Common Cold

Respiratory track infection can be categorized into two; upper respiratory track infection and lower respiratory track infection. Common Cold is an example of upper respiratory track infection.
Special thanks to @suboohi for organizing this contest. Let's delve into common Cold and know it's causes, symptoms and the natural remedies for managing such health conditions.

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What do you understand by common Cold?

Generally, cold is a common infection that affects the upper respiratory tract. This could be caused by different viruses ranging over 200. As the name implies, common Cold is one of the most commonest sickness we have around us. This is characterized by a runny or blocked nose, coughing or sneezing and a sore throat.

In Africa especially Nigeria, common Cold is more prevalent during the harmattan season. This period is between December to February and is characterized by extreme cold the mornings and evenings, followed by dry dusty wind.

Kids are more on the receiving end due to their low immune system as they can get about 6 to 8 colds per year while and adult is between 4 to 6 colds per year.

Major sources of common cold include Rhinovirus related colds, echinovirus related colds, enterovirus related colds, adenovirus related colds, paramyxovirus related colds which include the several parainfluenza viruses.

Write causes and symptoms of it

Symptoms of common Cold can vary from individual to individuals and also the the of causative virus. Common symptoms include:

1. Dry or sore throat
2. Coughing
3. Sneezing
4. Running nose
5. Headache
6. Fatigue
7. Earaches caused as a result of congestion. This is common in children.
8. Fever and chills

Write some natural remedy to overcome this problem
Natural remedy to overcoming common cold include:

1. Staying warm: when you are down with cold, it is always advisable to stay warm as this will enable your system to trigger the immune system, thus channeling its energy to fighting off the flu. It is advisable to also rest during this period.
2. Ginger and honey: Ginger is a very good antioxidant and also immune booster. To achieve this, add one teaspoon of ginger in glass of warm water, add some honey, stir to mix before drinking. This has been an ancient traditional method of treating common cold.
3. Gargling with warm salt water: Add half teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, stir to dissolve. Salt water gargling aid in breaking up nasal congestion as well as removing particles of virus and bacteria from the nose.
4. Staying hydrated and drinking hot liquids: it is always advisable to drink a lot of liquids in other to keep he body from getting dehydrated and to also help in breaking loose mucus.
5. Taking a hot bath: Hot baths works by soothing the air pipes and also loosing the sinus congestion as well as the phlegm in one's throat and lungs.

Give some home remedies to cure acne

Home remedies for curing acne include:

1. Aloe vera extract: aloe vera has a very good anti inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This properties enables it to decrease redness and swelling.
2. Lemon juice and rose water: this should be mixed together and applied on the pimples and left for 30mins.
3. Grated apple pulp and honey: mix grated apple pulp and honey, make a mask and apply.

I wish to invite my lovely friends @tripple-e @deelyt @vickyson to also participate in this contest.