What kind of disease is the cold syndrome?
A cold (cold syndrome) is an illness that causes acute inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, the area from the nose to the throat.
Inflammation may spread to the bronchi and lungs. Inflammation is caused by pathogen infection, with about 90% of cases due to viral infections.
The main viruses that cause colds are rhinovirus, coronavirus, RS virus, parainfluenza virus, and adenovirus.
The remaining 10% or so are caused by pathogens such as bacteria, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Chlamydophila pneumoniae.
These pathogens are transmitted to humans via droplets from sneezing or coughing (droplet infection) or through hands or objects with viruses on them (contact infection).
Pathogens thus arrive through the nose or mouth and invade the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, resulting in infection and disease onset.
It is a common disease that affects healthy people of all ages, often resolving spontaneously, but sometimes secondary bacterial infections such as pneumonia can occur.
Influenza and novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), which are prevalent every winter, are also viral infections and are treated separately from the common cold, although they may cause only symptoms similar to those of a cold.
What are the symptoms of the cold syndrome?
The main symptoms of a cold are a sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, and phlegm. Fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and joint pain are also common.
What tests are performed when you suspect a cold syndrome?
Since the diagnosis is often made on symptoms alone and the causative pathogen is often not identifiable, testing is often not performed.
Some viruses can be rapidly tested with fluids taken from the throat or nose. In particular, influenza and new coronaviruses are difficult to distinguish from a cold, and rapid tests are performed when there is doubt.
If symptoms are severe or complications of pneumonia are suspected, blood tests and x-rays may be performed.
What is the treatment for Kaze Syndrome?
In the case of viral colds, there are no drugs directly effective against the virus, and treatment focuses on suppressing symptoms, as the disease resolves spontaneously with rest and nutritional intake.
Specifically, medications are used to control fever and pain, runny nose, and cough.
If infection by bacteria is suspected, antibiotics (antibacterial drugs) that are effective against bacteria may be used.
What are the tests and treatments for cold syndrome available at the Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic?
The clinic specializes in orthopedics, internal medicine, and sports medicine and can provide a variety of tests and treatments.
The following are the tests and treatments for cold syndrome that can be performed at our clinic
Tests: rapid antigen test, blood test, x-ray
Treatment: Prescription of medication
At our clinic, we provide careful care and a peaceful environment,
We are committed to alleviating your concerns and supporting the improvement of your health.
Please feel free to take a walk and consult with us at our clinic.