What is Recurrent common cold

RECURRENT COMMON COLD Meaning

The medical term for recurrent common cold is ‘Chronic rhinitis. As the name suggests, it means that the symptoms continue for long-term and may keep recurring. In many cases the symptoms are present for some part of the day on most days. In some cases the symptoms come and go.¹

As per Ayurveda, symptoms similar to those of rhinitis or common cold (recurring or not) resemble that of Pratishyaya. If recurring or someone has it for long term it is called as Jeerna pratishyaya (Chronic stage of rhinitis). Immediate onset and repeated episodes of these nasal symptoms also indicate the Vata dosha dominance in its progression.² Improper management of Prathishyaya leads to a severe and complicated condition called Dushta Prathishyaya which is very difficult to treat and causes lot of complications like Badhirya (Deafness), Andhata (Blindness), Ghrananasa (Loss of smell) etc.²

Many causative factors like dust, cold breeze etc. manifest the symptoms of the disease by producing Abhighata (morbidity) in Nasa (nose) part of Pranavaha strotasa (Respiratory tissues) and subsequent vitiation of Vata, Rasa, Rakta Dhatu (tissues). Prolonged and continuous exposure to Achayaprakopa Hetu (Long term causative factors)/Sadhyojanaka Hetu (Short term causative factors) also leads to systemic manifestations (spread throughout the body) due to vitiation of deeper dushya mansa (Muscles), meda (Lipids) etc. This leads to many conditions like bronchitis, bronchial asthma, nasal polyps etc.³