Common Cold

Do You Have These Symptoms?

• Nasal discharge (watery, thick secretions, can be green)

• Sneezing

• Red, sore and dry throat

• Headache

• Loss of energy or fatigue

 

Typically the common cold will display the symptoms above. Most people will experience a “cold” once or twice a year.

 

What Is A Common Cold Exactly?

The common cold can be caused by a wide variety of viruses that are capable of infecting the nasal passages, sinuses, and throat. Usually a cold can be distinguished from influenza (the “flu”) by the fact that the flu usually has much more severe symptoms. A common cold does not usually have a fever (temperature greater than 38ºC). Typically, the flu occurs in epidemics, so usually others will have experienced similar symptoms, in a similar area. Your local health care provider should know if there is a type of flu around, with similar symptoms to what you are experiencing.

 

What Types of People Get It and What Are the Risk Factors?

Everyone will experience a cold at some stage. It is healthy for the immune system to experience one annually.

• Elderly are at higher risk of upper respiratory infections and for complications from them.

• Young children are prone to colds. Their smaller nasal and sinus passages make young children more vulnerable than older children and adults.

• Anyone who has an increased exposure to cigarette or industrial smoke, toxic fumes and other air pollutants are also at a higher risk of respiratory infections.

• Individuals with long term health conditions

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Numerous studies suggest that stress is associated with an increased risk of acute respiratory infection."

_{New England Journal of Medicine, August 29, 1991, vol. 325, p. 606}

 

Approximately 22 New Zealander’s die each year as a result of contracting flu."

_{National Influenza Strategy Group (NSIG) June 2008}

 

How the Common Cold Starts and Develops

Typically, a cold will begin with a watery nasal discharge and sneezing. This is usually followed by thicker secretions (can be white, green or yellow). Your throat may also be red, sore and quite dry.

Maintaining a healthy immune system is the primary way to protect yourself against developing an excessive number of colds. If you catch more than one or two colds per year, it may be indicative of a weak immune system.

 

Below is a list of possible contributing factors:

• Poor diet

• Nutrient imbalance

• Chronic disease – including cancer, chronic fatigue, AIDS

• Exposure to cigarette or industrial smoke, toxic fumes, or other air pollutants

• Increased levels of stress

 

How Can You Get Over It?

Start treatment at the first sign of a dripping or runny nose, or a sore throat. The earlier you begin with natural remedies the faster you will get the results. With a healthy functioning immune system, a cold should not last more than three or four days at the most.

Natural therapies for colds involve assisting the body to fight off the infection, as opposed to suppressing the symptoms. This may mean a temporary worsening of symptoms, initially.

 

Dietary Considerations

Avoid sugar

White blood cells are the immune system’s army against invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. Sugar competes with vitamin C to get inside a white blood cell. Vitamin C needs to be inside the white blood cell to kill viruses and bacteria. If there is sugar inside the cell there is less room for the Vitamin C, hence sugar depresses the immune system.

 

Drink plenty of fluids

This helps to prevent dehydration. Warm fluids will also help to loosen mucus. Clear soups have plenty of needed nutrients.

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Supplements

Vitamin C

Helps white blood cells combat infection, essential for wound healing

 

Zinc

An essential nutrient for the immune system, zinc can reduce the duration and severity of your symptoms. Zinc lozenges can be taken for relief of a sore throat.

 

Herbs

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia or Echinacea purpurea)

Echinacea can enhance immune function, it is also an anti-inflammatory and an excellent wound healer.

 

Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis)

An excellent herb for upper respiratory infections, it reduces upper respiratory secretions, and relieves itchy, irritated eyes.

 

Note: All herbs should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner, as there are many occasions when particular herbs should not be used.

 

Lifestyle Factors

Rest

The immune system functions much better when we are resting. During the deepest levels of sleep potent immune-enhancing compounds are released, and many immune functions are greatly increased. The value of sleep and rest during a cold cannot be overemphasized.

 

Keep warm

It is common knowledge that exposure to cold weather increases your susceptibility to catching a cold. It is also commonly known to keep warm while sick, but it is so important that I thought it needed mention here also.

 

Hygiene

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. This may prevent others getting sick also. Washing your hands often will protect you from prolonging your illness, due to re-infection.

 

Vapouriser

Try using a vapouriser in the bedroom when you are asleep. Moistening the air helps to loosen mucus and reduce coughing. Using an essential oil such as eucalyptus will also help to loosen mucus and provide antibacterial and antiviral relief.

 

Get the Help You Need to Get Well

The best way to get results fast is to find professional help. Whether you have influenza (the flu) or the common cold, we can help you.

 

If you would like help NOW with a treatment plan that is designed specifically to get YOU well, you can email us or phone 09 473 8283 to make an inquiry or appointment.

To book an appointment time that suits your schedule, visit our online booking page here NOW.

 

Improve your energy levels and manage your busy life easily, with natural solutions to excellent health.