Stages of common cold
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Stages of the Common Cold
Initial Onset: Early Symptoms and Viral Infection
The common cold typically begins with the onset of symptoms within 24 hours of exposure to the virus. The initial symptoms often include a sore throat, which serves as an early indicator of the illness. This is usually accompanied by nasal congestion, a runny nose, and headache . During the first few days, the symptoms are primarily due to the viral infection itself, characterized by clear or mucoid nasal secretions .
Peak Symptom Phase: Nasal Congestion and Secretory Symptoms
As the cold progresses into the peak phase, usually around days 2 to 5, nasal congestion becomes the most bothersome symptom. This phase is marked by a high incidence of secretory symptoms such as a runny nose and sneezing, along with pain symptoms like sore throat and headache . The nasal discharge, initially thin and copious, tends to become more viscous and purulent as the illness progresses .
Secondary Symptoms: Cough and Bacterial Involvement
Around days 6 and 7, cough becomes the most prominent and bothersome symptom. Although cough is present throughout the cold, it tends to peak later in the illness . During this stage, the nasal secretions may become mucopurulent, indicating a possible secondary bacterial infection. This secondary phase is thought to result from the multiplication of native bacteria in the nasopharynx, which become pathogenic in the environment created by the viral infection .
Host Response and Inflammatory Mediators
The body's response to the viral infection plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of the common cold. Inflammatory mediators, particularly pro-inflammatory cytokines, contribute to the symptoms experienced during the cold. These mediators are attractive targets for new therapeutic interventions aimed at alleviating specific symptoms .
Conclusion
The common cold progresses through several stages, starting with early symptoms like sore throat and nasal congestion, followed by peak secretory symptoms, and culminating in a bothersome cough. Understanding these stages helps in the rational treatment of cold symptoms, focusing on the most bothersome symptoms at each stage. The host's inflammatory response also plays a crucial role in symptom development, providing potential targets for future therapies.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic