p. 13 | Prevention of Cold in the Head by G. H. Heald, M. D.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 14, 1911

Prevention of Cold in the Head

By G. H. Heald, M. D.

G. H. HEALD, M. D.

THE vexed question as to the cause of colds is not yet satisfactorily settled. Some say all colds are due to germs, and that the old idea of drafts causing colds is mere superstition. It would probably be nearer the truth to recognize that in the causation of every cold are several factors, and that no one of them alone is sufficient to cause a cold.

First there is “predisposition,” which may be inborn or acquired. Some all through life are more susceptible than others. Then this susceptibility may be increased or diminished by general habits. For instance, excessive clothing or overheated rooms, by causing an unnatural moistness of the skin and a weak reaction, may produce colds. On the other hand, the habit of cold bathing will render one less susceptible to colds.

Our houses in winter are kept about as warm as is comfortable in summer. Not infrequently the room temperature is above 70°. For one to wear heavy underclothing in such an atmosphere is to produce a condition of susceptibility to colds. It would be much better for those who live most of the time indoors in a modern-heated house to dress very much as in summer while indoors, and to have abundant wraps for outdoors.

Another cause of colds is unequal dressing of the body. Place the “chest protector” on the feet, in the shape of warm stockings, and not over the lungs. If the feet perspire easily, the stockings should be changed often enough to insure dry feet; for it is impossible to keep the feet warm if they are damp.

One cause of frequent cold in the head is chronic nasal trouble, which should have the attention of a specialist.

Another cause of cold in the head is germs, or bacteria. It may be that these cold germs are in the air all the time. At any rate, they seem at certain times to be more virulent than at others, and then we have an epidemic of colds. One of the important measures of prevention is to avoid exposure to those who are coughing and sneezing. Any room in which a person has taken a cold, doubtless has floating around in the air minute droplets of saliva or mucus on which there may be infectious germs. Do not allow yourself to remain long in a room where there is coughing and sneezing; and if you have a cold, do not expose others.

By heeding the above precautions one may prevent many colds, thus avoiding not only annoyance and indisposition, but also the danger of worse troubles; for colds not only increase the tendency to future colds, but they are apt to leave a chronic weakness of the mucous membrane, which may invite other disorders.

The next article will consider the treatment of a cold in the head.