What is the common cold?
The common cold is a viral infection of your upper respiratory tract, including the nose and throat. It’s typically harmless but can trigger a variety of uncomfortable symptoms for days or even weeks.
Most colds respond well to conservative treatments like rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and over-the-counter medication. If your symptoms persist or worsen, contact Dr. Akamangwa at Charis Medical Center right away.
What is sinusitis?
Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, causes your nasal passages to swell and become inflamed. It usually occurs following a cold or allergies and can last for eight weeks or longer. Common symptoms of sinusitis include headaches, nasal congestion, and a loss of smell.
What are the symptoms of the common cold?
Symptoms of the common cold include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Congestion
- Sneezing
- Low-grade fever
You might also experience frequent headaches or sore muscles.
What causes the common cold?
Many viruses cause the common cold, including rhinoviruses. They enter your body through the eyes, mouth, or nose.
It’s possible to catch a cold by touching a contaminated object, like a utensil or door handle. Cold viruses can also travel in aerosols –– small droplets in the air –– emitted through coughs, sneezes, or conversation.
Who is at risk of the common cold?
The common cold affects people of all ages and genders, but certain factors may increase your risk, including:
- Having a weakened immune system
- Smoking
- Being 65 or older
- Regular exposure to others
The common cold can occur at any time of year, but it’s especially common in the late fall, winter, and early spring.
How is the common cold diagnosed?
To diagnose the common cold, Dr. Akamangwa conducts a physical exam, reviews your health history, and asks about your lifestyle and symptoms, including if you smoke, when your symptoms first started, and if you’re congested.
If these measures don’t provide enough insight, Dr. Akamangwa might also order chest X-rays or laboratory tests to pinpoint the underlying cause.
How is the common cold treated?
There’s no cure for the common cold, but Dr. Akamangwa can make recommendations that ease your symptoms and encourage your body’s natural healing process. Some of the most common cold remedies include over-the-counter pain relievers, decongestant sprays, and cough syrups.
Dr. Akamangwa might also recommend prayer, drinking plenty of fluids, eating chicken soup, using saline nasal drops, and getting rest. By following his instructions, you should feel back to normal within a week to 10 days.
Don’t wait to receive treatment for the common cold at Charis Medical Center. Book an appointment online, or call the office to speak with a member of the administrative staff today.
