Causes of cold
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Causes of cold are simple. On average, adults catch cold from 4 to 6 per year, and children from 6 to 8. Colds account for 40% of the total time lost at work, and 30% of all absenteeism at school. Millions of cases of cold are reported in the USA every year. [1]What are cold causes and how can they be avoided?
How does a cold begin?
The common cold begins with droplets that spread through the air when sneezing and coughing or with pretty dirty fingers. Then the virus moves into the depths of the nasal passages, where it joins the adenoid region and begins to multiply there. Within 10 to 12 hours, the body tries to protect itself by clogging up the glands with mucous secretions and the person begins to sneeze and cough. Then you feel the first signs of a cold.
Typically, cold symptoms worsen during the first 48 hours, then begin to subside. Most colds last about one week, although a bad case of a cold can last longer.
Cold viruses
More than 200 different viruses cause a cold. The most common ones include:
- Rhinovirus - cause 10% to 40% of cases of cold
- Coronaviruses - cause 20% of cold cases
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) - responsible for 10% of cases of cold
Rhinoviruses as causes of a cold
Rhinoviruses, malignant offenders who are most active in early autumn, spring and summer. In total, more than 110 different types of rhinoviruses were identified. The most dangerous rhinoviruses often lead to serious diseases. For example, some viruses that cause a cold or parainfluenza can lead to serious lower respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, especially in young children.[2]
Coronaviruses as causes of a cold
Scientists believe that coronavirus causes the largest percentage of common cold diseases in adults. These cold viruses are most active in the winter and early spring. Of the more than 30 species of coronaviruses, three or four actively infect humans.
[Other causes of a cold
About 10% to 15% of adults are infected with cold viruses, and other more serious diseases of the upper respiratory tract can also cause.
The causes of 20% -30% of cases of colds in adults, which suggest that they are viral, still remain unidentified. Doctors say that viruses that cause colds in adults, apparently, can cause cold and in children. But in fact, when examining children with colds, it is quite difficult to determine the exact causes of their symptoms.
Until now, there is no evidence that a cold occurs due to hypothermia or overheating of the body.
Stress, allergies and colds
There is no evidence and the fact that the causes of the common cold may be associated with factors such as the strengthening of physical exercise, excessive diet, or enlarged tonsils or adenoids. On the other hand, studies show that psychological stress and allergic diseases affecting the sinuses or the mucous membrane of the throat can increase the risk of infection due to cold viruses.
Causes of colds can be prevented by taking protective measures. For example, do not communicate with people infected with viruses, protect themselves from stress and be sure to include vegetables and fruits in the diet.