While there are more than 100 viruses that can cause the common cold, the most common is the rhinovirus. Other culprits include coronaviruses, adenoviruses and enteroviruses.
But when most of us get a cold, we'll never know which of these viruses caused it. That is because there are no tests to diagnose the common cold. Instead, it is diagnosed based on symptoms. If you have symptoms of a cold such as a runny nose, congestion, headache, cough, sore throat and watery eyes, you most likely have a cold. But there are other illnesses that can cause similar symptoms. It is important to rule out these illnesses before you assume you have a cold.
You (or your doctor) will need to rule out problems like:
- Strep Throat
- Influenza (the Flu)
- Sinus Infection
- Bronchitis
- Ear Infections (most common in young children)
If you do not have the symptoms of these other illnesses, you most likely have some type of cold or upper respiratory infection. Check out the Cold or Flu Quiz.
Treatment Options
Most people do not need to see a doctor for treatment when they have a cold. Getting extra rest, drinking plenty of fluids and treating your symptoms with over-the-counter medications should do the trick. Colds typically last anywhere from three to 10 days and generally don't make you feel so bad that you can't function.
Want to feel better? Start here:
Sources:
"Common Cold." Medline Plus 08 Jun 11. US National Library of Medicine. National Institutes of Health. 20 Jun 11.
"Common Cold." National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases 20 May 11. National Institutes of Health. 20 Jun 11.
