Generally, we don’t need medical care for the common cold, but if symptoms are getting worse or if they are becoming tough to manage, see your healthcare provider.
Most individuals with a cold can be diagnosed by their symptoms, and your healthcare provider may take a nasal or throat swab to rule out other illnesses. A chest X-ray is recommended to rule out a lung illness.
What is the common cold?
A cold is a contagious upper respiratory infection that affects the nose, throat, sinuses and windpipe. One may have heard that the common cold is a coronavirus. In fact, more than 200 different types of viruses can cause a cold, and the most common cold virus is the rhinovirus.
One will probably have more colds in their lifetime than any other illness. Adults catch two to three colds a year, while young children can come down with colds often, like four or more times a year.
Symptoms and Causes
Let us explain this stage by stage.
Stage 1 (1 to 3 Days)
This is the early stage, and one may notice a tickle in the throat. About half of all individuals with colds report a tickly or sore throat as the first symptom. Other common cold symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Stuffy nose
- Cough
Stage 2 (4 to 7Days)
This is the active stage, and symptoms typically worsen or peak during this stage. Here are the symptoms:
- Body aches
- Headache
- Runny eyes and nose
- Fatigue
- Fever (common in children)
Stage 3 (8 to 10 Days)
Colds usually begin to wind down in the third stage. One may be free and clear at this point, but some symptoms can persist. Some individuals develop a nagging cough that can last up to two months after a respiratory infection.
If the symptoms get worse and/or fever returns, ensure you visit a healthcare provider. One may have developed another infection or complication, such as sinusitis or pneumonia.
Treatment for Common Cold in Children and Adults
There is no cure for a cold, and you have to let it run its course. Most colds go away on their own within 10 days and do not turn into anything serious. Common cold treatment includes over-the-countermmedications recommended by the healthcare provider. It helps reduce symptoms and keep you comfortable until you recover.
Why Antibiotics Can’t Cure a Cold?
Antibiotics are medications. They help fight infections caused by bacteria because viruses cause colds. Antibiotics do not work for colds. Children may develop complications from bacteria, such as an ear infection or pneumonia. A healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to treat these specific issues.
Medications That Relieve Cold Symptoms
Medications that can relieve symptoms of a cold are:
- Pain relievers like Acetaminophen and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen may relieve headaches and fever.
- Medications like pseudoephedrine can be prescribed.
- Diphenhydramine and other antihistamines may stop sneezing and a runny nose.
- Dextromethorphan and codeine can help reduce coughing. Providers don’t routinely recommend these for children under 5 years of age.
Learn about common colds in babies.
Common Colds in Babies
Unless prescribed by a professional, do not give the baby any over-the-counter medication for cough or cold. To treat the common cold in babies, here is what you can do:
- Keep the baby comfortable.
- Give the baby fluids. For babies 6 months or younger, it is important to let them drink breast milk or formula. At 6 months, the baby can also have some water.
- Let the baby get plenty of rest.
Since most children cannot blow their noses until about age 4, the following methods can help ease the baby’s stuffy nose:
- Saline and suction are okay. About 15 minutes before a feeding, use over-the-counter saline (salt water) drops to loosen up the muscle in the baby’s nostrils. You can suction out the liquid and mucus a few minutes later with the help of a rubber bulb or oral suction device. This will help clear the mucus out of the baby’s nose and allow them to breathe and such at the same time.
- Dab petroleum jelly on the outside of the baby’s nostrils to reduce irritation. Do not block the inside of the baby’s nostrils.
- Moisten the air in the bay’s room with a humidifier or vaporiser. The clean, cool mist will help moisten the air and decrease the drying of the baby’s nasal passages and throat.
If you or your baby needs an expert consultation, look for “Chermside Doctors Westfield”. The professionals can intervene on time and control the cold in babies before severe complications arise.
