Overview

The common ailment of the common cold is experienced by a wide range of individuals. This condition is primarily caused by viral infections and may be exacerbated by changes in weather or underlying respiratory conditions. Individuals with compromised immune systems are at a heightened risk of infection. The spread of the virus occurs through close contact with infected individuals or by touching contaminated surfaces.

Causes

Rhinoviruses are the main culprits in causing this common cold.

The virus enters the body through the mouth, eyes or nose, leading to symptoms.  This virus spreads by:

•  Infected droplets in the air 

• Hand-to-hand contact with an infected person

•  Sharing objects with an infected person

• Touching either the eyes, nose or mouth after contact with the virus. 

Symptoms

The symptoms that are primarily observed include the following:

• Nasal congestion or discharge.

• Soreness and irritation of the throat.

• Frequent sneezing.

• Mild body aches or headaches, which may be accompanied by a sensation of heaviness in the head.

• Low-grade fever, fatigue, and difficulties with concentration.       

Ayurvedic View

                                        

Pratishyaya - Causes like vega dhrana(suppression of natural urges,aama (indigestion toxin, raja dhooma (exposure to dust and smoke,ritu vaishamya(seasonal changes,sheeta jala sevana(cold water intake, etc, cause vata dosha prakopa (aggravation, along with solidified kapha in shiras (head, which gets vitiated, which leads to cold(common cold). The Ayurveda way of approach is to correct agni(metabolism, reduce symptoms by bringing dosha back to prakruta awastha(balance state, by ayurvedic panchakarma treatment and improve immunity.