The Common Cold and Developing Serious Illness

Getting the common cold is something you will most certainly have to contend with at some point. A virus causes this sickness, and it is highly contagious. Colds are most prevalent during the winter and late fall, but anyone can get one at any time of the year. Falling victim to a cold means you will likely have symptoms for up to 10 days or more. Worse, colds can eventually lead to other health problems.

How a person feels when getting a cold

The common cold can cause a variety of symptoms, each affecting people differently. Usually, congestion will show up. This can be especially evident in the form of a stuffy, runny nose. Coughing and sneezing are also frequent challenges with a cold. A person may have a low-grade fever along with a headache. Chills and body aches are also possible. People with a cold can sometimes be bedridden for a few days.

The good news is, treating a cold is possible. Resting is one of the most effective ways to do this. A lot of rest allows the body to recover fast and get rid of the virus. Drinking plenty of fluids will do this and prevent the buildup of mucus. Taking over-the-counter medication is another solution.

How and why the common cold can develop into a more serious illness

Colds are upper respiratory infections. Therefore, related illnesses can also occur at the same time or after getting a cold. The virus can move into other parts of the body, such as the lungs, ears, or throat. When this happens, other illnesses can occur, some of which are more severe. Sometimes, the viral infection of a cold can contribute to the development of a bacterial infection.

Strep throat

The common cold can lead to strep throat, which is a bacterial infection. This sickness affects not only the throat itself but the tonsils as well. Symptoms include a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. The person with strep throat will often get a fever as well.

Pneumonia

This is a bacterial infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. Some symptoms may feel like the common cold. This illness often follows or goes along with a cold. Antibiotics can treat pneumonia. However, untreated, pneumonia can become more serious and even life-threatening.

Bronchitis

Another common cold-related illness, bronchitis, is when the lining of the lungs’ bronchial tubes become inflamed. This gives a person shortness of breath. Coughing fits are common with this sickness. This viral infection often goes away on its own. However, the patient may want to go to urgent care if the symptoms last more than a week.