In the previous article, "The Common Cold - Part 1 - The Nasal Passageway" We learned about what happens to the nose and sinuses when the body has become infected with what we call "the cold". Now we will go into deeper detail and see what happens to the body.
When our bodies become infected with the cold virus, not all parts of our system become infected. The cold, as defined in the previous article, is an upper respiratory infection. It is a contagious inflammation of the mucous membranes located in the head and throat. The symptoms of this sickness are, a runny nose, sneezing, dry cough, and a sore throat. A cold may sometimes be accompanied with headaches, muscle aches, and mild fever.
What is an inflammation?
When our bodies are invaded by microorganisms, our bodies respond with a defensive attack known as an inflammation. An inflammation response has the following symptoms:
- Redness - Caused by increased circulation in the affected tissues.
- Heat - Delivery of more blood and heat creates fever thus helping the body to function more effectively as well as slows the growth of the invading organism.
- Swelling - Caused by fluid from blood vessels. The fluid leaks into the infected area delivering antibodies and causing swelling.
- Pain
The invading organisms that have been isolated are then broken down and devoured by special cells called granulocytes. In a cold, the end result is discharged when blown from the nose or coughed up through the air passage.
The Cold:
Most colds are caused by viruses and usually clear up after a few days. More serious bacterial infections of the ears, sinuses, throat or lungs may follow a viral cold. We've learned how one becomes infected with the cold through the nasal passageway and the effects of the infection on the sinuses, now you will venture into the human body to see what else it infects.
The Throat and Tonsils:
As we breathe we take into our body many microorganisms that can cause infection if not taken care of by our immune system. Airborne particles, bacteria and viruses that get through the nasal passageway or the mouth may land on the pharynx (the back of your throat). Located in the back of the throat lies Waldeyer's throat ring (a circle of lymphatic tissue). This ring surrounds the pharynx and serves as a first line of defense. This lymphoid ring is made up of tubal tonsils, palatine tonsils, pharyngeal tonsils, and lingual tonsils.
If there is an inflammation affecting the throat and tonsils it will cause swelling, redness along with pain swallowing. These symptoms describe what is commonly known as a sore throat. Along with these symptoms, bacteria may cause a more severe infection known as strep throat. If the palatine tonsils become infected this condition is known as tonsillitis. The result of tonsillitis will be uncomfortable enlarging of the palatine tonsils. Enlarging of the lymph nodes of the neck may also occur and become very uncomfortable for a person infected.
Treatment: Strep Throat/Sore Throat:
Fever can increase the bodies requirement of fluids which may cause discomfort because of the pain from strep throat. Therefore, it is advisable to drink more fluids. However, it may be too painful to drink more fluids with strep throat, so it is important to decrease your body's requirement of fluids through rest.
Fluids to Consume:
High-Quality fluids such as soup broth (which replaces both salt and water losses), as well as fluids containing sugar will help you to recover from this illness. Fluids containing sugar are absorbed more rapidly.
Note: The more fluids you consume the better, but caffeine can cause water loss, therefore it is recommended to avoid caffeine while infected.
Other Treatments:
- Gargling with salt water - mixing table salt with warm water.
- Extra Sleep - may promote faster recovery.
- Herbal Teas - Studies have shown that herbal teas containing ingredients such as licorice can provide significant relief from a sore throat.
The Ear:
When one is infected with the cold virus, fluid may accumulate in the middle ear. The middle ear is normally air-filled, thus when fluids begin to build up inside the middle ear an inflammation will result known as otitis media. The result of this inflammation will be a restriction of movement of the tympanic membrane (eardrum). This will, of course, result in decreased hearing. Also, bacteria may travel from the nasopharynx via the Eustachian tube to the middle ear, resulting in infection, pain, and most likely fever.
Treatment: Ear Infection:
- Vitamin C Supplements/Natural Sources - Will boost your immune system and help to combat any infection in your body more rapidly.
- Zinc intake - May help to reduce ear infection.
- Avoid processed foods and hydrogenated oils.
- For infants: Stress on breast feeding for healing the infections more rapidly.
- Avoid being around smokers - Cigarette smoke can get into the body if inhaled and block the Eustachian tubes.
- Avoid others who suffer from the cold.
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Avoid touching the nose, mouth or eyes if you do not know where your hands have been.
The Trachea and Bronchi
After a cold, an acute inflammation of the tracheobronchial tree can develop. This infection is called Bronchitis. Bacterial invasion may occur when the blood flow has increased and swelling of the mucous membranes disrupt the protective membranes as well as the bronchial cilia. Coughing propels outwards the inflammatory products that have been accumulated in the form of mucus and phlegm which contain bacteria in them.
Treatment: Bronchitis:
Fresh air and outdoor exercises - A morning walk everyday can help the blood flow and increase oxygen intake.
Hot towels applied over the upper chest are helpful for both chronic and acute bronchitis. After applying three hot towels for two to three minutes each, a cold towel should be applied to finish the procedure.
A cold pack can be applied to the upper chest several times per day in acute conditions.
Bottom Line!
If you suspect you or someone you know to have the symptoms of a cold, precautions should be taken for the relief of such symptoms. Prevention is better than cure! If the symptoms become serious a fever may result. Call a local physician right away if symptoms worsen. Treatments provided in this article may cure the sickness but we recommend a visit to your local doctor for certainty. As you know, we cannot diagnose you from the internet, we can only guide you, in the end, the choice is yours to make.
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