What are the most common cold diseases?

Common Cold. The common cold is primarily caused by rhinoviruses. While cold weather itself doesn't cause the cold, the virus spreads more easily in cold, dry air. Additionally, people tend to stay indoors more during colder weather, which can facilitate the spread of viruses.

Influenza (Flu). Influenza is a more serious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Like the common cold, flu viruses spread more easily in the winter months. The reasons are similar: cold, dry air and close contact indoors.

Coughs. Coughs can be a symptom of many different conditions, including colds, flu, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Cold air can also trigger coughing in some people, especially those with respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Why More Common in Cold Weather?

Indoor Crowding. People spend more time indoors during cold weather, which increases the likelihood of virus transmission.

Weakened Immune Response. Some studies suggest that exposure to cold weather can reduce the immune system's response to infections.

Dry Air. Cold air is often dry, which can dry out the nasal passages and make them more susceptible to infection.

Seasonal Variations. Some viruses, like the flu virus, are more stable and remain in the air longer when the air is cold and dry.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention. Good hygiene, including frequent handwashing, is key. Vaccinations, especially for the flu, are also important.

Treatment. Treatment for colds and flu mainly involves relieving symptoms. Over-the-counter medications can help with symptoms like congestion, cough, and fever. In the case of the flu, antiviral drugs may be prescribed.

Remember, while cold weather can contribute to the spread of these illnesses, it's the viruses themselves that cause the disease. Keeping a healthy lifestyle and following preventive measures are the best ways to avoid getting sick.

Several components are used to help in the treatment of cold illnesses. Here are some examples:

• Menthol. Provides a cooling sensation and is often used in lotions and ointments to relieve muscle pain or itching (1).
• Eucalyptol. Extracted from eucalyptus, it is known for its refreshing properties and is used in balms and inhalers to relieve nasal congestion (2).
• Camphor. Used in topical products to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, it also has a cooling effect on the skin (3).
• Aloe vera. Known for its soothing and cooling properties, it is commonly used to treat sunburns and skin irritations.
• Peppermint oil. In addition to menthol, it contains other compounds that provide a cooling effect, used in pain relief products and to freshen breath.
• Salicylic acid. Used in skincare products, it has exfoliating and refreshing properties.

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) DeGeorge KC, Ring DJ, Dalrymple SN. Treatment of the Common Cold. Am Fam Physician. 2019 Sep 1;100(5):281-289. PMID: 31478634.

Abstract. Acute upper respiratory tract infections are extremely common in adults and children, but only a few safe and effective treatments are available. Patients typically present with nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sore throat, cough, general malaise, and/or low-grade fever. Informing patients about the self-limited nature of the common cold can help manage expectations, limit antibiotic use, and avoid over-the-counter purchases that may not help. Treatments with proven effectiveness for cold symptoms in adults include over-the-counter analgesics, zinc, nasal decongestants with or without antihistamines, and ipratropium for cough. Lower-quality evidence suggests that Lactobacillus casei may be beneficial in older adults. The only established safe and effective treatments for children are acetylcysteine, honey (for children one year and older), nasal saline irrigation, intranasal ipratropium, and topical application of ointment containing camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oils. Over-the-counter cold medications should not be used in children younger than four years. Counseling patients about the importance of good hand hygiene is the best way to prevent transmission of cold viruses.

(2) Mączka W, Duda-Madej A, Górny A, Grabarczyk M, Wińska K. Can Eucalyptol Replace Antibiotics? Molecules. 2021 Aug 14;26(16):4933. doi: 10.3390/molecules26164933. 

Abstract. One of the primary reasons for the search for new antimicrobial agents is the increasing and spreading resistance of microorganisms to previously used drugs. This is particularly important in the case of rapidly progressing infections that require the rapid administration of an appropriately selected antibiotic. However, along with the administration of antibiotics, complications in the disease-weakened body may arise in the form of systemic mycoses, viral infections, and protozoan infections. Therefore, there is an increasing interest among researchers focusing on the use of naturally occurring terpenic compounds in stand-alone or combined therapies with antibiotics. In this publication, the aim of our work is to present the results of a literature review on the antimicrobial activity of eucalyptol.

 (3) Smith A, Matthews O. Aromatic ointments for the common cold: what does the science say? Drugs Context. 2022 Aug 1;11:2022-5-6. doi: 10.7573/dic.2022-5-6. 

Abstract. Background: Upper respiratory tract infections occur with an annual incidence of 17.2 billion cases globally. The negative impact that symptoms have on sleep is thought to slow the recovery process. Plant-derived aromatics have been used since ancient times to treat respiratory illnesses. In this narrative review, we summarize the use of aromatics for the symptomatic relief of upper respiratory tract infections and how this affects sleep quality....Conclusion: Whilst not affecting objective measures of nasal airway resistance, the use of aromatics leads to improvements in a number of subjective sensations associated with the common cold. Such benefits result in better sleep, which likely aids recovery. Therefore, aromatics remain a well tolerated and effective option for the symptomatic relief of upper respiratory tract infections.