Image by flyzipper via FlickrCommon Colds
The lungs are susceptible to different kinds of diseases. This may be due to exposure to the external environment. It may also be due to the spread of the disease from other parts of the body.
Each lung has a large surface area making it susceptible to many airborne diseases. However, the tissues of the lungs are, by nature, very resistant to diseases. It is only when the person is physically weak that respiratory ailment affect the lungs. Some common respiratory diseases may involve the lungs and/or the other respiratory organs located above the lungs.
Twenty-five percent of the ailments reported to doctors are upper respiratory disorders. This is because the air inhaled may carry not only air but also dirt, dust, particulates, viruses, and bacteria. The impurities are deposited in the upper respiratory system, they infect the respiratory tract.
Common Colds
The common cold or acute coryza is an infection of the upper respiratory tract. It can be caused by any one of more than 200 viruses. When the infection occurs, the walls of the respiratory tract swell and produce excess mucus. It thus gives rise to the typical cold symptoms of stuffy or runny nose, throat discomfort, malaise, and occasional coughing.
Colds can produces fevers of up to 39C or 102F in infants and children. Such fevers in adults indicate that the infection is probably influenza. Most colds run their course in three to ten days, but infants and elderly persons are susceptible to complications such as sinusitis, ear inflammations, and pneumonia.
All cold viruses are spread by direct contact or by airborne particles. They become seasonally epidemic.
Preventive Measures and Treatment
Because of the number of viruses involved, people do not develop immunity to colds as they do too many other viral diseases. Vaccines are of little use in prevention because so many kinds of viruses are involved. To prevent catching colds, avoid crowded places and people who have colds. At the onset of colds, a quick and very hot bath can stop colds.
Colds are treated with rest and fluids such as fruit juices and water. In addition, medication such as antihistamines, decongestants, and cough medicines may also be prescribes. Some people with colds also eat whole fresh lemon and raw or half cooked onions to treat their colds. Aspirin is recommended only when symptoms are severe. Indiscriminate taking of aspirin increases viral shedding and makes the disease more contagious.
In case of high fever, apply cold compress on the forehead and/or quick sponge bath. Paracetamol is also used to bring down the temperature. However, if fever persists, call for professional medical help.
