Cold is an elastic term that is applied to a large number of symptoms, varying much in severity. The most common form is called coryza, but better known as "cold in the head." This form of cold is an acute inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose and adjacent passages. The swollen membranes cause an oppressive sense of fullness in the head, and may close the air passage in one or both nostrils, which makes it necessary to breathe through the mouth. At the beginning of the attack there will be a watery discharge from the nose. As the more acute symptoms subside, the discharge becomes thicker, and sometimes quite hard.

Tosilitis - Quinsy

This is another manifestation of cold, but instead of the inflammation of the membranes of the nose, it is an inflammation of the throat and tonsils. Children are much more subject to the disease than adults.

Pharyngitis - Sore Throat

Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the membranes of the throat, and is a common form of cold.

Acute Bronchitis

This is an inflammation of the lining membranes of the trachea and bronchial tubes - the air passages of the lungs. It may follow a cold in the head, sore throat, or the cold may first affect the bronchial membranes. There will usually be a feeling of constriction in the front of the chest, difficult breathing, and a pronounced cough, although the cough may be a symptom in other diseases, especially from the throat. All of the membranous inflammations incident to cold, may become chronic, if the causes producing them are constant, or even frequent.

Causes Of Colds

Colds are caused by chilling the surface of the body, especially after being overheated. Cold, damp atmosphere, insufficient clothing, chilling the skin, overheated and badly-ventilated houses, are all causes of colds. It is likely that over-eating and constipation are more frequently the cause of colds, than is supposed. Whatever disturbs the circulation of the blood and prevents the elimination of waste may cause a cold.

Hygienic Treatment

Colds should be prevented by proper living, but when once contracted, how shall we get rid of them? The answer is very simple: remove the cause by restoring the functions of the skin, and other excretory outlets. This can best be done by vigorous exercise sufficient to start profuse perspiration. Turkish, vapor, or other baths, that open the pores of the skin and cause free perspiration, will cure a cold at the beginning of the attack, and shorten one already existing.

After a sweat, the skin should be cleansed, and sponged at least three times. The first time with tepid, then cool, and finally with moderately cold water. This must be followed by thorough rubbing of the skin, dry clothing and a temperature moderately warm for several hours, or patient may go to bed and keep warm. The bowels must be kept active and houses well ventilated. Cold packs with dry covering, give great relief from cough and discomfort in the face.

Diet

In an acute attack it will be well to eat but little. The maxim "feed a cold and starve a fever" would be better if rendered: "It you will feed a cold yon will have a fever to starve." The diet in ordinary acute cases should be laxative (see constipation) and reduced one-half for two or three days. In chronic cases, where the patient is weak, a rich diet should be allowed and the patient fed on well-cooked cereals, gluten, eggs, milk, powdered meat and powdered nuts.