The common cold can be described as an infection of the higher reaches of the respiratory tract, or in other words the throat, the nasal passages and the nose. It is interesting to note that there are over two hundred different virus’ that can presently cause the common cold, but the main culprit in adults is the rhinoviruses, of which there are a hundred different strains and are classified as nose virus’.

When an individual becomes affected by a cold, the symptoms usually show up around two days later and these include a sore throat, a runny nose and sneezing. Later symptoms can consist of watery eyes, headache, muscle aches, stuffed nose, and a general feeling of being unwell. The symptoms of a cold can last anywhere from two to seven days but in some cases may even last up to two weeks.

Common Cold

People who have a common cold may find that is accompanied by bronchitis, laryngitis, an ear infection or with those who suffer from asthma, a worsening of the condition. Common cold infections are so prevalent that it is estimated that an adult will suffer between two and five colds each year. Because of this, the condition is the leading cause of people missing work days through illness.

Contrary to belief, colds are actually not very contagious when compared to other infections. Prolonged and close contact is required for the virus to spread and it must get into the nose for there to be infection.

Diarrhea can simply be defined as loose, watery stools. People are classed as having diarrhea if they pass such stools more than three times a day. If somebody has acute diarrhea, the problem usually persists for a couple of days only and then clears up of its own accord. On the other hand, if an individual suffers from prolonged diarrhea, meaning more than a couple of days, it could be symptomatic of a more serious problem, as well as posing a risk of dehydration. Dehydration is especially dangerous in young children and the elderly and as such should be treated immediately to help avoid any future potential health issues.

Diarrhea

Individuals of any age can get diarrhea and you may be surprised to find out that the average in developed countries will have a bout of acute diarrhea approximately four times per year. Acute diarrhea is normally associated with a parasitic, a viral or a bacterial infection whereas a chronic diarrhea is typically related to some sort of functional disorder like irritable bowel disorder.

Some other causes of the condition include food intolerances, a reaction to certain medicines, and intestinal diseases such as Crohn’s and celiac disease. Diarrhea can be accompanied by abdominal pains, cramps, nausea, bloating and an urgent overwhelming need to use the toilet.

More often than not, the only treatment required for diarrhea is the replacement of lost fluids. There are some medicines available that can stop the condition, but these aren’t recommended for individuals who have diarrhea caused by a parasitic or bacterial infection. This is because if you stop the diarrhea before the bacteria or parasite is removed from the intestines they will be trapped there prolonging the problem.

People with personality disorders may have conditions such as not being able to live with others, not being able to maintain relationships with other people, finding it difficult to control emotions or upsetting other people when distressed.

Causes of personality disorders can include genetic makeup, mental or emotional state or brain problems. There are three types of personality disorder: suspicious, emotional and impulsive, and anxious.

Suspicious personality disorders are where the sufferer is often paranoid of other people, and finds it difficult to interact with others, preferring their own company instead.  The person with a suspicious personality disorder is often seen by others as strange or peculiar.

Emotional and impulsive personality disorders are where the sufferer is indifferent to other people’s feelings and can be quite aggressive.  They often find it difficult to control emotions and will do this spontaneously without thinking about the consequences.  Sufferers will also self harm if they feel really bad about themselves.

Anxious personality disorders are where the sufferer worries about everything.  They are very indecisive and worry constantly about doing the wrong thing.  Anxious sufferers are overly sensitive to criticism and can often feel worthless or incompetent.

There are therapies which can help such as psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy.  There is also medication available to help with the different groups of personality disorders.  Antipsychotic drugs can help those in the suspicious group while antidepressants can help to relieve the symptoms of those in the emotional group.  There are also some antidepressants which have been shown to help those in the anxious group such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI).

Personality Disorders