Frequent Cold, Flu & Homeopathy
The common cold is a viral infection of the lining of the nose, throat & chest. It is usually mild, with symptoms lasting about 1 week or less.
Flu is contracted in the same way that a cold is, a seasonal illness caused by a virus.
However both the cold and flu can share some similar symptoms, they are very different illnesses. The flu is much more serious than a cold. The flu virus is spread by coughing & sneezing. The cold & flu are both respiratory illness, but they are caused by different type of viruses. Flu symptom usually comes on quickly (within 3-6 hours) and consists of fever, body aches, dry cough and extreme tiredness. Cold symptoms are less severe and people experience a stuffy nose, productive cough, slight tiredness, and limited body ache.
Research shows that on an average, a person develops six to eight colds per year.
Common symptoms
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing & watery eyes
- Irritation of the nasal lining
- Itchy or sore throat
- Cough & congestion
- Mild headache
- Nasal discharge which is initially watery but later becomes thick yellow/green
- Low grade fever with body ache
- Hormonal changes like, hypothyroidism, during pregnancy or menses, etc.
- Drugs like, Beta blockers, birth control pills, antihypertensive, sedatives, etc.
- Anatomic defects like nasal polyps enlarge tonsils & adenoids, etc.
- Emotional as well as physical stress.
Causes
- Molds growing on dead leaves (fungus)
- Airborne chemicals (chlorine & detergents)
- Dust partials
- Animal dander (skin flakes)
- Droppings of cockroaches or household dust mites
- Cigarette smoke
- Frequent weather changes
- Low immunity
- Persistent exposure to infected individuals
Some other contributing factors
Genetic factors - genetic factors are the major determinants of allergies. If both parents have allergic rhinitis or tendency to catch frequent cold. Then the patient`s risk of developing the same is 75%whereas if only one of them is allergic, the risk is 50%.
Age - Although most often allergic rhinitis may appear at any age. While an initial onset of the condition in early childhood decreases the possibility of its persistence in later life.
Other allergic conditions - eczema, food allergies, allergic asthma, etc. increases the risk.
Occupation - Persistence exposure to cold & certain allergens at workplace such as seed dust, wood dust, textile dust, animal dander, rubber latex, chemicals & storage mites.
Complications
Yes, although common cold & flu is generally mild and self-limiting that resolves in about 1-2 weeks, if any of the following sign and symptoms becomes evident, medical investigation becomes mandatory in order to prevent the development of any of the complications.
- Fever of 103 degrees or higher accompanied by sweating, chills & cough
- High fever accompanied by aches & fatigue, lasting more than 10 days
- Vomiting & abdominal pain
- Unusual sleepiness
- Severe headache
- Difficulty in breathing
- Ear pain
- Persistent cough with coloured phlegm
Homeopathic management*
Homeopathy has much to offer in this conditions like common cold & flu, not only in active face of illness where it acts by providing prompt relief of the symptoms, but is also capable of checking the further predisposition to these conditions in sensitive individuals.
Homeopathy emphasises healing the underlying imbalance in the immune system rather than simply fighting the infection.
Consult a Qualified Homeopath for the appropriate therapy. For chronic & acute conditions patient needs constitutional homeopathy approach to reduce the recurrence of attacks and to build resistance & immunity which will heal the patient in short span of period.
Self-medication is not advisable.
Homeopathy medicines/remedies for Cold & flu
Aconite, Allium cepa, Ammon carb, Arg nit, Ars alb, Merc sol, Nat mur, Nux vom, Phyto, Puls, Rhus Tox, Sabadilla, Sambucus, Spongia, Solanum, Sulph etc.
Prevention
Along with Homeopathy remedies the most effective management is rest and plenty of fluids. To increase fluids, try hot water with ginger and a little honey. Take regularly Vitamin C. Encourage a light diet of soups, fresh fruit, vegetables and plenty of fresh air. Avoid prolong exposure to cold. Exercise regularly. Cut down alcohol & smoking. Learn relaxation technics to reduce stress, like deep breathing, stretching, meditation & yoga.
- Eat food containing phytochemicals like dark green, red & yellow vegetables.
- Eat yogurt - studies shows that eating daily a cup of low-fat yogurt reduce your susceptibility to colds by 25%.
- Eat a low-sweet diet and no fried foods; prepare lots of vegetable and asparagus soup to help boost your immune system. Take vitamin C regularly to prevent cold & flu.