Cough and Cold Demystified: Causes, Care, and Prevention
*Introduction - Cough and cold represent two of the most common ailments encountered in clinical practice and everyday life. Although generally self-limiting, they contribute substantially to lost work and school days, health care visits, and economic burden worldwide. Understanding their underlying mechanisms, clinical presentation, and evidence-based management strategies is essential for both health care professionals and the public. This comprehensive article delves into the definitions, epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis, management, complications, prevention, special considerations, and future directions related to cough and cold. Definitions • Common Cold: An acute, self-limited viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, primarily involving the nasal passages and pharynx. • Cough: A reflex action to clear the airways of mucus, irritants, or foreign particles. It may be a symptom of upper or lower respiratory tract infections, allergi...