The common cold is widespread and insidious. It is one of man’s most prevalent medical complaints.

Bangaloreans suffer an average of three colds a year (at every change of weather).

Sneezing, headache, stuffy nose, a general feeling of fatigue, coughing and sniffles, these are symptoms of the common cold. A cold normally runs its course in 2 to 14 days.

If colds occur frequently or last much longer than a week they may not be colds at all, but an allergy or sinusitis.

Sinusitis : It is an infection of the lining of the sinuses, which are air spaces in the bones of the head and the face. Small openings connect the nose with the sinuses, permitting sinus fluids to drain into the nose.

Inflammation of the nasal passages may close the sinuses, interfering with the emptying of sinus secretions and trapping air in the cavity.

If a sinus is closed, the air in it may be absorbed and a vacuum may form, causing severe pain. Pus and mucous may press on the sinus wall, also causing intense pain. The air spaces most commonly infected are those above the eyes, between and behind the eyes and in the cheekbones below the eyes.

Usually there is headache or pain over the infected sinus in the morning, easing in late afternoon. There may be pain in the cheek or upper teeth. The forehead is likely to be tender to pressure. The nasal passages often are dry and clogged because of the swollen membranes and lack of drainage. There may be a yellow - green discharge of pus from the nose, or a post nasal drip. Other symptoms may be fever, sore throat and coughing.

But persistent uncured sinusitis may lead to other, more serious diseases like bronchitis and ear infection.

The infection sometimes spread to the nervous system and causes meningitis and brain abscesses.

Sneezing : Sneezing a useful compensatory mechanism, if essentially a reflex. Sensory impulse are transmitted from nasal endings of the fifth cranial nerve with stimuli being dust, dirt or any irritant foreign body in the nose.

Continuous sneezing for longer period may leads to wheezing.

Wheezing/Bronchitis is a curse to mankind especially children. This problem is aggravated due to increase in pollution especially vehicular emissions.

Acute wheezing in children will effect their all round development and hamper their growth in studies as well as sports activities. If timely treatment is not given to children, it may lead to severe breathlessness and loss of life.

Dr G Narasimha Swamy
For details, contact : Ph : 23402256 or Mob : 9448855313