Learning about colds

We all know how miserable and uncomfortable a cold can make us feel. Is there anyone who has never suffered the debilitating effects of a stuffy, runny nose and lack of energy? The fact is, the common cold is the most frequent disease ever:

People worldwide suffer 12 billion colds per year.*

Adults tend to suffer colds around two to five times a year.

Children may catch colds between four and eight times every year.

When you get a cold, viruses reach upper airways and generate a local reaction:

An inflammation cascade is triggered by the initial reaction of the immune system trying to protect the body by releasing pro-inflammatory substances, such as prostaglandins. We start to feel a dry and scratchy throat, sneezing, nasal congestion and watery eyes.

Tissues swell, narrowing airways and restricting airflow. At the same time, the production of mucus secretions increases, in the nostrils, at eye conjunctiva and in the throat. The entire body is slightly affected; we feel an irritating watery nasal discharge, together with frequent sneezing and other symptoms, which may include headaches and potential slight fever and general tiredness.

Later, mucus becomes thick and yellow, the nostril obstruction is persistent and there is cough and sputum. However, the body is healing itself: as a result of an immune reaction that develops some days after the infection and is specific to the cold virus you are experiencing, the whole process should be complete in about a week.