This disease, commonly known as a “cold in the head” is one of the most
common, and because of the complications which so commonly result, a
disease which really requires careful consideration.
=Etiology.=—The predisposing cause is reduced resistance and individual
susceptibility to air-borne irritants and infective organisms.
Direct exposure of some insufficiently protected part of the body such
as the feet in cold, damp weather, exposure of some unprotected part
of the body to draughts or exposure of the whole body to slightly
reduced temperature for a considerable time, are the common causes. In
cold weather, it is very important that the proper indoor humidity be
maintained, because the drying of the mucous membranes renders them
susceptible to infection. This disease is not only contagious at times
but may even become endemic from some specific and virulent organism.
The complications which may and often do follow such infections
are laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, etc. and any one or more of
the focal infections, such as sinuitis, tonsillitis, or middle ear
infection. A focal infection thus caused may become chronic and render
the patient constantly susceptible to head colds. In fact in those
persons who suffer from chronic head colds, there may nearly always
be found some focal infection, such as the above named, and it is
often impossible to get permanent relief until such sources of focal
infection have been properly treated.
The influence of gross structural lesions, osteopathic lesions of
the cervical and upper thoracic region, vertebræ and ribs must not
be overlooked because they exert a powerful influence upon the blood
supply, particularly the venous and lymphatic drainage and upon the
autonomic nervous mechanism, which regulates the physiologic control of
such functions.
Gross structural abnormalities of the intranasal chambers, such as
deflected septum, enlarged turbinates or cellular turbinates, which
cause deficient or abnormal breathing space, may cause and maintain
head colds.
=Diagnosis.=—The diagnosis is usually easy. Nasal congestion with the
usual “stuffy” feeling of the head, sneezing, headache, etc. are well
known symptoms. On direct examination the nares are congested, there is
a watery discharge and all of the membranes of the nasopharyngeal tract
are congested.
=Treatment.=—If there is ever a demand for good, thorough and specific
osteopathic work, certainly it is demanded in such cases. I am an
advocate of thorough, deep relaxing treatment followed by specific
adjustment in such cases.
Complete rest in bed with light diet and careful attention to the
elimination are very essential. Perhaps the most difficult problem is
to convince the patient that a head cold is really a serious disease
and demands thorough and prompt treatment. Every ear, nose and throat
specialist has had ample opportunity to know that most of the really
serious complications of the head and neck result from the lack of
prompt and proper attention to head colds.
The local treatment consists of irrigation of the nasopharynx followed
by oil spray to protect from further irritation and the maintenance of
proper drainage from the sinuses and middle ears. I am not an advocate
of the so-called “antiseptic sprays” because they neither destroy
bacteria sufficiently to be effective nor do they maintain drainage.
In all cases, the physician should be ever watchful for the
complications and should not hesitate to call consultation of a
specialist when such symptoms develop.