Ask A Scientist© Biology Archive

Author:      John Smith
Text:        What causes colds and how can they be cured?

Response #:  1 of 1
Author:      profbill
Text:       Colds are caused by a virus (rhinovirus) that invades the 
membranes of the nose and trachea (the windpipe).  The symptoms that we call a 
"cold" are mostly the body's attempts to get rid of the virus.  There is not a 
cure for the cold you just wait for the body's immune system (defense system) 
to get rid of the virus.  You can treat the symptoms, though aspirin for 
fever, antihistamines to clear up congestion in the nose, etc.  Sometimes, 
after a bad cold, you can get bronchitis, where bacteria invade the windpipe 
and lungs because the cold made them more susceptible.  This can be treated 
with antibiotics, which kill bacteria, but not viruses.