- posted: Dec. 24, 2021
Human rhinoviruses
"Coronaviruses"
Other causes
Complications
When to see a doctor
Treatments
What causes a common cold?
The cold is a common infection of the upper respiratory tract. Although many people think you can catch a cold by not dressing warmly enough in the winter and being exposed to chilly weather, it’s a myth. The real culprit is one of more than 200 viruses.
The common cold is spread when you inhale virus particles from an infected person’s sneeze, cough, speech, or loose particles from when they wipe their nose. You can also pick up the virus by touching a contaminated surface that an infected individual has touched. Common areas include doorknobs, telephones, children’s toys, and towels. Rhinoviruses (which cause the most colds) can live for up to three hours on hard surfaces and hands.
Most viruses can be classified into one of several groups. These groups include:
human rhinoviruses
coronaviruses
parainfluenza viruses
adenoviruses
Some other common cold culprits have been singled out, such as the respiratory syncytial virus. Still others have yet to be identified by modern science.
In the United States, colds are more common in the fall and winter. This is mostly due to factors such as the start of the school year and the tendency for people to remain indoors. Inside, air tends to be drier. Dry air dries up the nasal passages, which can lead to infection. Humidity levels also tend to be lower in colder weather. Cold viruses are better able to survive in low humidity conditions.
Human rhinoviruses
This group of viruses — of which there are more than 100 types — is by far the most common identified cause of colds. The viruses grow best at the temperature inside the human nose.
Human rhinoviruses (HRVs) are highly contagious. However, they rarely lead to serious health consequences.
Recent research has found that HRVs manipulate genes and it is this manipulation that brings about an overblown immune response. The response causes some of the most troublesome cold symptoms. This information could lead scientists to important breakthroughs in the treatment of the common cold.
Coronaviruses
There are many varieties of coronavirus that affect animals, and up to six can affect humans. This type of virus typically causes mild to moderate upper SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome).
Other viruses that may cause a cold include:
human parainfluenza virus (HPIV)
adenovirus
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
These three groups of viruses typically lead to mild infections in adults, but may cause severe lower respiratory tract infections in children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Premature babies, children with asthma, and those with lung or heart conditions are at greater risk for developing complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
One strand of HPIV called HPIV-1 causes croup in children. Croup is characterized by the loud, startling sound that is produced when the infected individual coughs. Crowded living conditions and stress increase the risk of respiratory disease. For instance, the CDCTrusted Source found that military recruits are at greater risk for contracting adenoviruses that develop into respiratory illnesses.
The common cold will usually run its course without complication. In some instances it may spread to your chest, sinuses, or ears. The infection can then lead to other conditions such as:
Ear infection: The main symptoms are earaches or a yellow or green discharge from the nose. This is more common in children.
Sinusitis: It occurs when a cold does not go away and stays for long periods of time. Symptoms include inflamed and infected sinuses.
Asthma: Breathing difficulty and/or wheezing that can be triggered by a simple cold.
Chest infection: Infections can lead to pneumonia and bronchitis. Symptoms include lingering cough, shortness of breath, and coughing up mucus.
Strep throat: Strep is an infection of the throat. Symptoms include a severe sore throat and sometimes a cough.
Locations
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Address
3772 Katella Ave. Suite 100
Los Alamitos, CA 90720, US
Office Hours
Los Alamitos Office
Monday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
2:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
2:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Thursday
Closed
Friday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
2:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
Los Alamitos Office
Monday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
2:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
2:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Thursday
Closed
Friday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
2:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
