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Infections

Infections  The word 'cold' is used in everyday terms to cover a variety of respiratory infections. The common cold is the most prevalent of all communicable diseases. It is referred to as an upper respiratory infection.

There are more than 100 different rhinoviruses that cause colds. Colds are transmitted by either direct or indirect contact. They are spread by droplets expelled by a person with a cold who sneezes, coughs or speaks. The handling of money is one way of passing on or 'catching' a cold. 

upper respiratory organsThe common cold is the most prevalent of all communicable diseases. It is referred to as an upper respiratory infection. 

There are more than 100 different rhinoviruses that cause colds. Colds are transmitted by either direct or indirect contact. They are spread by droplets expelled by a person with a cold who sneezes, coughs or speaks. The handling of money is one way of passing on or 'catching' a cold. 

 

Symptoms and signs   Frequently the cold begins with a scratchy or sore throat, watery discharge or blocked nose, and sneezing. Not all colds follow the same pattern. In some instances a secondary bacterial infection occurs producing a thickened yellow nasal discharge, watering eyes, mild fever, sore throat, headache, malaise (discomfort and uneasiness caused by an illness), myalgia, and dry cough. Additional to the secondary infection can be laryngitis (hoarseness/"frog in the throat"), traccheitis, (irritation of trachea), acute bronchitis, sinusitis, and even the inflammation of the middle ear (otitis media)

Control and treatment   Treatment of the common cold is symptomatic. Most colds last 5 to 10 days regardless of treatment. Nonprescription cold medications may help ease some symptoms (if a top athlete be aware of the nonprescription cold medications which or on the banned substance lists <coming soon>). To avoid colds one should avoid contact with large groups of people, wash hands frequently (Pontius Pilot style, thus expressing you want no part of the matter), avoid sharing personal items, eat a balanced diet, and drink at least 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Emotional stress and extreme fatigue should be avoided as much as possible. (And yes, we know achieving all the latter is practically impossible)

Use the scroll box below to view the following upper respiratory infections: [ or click here to view on separate pages ]


1. sinusitis, 2. pharyngitis, 3. influenza, 4. hay fever, 5. infectious mononucleosis, 6. acute bronchitis, 7. bronchial asthma, 8. exercise induced bronchial obstruction (asthma)

  



 
Some upper respiratory infections are so mild that they may pass almost unnoticed and neither athlete nor coach feels the need to discontinue training. It should never be forgotten, however, that any feverish illness can be complicated by the development of myocarditis (inflammation of cardiac muscle) which might lead to serious consequences, including sudden death. It may pass with very insignificant symptoms which are the same as those of a general infection - fatigue, a feeling of discomfort, and so on. Chest pains and palpitations may also occur.

A doctor should be consulted if:

  •  symptoms and fever persist for more than 4 days
  •  the temperature rises again after it has settled
  •  the patient has chest pain or difficulty in breathing
  •  a productive cough develops
  •  pain is felt in the sinuses, ears etc 

Any of these symptoms may suggest that a bacterial infection is present and that antibiotics may be needed.

A doctor's advice and an antibiotic prescription may be similarly needed if tonsillitis occurs. This is likely to be indicated by red, swollen, tonsils (sometimes covered or spotted with with white exudate) and tender enlarged glands in the neck.

Other infections not related to the upper respiratory organs

Urinary tract infections include infections of the urethra, bladder, ureter, renal pelvis and kidneys. The symptoms include pain during urination, frequent urgent urination and sometimes fever. (The latter occurs particularly when the renal pelvis is inflamed, in which case it is also likely to be accompanied by pain in the lower back). Anyone who suspects that they have a urinary tract infection should consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

In men, the prostate gland may become inflamed, causing vague discomfort around the bladder, as well as the need to pass water often, pain while urinating and on occasion fever. A doctor should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment.

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