Description

Common cold – which as the name suggests, is a very common viral infection of the nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). It is generally harmless but may be irritating to the sufferer requiring quick relief. Many different types of viruses can cause a common cold. While children less than six years of age are at greatest risk of colds with multiple episodes through the year, healthy adults can also expect to have two or three colds annually. Although most people recover from a common cold in 7-10 days, those who smoke may have the symptoms that stay longer.1 In Ayurveda, the diseases with symptoms similar to those of Rhinitis or common cold resemble that of Pratishyaya. Instant onset and repeated episodes of these nasal symptoms also indicate the Vata dosha dominance in its progression and occurence. Many causative factors like dust, fumes, cold breeze etc. manifest the symptoms of the disease by producing Abhighata (morbidity) in Nasa (nose) part of Pranavaha strotasa (Respiratory tissues) and subsequent vitiation of Vata, Rasa, Rakta Dhatu (tissues). Prolonged and continuous exposure to causative factors)/ also may lead to systemic manifestations (disease spreading throughout the body) due to vitiation in mansa (Muscles), meda (Lipids) etc. This leads to many conditions like bronchitis, bronchial asthma, nasal polyps etc.