Mary Haynos, age 12, of Laveen, Ariz., for her question:
WHAT CAUSES THE COMMON COLD?
Some people seem to be more susceptible to colds than others. It has been found, however, that certain conditions make it easier for a person to catch a cold. Included in these conditions are nervous fatigue, chilling, overheating and exhaustion. But in addition to these special conditions, a person must also come into contact with or be exposed to cold causing viruses.
Most widespread and prevalent of all diseases is the common cold. People of all ages can come down with colds but children, and particularly preschoolers, seem to be most susceptible. Each year more than 30 million preschool American children have colds.
A cold can be a number of distinct infections of the respiratory tract. The problem is usually found in the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, air passages or lungs.
You know what happens when you have a cold: the nose usually becomes stuffy and there is difficulty breathing. Sometimes the infection spreads to the ears and sinuses. Often it goes to the throat, bringing soreness and hoarseness.
Head colds are sometimes called coryza. When colds spread to air passages and lungs, they may cause pneumonia or bronchitis.
Common colds are caused by viruses. Doctors don't know all the ways in which cold germs spread, however. A person can get a cold by breathing in cold germs. Whenever a person with a cold sneezes or coughs, small drops of moisture that contain cold germs are sprayed out into the air. Anyone who breathes that air can catch the cold.
Colds spread most rapidly in places where many persons gather. For this reason, it is important for a person to cover his mouth and nose when he coughs or sneezes in the presence of other people.
Most common colds last only a day or two. More severe colds may last a week.
Doctors sometimes prescribe drugs to relieve the discomforts caused by cold symptoms. Aspirin lessens muscular aches and pains often felt by cold sufferers.
Rest and isolation are recommended by most doctors as the best treatment for a cold. If there's a fever, the patient should immediately get bed rest.
Soft, nourishing food is best for people with colds. They should also drink lots of liquids, especially water and fruit juices.
If a cold lasts for many days with much discomfort, it is best to see a doctor. Sometimes complications can develop from common colds, and early treatment is best. With severe colds, doctors sometimes prescribe antibiotics or sulfa drugs.