A cold is a condition when the nose produces mucus or mucus, either occasionally or continuously. Mucus that comes out can look clear, green, or yellowish. The texture can be runny or thick, depending on the underlying cause.
Mucus is produced by airways inside the nose called sinuses. The function of mucus is to keep the respiratory tract moist, and to prevent dirt and germs from entering the lungs.
A cold is one of the common symptoms experienced by people with COVID-19. Therefore, if you have a cold, you should check with your doctor to confirm the condition. Click the link below so you can be directed to the nearest health facility:
- Rapid Test Antibodies
- Antigen Swab (Rapid Test Antigen)
- PCR
Cold Symptoms
A cold is a symptom of a condition or disease. In some cases, a cold may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
- Cough
- Sneeze
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion
- Body feels tired
- Fever
Colds generally go away on their own. However, seek medical attention immediately if you experience the following symptoms, as they could be signs of a more serious condition:
- Greenish or bloody discharge from only one nostril, and is accompanied by an unpleasant odor.
- Colds last more than 10 days.
Causes of Colds
The causes of colds vary widely, which include:
- Infection.A cold can occur when a virus infects the nose, throat, or sinuses.
- Allergy.A person can get a cold when exposed to substances that trigger allergies, such as dust, animal dander, or flower pollen. This condition is also known as allergic rhinitis.
- Exposure to cold or dry air. Cold, dry air can change the balance of fluids in the nasal passages, triggering the nervous system in the nose to expel fluid.
- Eat spicy food. Colds can be triggered by consumption of spicy food. For example food seasoned with chili, onions and black pepper.
- Drug side effects. A number of medications can cause side effects of a cold, such as high blood pressure medications, birth control pills, and heart disease medications.
- Hormone imbalance. Colds can occur due to hormonal imbalance, for example during pregnancy.
Cold Diagnosis
A cold diagnosis is made to find out the underlying cause. The doctor will first ask the patient a number of related questions:
- The patient's medical history, such as allergies, or immune system diseases.
- Use of nasal decongestants in the form of nasal sprays.
- Other symptoms that accompany a cold.
- Exposure to dust or animal hair to the nose.
If necessary, the doctor can use a special tool that is used in the nose to see the nose area, to use the help of a camera tube to see the entire nasal cavity to the end of the nose more clearly.
Cold Treatment
Colds can be relieved by drinking lots of water and getting enough rest. In more severe colds, the doctor will prescribe medication according to the underlying cause. Among others are:
- Medicines to relieve nasal congestion, either sprayed directly into the nose or taken by mouth.
- Anti-allergic drugs, such as chlorpheniramine, fexofenadine, loratadine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, or ceritizine.
It is important to follow the doctor's instructions in using the above drugs. Doctors may advise not to use the nasal spray for more than 3 days in a row.
Cold Prevention
Colds can be prevented by maintaining body hygiene and avoiding allergy-triggering substances, including through the following steps:
- Wash your hands regularly to avoid germs.
- Avoid being close to people who have a cold.
- Use a tissue when removing mucus from your nose, and wash your hands afterward.
- Consumption of nutritious food and regular exercise to strengthen the immune system.
- Wear a mask to avoid substances that can trigger allergies, such as dust or pollen.
- Quit smoking to prevent irritation and inflammation of the nasal cavity.
- Routinely receive the flu vaccine every year.