**Common Cold**:Is it a disease or is it just another seasonal happening?Definitely the answer to this question is simple.Common cold as the name itself suggests is common for every person in this world.If someone has never caught cold all his life then probably he should be a ***martian***.
** YES**, Cold is just another condition that a person suffers in his life most frequently.And what is so peculiar and special about this condition is that it cannot be cured but the cold has to leave by itself after having its course.The only possible thing that we can do is to avoid it and to some extent make ourselves comfortable during its course by various means.Let us know some important things about cold and how to fight cold effectively.
** What is cold?**
When the mucus lining in the nose cavity becomes infected, the condition is called **Common Cold**(*Acute Coryza*).It starts with the inflammation of the mucus membrane of the nose and pharynx, the swelling of the entrances to the sinus cavities, the accumulation of crusts of mucus in the nose, the clooging of air passages, sneezing, nasal catarrh, uneasinees and slight fever.
** How does one get affected by this condition?**
The virus causing the cold is present in all un-hygienic places and unclean surroundings.When the atmospheric conditions are cool, the virus affects more effectively. Normally, drinking ice cold water and eating ice creams, eating foods that are uncovered, getting drenched up in rain, exposing oneself to chill winds in cold conditions, commonly cause cold which is accompanied by caugh.
**Is it possible to fight cold effectively?**
Definitely yes.For fighting cold what one needs is a good immune system and a strong resistance power.Getting oneself used to the conditions leading to cold is very important.But here one is tempted to ask as to whether it is necessary to dwell around unclean surrounding to get used to it and get acclatamised.No way. This is where the importance of **Yoga** comes into light.
** What is Yoga?**
As many of us know, Yoga is a collection of breathing exercises coupled with synchronised streches which brings about the normal functioning of all the organs and also loosens the muscle for proper blood flow.This naturally would create a good immune system. Hence, practising Yoga is a must for the building up of a good immune system.
**Some tips to ameliorate cold**
1. Take care of cold at the earliest stages of its development by keeping the body well protected from chill winds and draughts but without too much clothing.
2. Avoid exposure to too much cold or heat or get drenched in rain. In acute conditions, avoid head-bath.
3. Avoid inhalation of contaminated air is a must.
4. Should the first sign of cold appear, complete rest in bed should be taken and observation of partial fasting for the day will be really helpful.
5. Practise Nasal Wash several times during the day if you feel a cold coming on. If it strikes, steam inhalations will be helpful to loosen the mucus in the air passages and relieve sore throat and a blocked nose.
6. Great relief to sore throat could be obtained by frequent gargles with lukewarm water with a little salt added.
7. Yogic breathing exercises will increase the resistance to viral infection.
8. Performing some important yogic exercises with proper guidelines would effectively build a comprehensive resistance to cold and cough.
Finally, medication is not a long-term solution for this disorder.Avoid drugs totally as they do not treat the conditions, though they may temporarily soothe the symptoms. Therefore if you are still using zinc, vicks and stuff like that then my sincere suggestion is that cold cant be cured nor can it be prevented. But definitely it can be fought with.That is possible only via building a good immune system and this can be achieved by practising yoga and even aerobics.
Thus, **cold can be tackled effectively and by building up a good resistive system, one can definitely avoid the frequency of common cold occurance**.And also, fight cold to good effect during its course to make it less intense.Therefore, probably our only solution to the problem of relief from cold is Yoga. But can cold be eradicated? . Most probably not.