guest)  Posted on: 01/30/2012
You people are just sad



Posted by:  sing.song-17(Guest)  Posted on: 01/22/2012
How many different respiratory conditions are there??!!!



Posted by:  saher_ahmad(Guest)  Posted on: 11/26/2011
i love reading about different respiratory diseases because its my subject and i need more information to increase my knowledge and to be expert of what i like



Posted by:  Bailey11(Guest)  Posted on: 04/22/2010
thats not funny! it's a real virus!


Posted by:  jkjhjihuihuih(Guest)  Posted on: 11/29/2011
what the hell are you talking about?




Posted by:  Meiscool(Guest)  Posted on: 10/29/2009
I am in 3 grade and i like reading about the cold. I had 4 colds in the last year and i think i was die, but i am all better now and my nose does not look like rodolf anymore. and when i wake up their is no more snot on my pillow.


Posted by:  guest  Posted on: 11/25/2009
wow



Posted by:  darthroti  Posted on: 01/27/2012
Your not funny.




Posted by:  Suzanney(Guest)  Posted on: 08/06/2009
Hey guys,

Just a quick tip from a uni student. Don't forget that while you're looking for good info about respiratory diseases, consider this: 'Is this site prepared by academic or medical staff?'

Suzanne


Posted by:  guest  Posted on: 01/09/2010
Don't be a bitch Suzanne



Posted by:  guest  Posted on: 01/14/2010
That a very dumb thing for u to say it must fit ur personality huh;



Posted by:  guest  Posted on: 04/04/2010
hahahah - that just made my day...



Posted by:  guest  Posted on: 05/02/2010
i think Suzanne madam is right



Posted by:  Suzanney(Guest)  Posted on: 05/02/2010
I'm only here with good intentions. Take it or leave it =]



Posted by:  guest  Posted on: 05/18/2010
that`s mean. don`t say that to anyone again.




Posted by:  Young_DBZ(Guest)  Posted on: 05/29/2009
I to am a 7th grade student that suffers from asthma. I usually have asthma attacks in the winter, but just in case i bring a inhaler with me at ALL TIMES. i was diagnosed with astma in the third or fourth grade once my parents split up. learning more and more about asthma is fun and at the same time interesting. learning new things is exciting. especially if you can relate to it. currently at this time i havent had a asthma attack for several months, but who knows it just might sneak up on me. ;]



Posted by:  Allyssa95(Guest)  Posted on: 05/24/2009
I love reading about different respiratory problems because i have to suffer with asthma myself. I am in 7th grade and i am doing a project on the body systems and we were able to chose between eight different systems and i chose respiratory system. I never new how many diseases there are out there until i started researching and now im attached on learning more about it and i hope that other people relize how dangerous asthma can really be. Many people tease me about it when i end up using my inhaler. so i just wanted to get that out there. I hope to read more and more about this.


Posted by:  Young_DBZ(Guest)  Posted on: 05/29/2009
Hey! looks like we have something in common about that asthma thing.Do you have severe asthma and more frequent attacks or just occasional.




Posted by:  Bailey11(Guest)  Posted on: 04/19/2009
What if you are born with RSV(Respitory System Virus)? What should you do?


Posted by:  guest  Posted on: 07/25/2009
i think you shoukd just consult a doctor and ask for instructions, as what you should do...



Posted by:  guest  Posted on: 08/06/2010
dont mind your rvs




Posted by:  kaustuv  Posted on: 04/07/2009
My brother suffring 4rm T B since 1997.taken course 4 6mnths.Than diseases relapsed in 2007 with exess bleeding.Dr found cavity in lungs.In Fottis DELHI DR found MBRT TB.In July 2009 patient compliting 2 years.He is OK nd on madicine.For ds MBRT DR said there is no guide line.SIR ds is my humble reqest ps tell me where should i go?V r 4rom guwahati nd brother is 37 years old.V want to take him in cheenai.




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