Common Cold

The Common Cold is an infectious disease causing Inflammationof the Mucous Membranes of the upper Respiratory Tract.It is caused by any one of over 200 different Viruses (including 113 types of Rhinoviruses).

A cold Virus is deposited into the front of the nasal passages by contaminated fingers or by droplets from coughs and sneezes.

Small doses of Virus (1 - 30 particles) are sufficient to produce infection.

The Virus is then transported to the back of the Nose and onto the adenoid area by the Nose itself.

The Virus then attaches to a Receptor (ICAM-1) which is located on the surface of Nose cells.The receptor fits into a docking port on the surface of the Virus.Large amounts of virus receptor are present on cells of the adenoid.

After attachment to the receptor, the Virus is taken into the Cell where it initiates an infection.New virus particles are produced in the infected Cell.The infected cell eventually dies and ruptures, releasing newly produced Common Cold Virus to infect other cells in the nose and start the process over again.The Virus is much smaller than the cell.

From the time a Common Cold Virus enters the Nose, it takes 8 - 12 hours for the viral reproductive cycle to be completed and for new Common Cold Viruses to be released in nasal secretions.This interval is the incubation period.

Common Cold symptoms commence shortly after the Virus is first produced in the Nose (10-12 hours).

The time from the beginning of the infection to the peak of symptoms is typically 36 - 72 hours.

The symptoms of the Common Cold generally last from a few days to two weeks.Approximately 50% of cases of the Common Cold are over within one week.

The Common Cold is the most common of all identifiable acute Respiratory Tract disorders and accounts for approximately 20% of all ailments affecting humans and 40% of all respiratory conditions.

Most healthy adults experience an average of two to six Common Colds per year.

Approximately 5% of the population has a Common Cold infection at any given time.

Children have a higher prevalence of the Common Cold than adults (due to their Immune Systems not being fully developed).

Alkaloids

  may act as an expectorant for the Common Cold.

  may function as a nasal decongestant in Common Cold patients.

Amino Acids

  (a derivative of Cysteine present in Garlic) may alleviate the symptoms of the Common Cold.

Hydrogen Compounds

  (a few drops of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide solution instilled into the ears) may kill the Viruses that cause the Common Cold.There are anecdotal reports that this method is highly effective for treating the Common Cold.

Immune System Chemicals

  (sometimes administered via nasal sprays) may prevent infection by the Rhinoviruses that cause the Common Cold and lessens the severity its symptoms.Endogenous Interferon Alpha may also exert anti-viral effects against the Rhinoviruses that cause the Common Cold.