Ayurvedic Name: Pratishyaya
Description:
The common cold in Ayurveda is generally seen as an imbalance in Kapha dosha, causing excess mucus and congestion in the respiratory system. Kapha’s heavy, cold, and moist qualities lead to the accumulation of mucus, which causes symptoms like a runny nose, cough, and sore throat. The cold is often associated with Ama buildup due to poor digestion (mandagni), leading to lowered immunity and vulnerability to infections. Treatment in Ayurveda focuses on balancing Kapha, clearing mucus, and strengthening the immune system using herbs like Tulsi, Ginger, and Pippali. Additionally, warming and stimulating herbs and practices like Nasya and Vamana are used to expel toxins and excess mucus.
Signs & Symptoms:
Kasa (Cough): A persistent cough is common, particularly with mucus accumulation in the chest.
Swarabheda (Hoarseness): Hoarseness or loss of voice due to inflammation in the throat.
Shvasa (Sneezing): Frequent sneezing due to irritation in the nasal passages.
Runny Nose (Nasal Discharge): Watery or thick mucus discharge from the nose is a hallmark symptom.
Dourbalya (Weakness): General weakness and fatigue are common due to the body’s immune response to the cold virus.
Rukshata (Dryness): Dryness in the throat or nose due to dehydration or dry indoor air during the cold.
Anidra (Insomnia): Difficulty sleeping may arise due to congestion, coughing, or discomfort from a sore throat.
Diagnosis:
Clinical exam and symptom assessment (runny nose, cough, congestion) to diagnose viral upper respiratory infection, typically caused by rhinovirus.
Risk Factors:
1. Dietary Factors
Low vitamin C intake: A lack of vitamin C can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to viral infections like the common cold.
Poor hydration: Dehydration can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of catching a cold.
2. Lifestyle Factors
Exposure to cold weather: Prolonged exposure to cold weather, especially in crowded areas, increases the likelihood of contracting the common cold.
Close contact with infected individuals: Being in close contact with someone who has a cold increases the risk of transmission.
3. Medical Conditions
Weakened immune system: Conditions such as HIV or other immune-compromising diseases make individuals more susceptible to viral infections like the common cold.
Chronic respiratory conditions: People with asthma or allergies are more vulnerable to colds due to a weakened respiratory system.
Complications:
Sinusitis (Shira Shoola) – Untreated common cold symptoms, such as nasal congestion, can lead to sinusitis, causing persistent facial pain, nasal blockage, and headache.
Middle Ear Infection (Karna Vikruti) – The common cold can lead to fluid buildup in the middle ear, causing an ear infection (otitis media), resulting in pain and hearing loss.
Bronchitis (Shwasa Vikruti) – A viral cold can lead to secondary bacterial infections like bronchitis, which can worsen coughing and lead to difficulty breathing.
Pneumonia (Shwasa Daurbalya) – In severe cases, the common cold may progress to pneumonia, causing inflammation in the lungs, difficulty breathing, and a potentially life-threatening condition.
Chronic Fatigue (Dourbalya) – Prolonged cold symptoms can lead to chronic fatigue, where the body remains weak and unable to recover fully, causing extended tiredness.
Epidemeology:
Affects approximately 1 billion people annually, especially in children, with the most common causes being viral infections like rhinovirus.
More common in the winter months, as people tend to stay indoors in close proximity, increasing transmission.
Children typically experience 6-10 colds per year, while adults have around 2-4 colds annually.
The prevalence is higher in crowded environments such as schools, daycare centers, and workplaces.