Dictionary

acetylcholine: A neurotransmitter necessary for nerve impulses.

acute bacterial middle ear infection: A infection caused by fluid accumulation in the middle ear.

acute bacterial sinusitis: A bacterial infection in the sinuses that may occur as a cold complication.

acute coryza: Another term for the common cold.

acute viral nasopharyngitis: Another name for the common cold.

adenoid: Lymph node tissue at the back of the throat.

adenovirus: One of the viral families responsible for the common cold.

antibiotics: Anti-bacterial medication.

anticholinergic: Any drug that hinders acetylcholine action.

antihistamine: Any medication that prevents or impairs a histamine response.

antiviral medications: Medications designed to kill viruses.

astragalus: An herb that is often used in alternative medicine to strengthen the immune system.

bacterial otitis media: A bacterial infection that causes middle ear inflammation.

bitter gourd root: A herbal remedy thought by some to cure colds.

bronchial tubes: The two tubes connecting the lungs to the trachea.

chicken soup: Soup made with chicken broth and/or chunks of meat. A traditional cure for the common cold.

chronic bronchitis: A long lasting inflammation of the bronchial tubes.

common cold: A common contagious disease that affects the upper respiratory tract characterized by inflammation of mucous membranes in the throat, nose, eyes, and eustachian tubes. Over 100 viruses cause cold symptoms.

coronavirus: A virus that causes the common cold.

cough suppressants: Over the counter or prescription medication that relieves coughing by suppressing the cough reflex.

decongesants: Any medication the relieves mucous membrane congestion by constricting nasal blood vessels.

dextromethorphan: A commonly used over the counter cough suppressant.

dilation: The widening or enlarging of a blood vessel, organ, or other body part.

echinacea: A herbal supplement derived from the purple coneflower. Thought to strengthen the immune system.