Common Cold Research Paper

Informative Essay
Word Count: 1,016

Every year many people suffer from the effects of the common cold and seasonal allergies. In the United States alone, there are 1 billion colds per year and 40 million people have seasonal allergies. People who gather in close quarters are most susceptible to the common cold. Seasonal allergies are most commonly reported in schools. Although the symptoms of the common cold and seasonal allergies can be confused it is important to know which symptoms coincide with each illness, the causes of each illness, and how people can treat them. The common cold is a viral infection that starts in the upper respiratory tract and sometimes spreads to the lower respiratory structures, and may cause infections
People who have allergies have an immune system that reacts to a usually harmless substance in the environment. This substance is called an allergen. The symptoms of seasonal allergies are clear discharge running from the nose, itchy or dry eyes, sneezing, congestion, and a headache. An itchy nose can also be caused by allergies. Some people experience more severe symptoms like hives or difficulty breathing. Even fewer people experience extreme conditions such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, and mental confusion, in these cases they are advised to visit the emergency
More than 200 viruses are linked to the common cold including parainfluenza, influenza, respiratory syncytial viruses, and reoviruses. The most common groups are rhinoviruses and coronaviruses. Different groups of viruses are more infectious at different seasons of the year. However, knowing the exact group of virus a particular strain of the common cold is caused by is not necessary for treatment. It is important to know that it has been proven that being wet for an extended period of time and being cold do not cause a cold, someone has to come in contact with the virus. Seasonal allergies have causes coming from many different sources. A person is exposed to an allergen by inhaling it, swallowing it, or getting it on or under their skin. Most allergies are caused by environmental factors. The most common triggers for seasonal allergies are tree pollen, mold spores, cat dander, smoke, dust mite allergen, weed pollen, rodent dander, pollution, cockroach allergen, grass pollen, and dog dander. Allergic reactions are unique to the individual. For example, the individual’s body may have learned to be allergic to poison ivy from repeated