When the Common Cold is not just Cold
We have all suffered from the common cold.
A runny nose, sneezing, congestion, mild fever, coughing, and headache are symptoms of viral infections. The throat and nose are the first to fall prey to the infections. While infants and children are more likely to catch colds than adults, individuals with certain health problems can suffer for a longer duration when they catch colds. Smokers and the elderly can also suffer longer.
When should you visit your doctor?
In general cases, the cold goes away within a week or two. But, what happens when it does not go away? When should you visit the doctor?
When the cold lasts over a period of two weeks or keeps returning, it is a sign of an underlying symptom or infection. The reason could be a secondary infection, potential allergies, or even sinusitis. In addition to these, fever is also an important sign that the body gives. Colds are usually accompanied with mild fevers but if you have a higher fever, it is important that you see a doctor.
Any temperature higher than 102 F in adults and 103 F in children required a proper medical check-up to find the actual cause. In infants, a fever of 100 F requires a doctor’s visit or at least a consultation over the phone.
Complications that can come with the common cold
The common cold is dreaded because it can leave you vulnerable to other health issues. Because it attacks the body’s natural defences, infections can walk in causing serious complications ranging from ear infections, strep throat, headaches, fever, sinusitis, sinus pain, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
Sinus Infections
The cold that comes with worsening headaches and fever require medical treatment as it indicates an infection in the sinuses.
Pneumonia Stabbing pains in the chest, coughing assisted with coloured sputum, shortness of breath, and fever indicate pneumonia. While some of these symptoms may take a while before they develop, when they do, an immediate visit to the doctor is advised. Pneumonia can pose severe complications if left untreated for a long time.
Bronchiolitis and Pneumonia
The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus which shares symptoms with the common cold. However, this respiratory virus causes severe symptoms in infants, children, and adults. While people recover from the RSV in two weeks, it is known to cause bronchiolitis and pneumonia. The symptoms could include flaring nostrils, breathing difficulties, fast breathing, and strained muscles in the neck, blush discolouration on the fingers and around lips particularly visible in infants. If you observe any of these symptoms, take the infant to the emergency room immediately. The following table summarises the common symptoms that should be treated immediately if observed along with common cold:
| S. No. | In Children | In Adults |
| 1 | Fever above 103 F or that lasts for more than 3 days | Prolonged fever over 102F |
| 2 | Symptoms lasting more than 10 days | Symptoms lasting more than 10 days |
| 3 | Trouble breathing, fast breathing or wheezing | Trouble breathing or shortness of breath |
| 4 | Bluish skin colour | Pain, congestion, or pressure in the chest region |
| 5 | Earache or discharge from the ear | Fainting, feeling like you are about to faint, confusion, disorientation |
| 6 | Changes in the mental state of the child including irritability, not waking up, or seizures | Severe or persistent vomiting |
| 7 | Flu-like symptoms that improve but return with fever and cough | Severe pain in the forehead, face, and sinuses |
| 8 | Worsening of a chronic medical condition | A sore throat, a cough that won’t go away after 10 days, hoarseness |
