Common Cold Symptoms

The symptoms of the common cold are really the response of our immune system to a viral infection. When a virus enters the nose, it causes an inflammatory response of the cells. These cells react to the infection, and set the body’s immune and nervous systems into motion. Together, the systems stimulate the release of specific and inflammatory substances (histamine, kinins and prostaglandin) which dilate blood vessels and stimulate mucus secretion. In turn,
this causes coughing and sneezing and stimulates nerve endings responsible for pain.

The symptoms appear gradually, usually two or three days after the infection. The duration varies, and symptoms can last from two days to two weeks. Most people recover in about 7-10 days.
 
The major symptoms of the common cold are:

• Inflammation of the nasal lining, sneezing and tearing eyes, breathing problems.
• Sore throat is a frequent symptom.
• Coughing, usually mild.
• Fever: infrequent in adults and in adolescents, but common in small children.
• Headache may occur as an infrequent symptom.
• Muscle pain may occur in some cases, but is usually moderate.
• General pain is uncommon and mild.
• Slight feelings of general fatigue and weakness may sometimes occur.