What Causes Cold and Cough?
October 3, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Colds and coughs are common respiratory symptoms that can be caused by a variety of factors, including viral infections, bacterial infections, and other irritants. Here are some of the primary causes:
- Viral Infections: The common cold is primarily caused by rhinoviruses, but other viruses like coronaviruses and adenoviruses can also lead to cold symptoms. These viruses are highly contagious and are often transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- Influenza (Flu): Influenza viruses cause the flu, which can manifest with symptoms similar to those of a cold, including coughing, but is typically more severe and associated with a sudden onset of symptoms.
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): RSV is a virus that primarily affects infants and young children, causing cold-like symptoms, including coughing and wheezing.
- Bacterial Infections: While viral infections are the most common cause of cold symptoms, bacterial infections, such as streptococcal infections (strep throat) or sinusitis, can also lead to cough and other cold-like symptoms.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions to pollen, dust, animal dander, or other allergens can trigger cold-like symptoms, including sneezing and coughing. This is often referred to as “allergic rhinitis” or “hay fever.”
- Environmental Irritants: Exposure to irritants like smoke, air pollution, strong odors, or chemical fumes can lead to coughing and other respiratory symptoms.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD can cause stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, leading to irritation and coughing, particularly at night.
- Postnasal Drip: Excess mucus production, often due to allergies, sinusitis, or colds, can cause a sensation of mucus dripping down the back of the throat, leading to coughing.
- Asthma: Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Coughing, especially at night or during physical activity, is a common symptom of asthma.
- Environmental Changes: Changes in temperature, humidity, or exposure to dry or cold air can irritate the respiratory tract and lead to coughing.
- Medications: Some medications, particularly those that affect the respiratory system (e.g., ACE inhibitors used to treat hypertension), can cause a chronic cough as a side effect.
- Lung Conditions: Chronic lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, or lung infections (e.g., pneumonia) can lead to persistent coughing.
- Foreign Objects: In children, coughing can result from inhaling or swallowing foreign objects or food that becomes lodged in the airway.
Cough and cold symptoms can vary in severity and duration depending on the underlying cause. In most cases, viral infections are the primary cause of cold symptoms, and they tend to resolve on their own within a week or two. However, if cough or cold symptoms persist, worsen, or are associated with other concerning symptoms (such as high fever, difficulty breathing, or chest pain), it is advisable to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Additionally, preventive measures like hand hygiene and vaccination (for influenza, for example) can help reduce the risk of contracting cold and flu viruses.