Causes of Cold & Cough
Cold is a condition that involves the inflammation of the respiratory tract (nose, throat, trachea, and lungs) caused by various reasons. Cough helps get the stuff out of your respiratory organs (such as the windpipe and lungs) that is not supposed to be there. Both are natural responses of your body to tackle an underlying health concern, albeit they cause great inconvenience. Although many people believe cold weather is the primary cause of cough and cold, it is not true. Following are some of the common reasons for catching a cold and cough:1. Viral infection
Common cold and cough are caused by viruses such as the influenza virus or one of the rhinoviruses. It is highly contagious, and an infected person should avoid going to public gatherings and take adequate precaution to prevent the spread if they have to go. Most viral infections subside within 7–10 days, but some leave a lingering dry cough that lasts for weeks. 2. Bacterial infection
Tuberculosis, for example, is a bacterial infection that affects the lungs, and it can result in severe cough and cold. Your doctor will administer antibiotics to combat an infection after diagnosis. If you have a persistent cough, you should visit the doctor and get tested for tuberculosis. 3. Allergies
When the body mistakes a foreign element, such as dust, moult, or pollens, for an invasive pathogen, it starts a process to remove the pathogen from your body, and you get cold and cough as a result. Allergies vary from person to person, and the onset of cold and cough is triggered by inhaling the triggers. 4. Asthma
It is a chronic condition, which causes your airways to swell and to produce an excess of mucus. Much like allergies, when people with asthma inhale certain trigger components, they get cold and cough. 5. Irritants
Poor air quality, cold air, cigarette smoke, and strong perfumes are some of the examples of irritants that can cause an occasional cold and cough in people who do not have allergies or asthma. 6. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
COPD is a group of chronic lung ailments that obstructs the airflow to and from your lungs and may lead to inflammation of the respiratory tract, resulting in cough and cold. People with this disease are highly prone to be affected by the common cold and cough. 7. Postnasal drip
When you have cold, your nasal cavity is likely congested. During this period, if excess mucus drips down into your throat, your body will automatically try to cough it up to clear the pathway. This can be caused by different underlying conditions such a sinus infection. 8. Acid reflux
Although it is not the most common cause of cough, acid reflux can lead to your stomach sending acid back up your oesophagus and may result in coughs. Apart from the ones listed above lung inflammation, sleep apnoea, drug side effects, and other health problems can also cause cough and cold