A catarrhal disorder of the upper respiratory tract, which may be viral or a mixed infection. It generally involves a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing.

Catarrhal disorder of the upper respiratory tract, which may be viral or a mixed infection; marked by acute coryza, slight rise in temperature, chilly sensations, and general indisposition.

The common cold is a mild infection of your upper respiratory tract (which includes your nose and throat). Colds are probably the most common illness. Adults have an average of 2-3 colds per year, and children have even more. Colds are more common in the winter and spring, but you can get them at any time. More than 200 different viruses can cause a cold, but rhinoviruses are the most common type. The viruses that cause colds are very contagious. They can spread from person to person through the air and close personal contact. You can also get infected when you touch something that has the virus on it and then touch your eyes, mouth, or nose. For example, you could get a cold after you shake hands with someone who has a cold or touch a doorknob that has the germs on it, and then touch your face. The symptoms of a common cold usually include: Sneezing; Stuffy nose (congestion); Runny nose; Sore throat; Coughing; Headache. The symptoms usually start a few days after you become infected with the virus. Some symptoms can last for 10-14 days. There is no cure for the common cold. But there are treatments that can make you feel better while you wait for the cold to go away on its own: Getting lots of rest.; Drinking plenty of fluids.; Using a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer.; Gargling with warm salt water.; Using saline nose drops or sprays.; Taking over-the-counter pain or cold and cough medicines. But you need to be careful with certain medicines: Children and teens should not take aspirin.; Some cold and cough medicines contain ingredients that are not recommended for children. Talk with your child's health care provider before giving your child any cold and cough medicines.; Some cold and cough medicines contain pain relievers. If you also take a separate pain reliever with these medicines, you could be getting a dangerous amount of the pain reliever. Read the labels on the medicines and follow the instructions carefully. If you have questions, ask your provider or a pharmacist. . Antibiotics will not help with a cold. Antibiotics help with bacterial infections, not with viral infections such as colds. Most people who have a cold will feel better after a week or two. However, some people who get a cold may develop other illnesses, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. This is more common in people with weakened immune systems, asthma, or other respiratory conditions. Contact your provider if you or your child have symptoms that concern you, such as: Trouble breathing or fast breathing; Dehydration; Fever that lasts longer than 4 days; Symptoms that last more than 10 days without improvement; Symptoms, such as fever or cough, that improve but then return or worsen; Worsening of chronic medical conditions. There is no vaccine to protect against the common cold. But you may be able to reduce your risk of getting or spreading a cold by: Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.; Avoiding touching your face, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.; Avoiding close contact, such as kissing, shaking hands, and sharing cups and eating utensils, with others if you are sick or they are sick.; Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that you frequently touch.; Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Then throw away the tissue and wash your hands.; Staying home when sick. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(infectious rhinitis) An inflammatory process affecting the nasal mucosa, usually caused by viruses (e.g., rhinovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, and coronavirus). It is characterized by chills, headaches, mucopurulent nasal discharge, coughing, and facial pain.

(infectious rhinitis) Inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the nose due to infection.

(acute nasopharyngitis) An acute inflammatory process that affects the nasopharynx. It is caused by viruses. Signs and symptoms include fever, coughing, sneezing, and sore throat.

(rhinitis infective) A disorder characterized by an infectious process involving the nasal mucosal.

The common cold is an acute, usually afebrile, self-limited viral infection causing upper respiratory symptoms, such as rhinorrhea, cough, and sore throat. Diagnosis is clinical. Handwashing helps prevent its spread. Treatment is supportive.

The common cold is a viral infection of your nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). It's usually harmless, although it might not feel that way. Many types of viruses can cause a common cold.

An acute, self-limited inflammation of the upper respiratory mucosa that may involve any or all of the nose, throat, sinuses, and larynx. The condition is rarely characterized by a discrete set of specific symptoms, with the illness varying according to individual and causative pathogen. Occasionally there is spread to the lower...

Common cold, acute viral infection that starts in the upper respiratory tract, sometimes spreads to the lower respiratory structures, and may cause secondary infections in the eyes or middle ears. More than 200 agents can cause symptoms of the common cold, including parainfluenza, influenza...