The common cold is considered a viral upper respiratory tract infection. We are constantly bombarded by old and new viruses which cause the common cold and there is no way for our body to build resistance to all of them.
Common Cold Symptoms
The most common symptoms of the cold would include clogged nasal passages which affect mucus drainage, sore throat, hoarseness, sneezing, cough, abnormal amounts of post-nasal drip and sometimes a fever or headache. Such cold symptoms would present themselves for a period between 3 to 9 days from the onset.
Common Cold Treatment
Being a viral infection, there is no quick fix for the common cold. Antibiotics should not be prescribed since they only work against bacteria. In fact, many doctors have been cautioned not to prescribe antibiotics indiscriminately due to the rising number of antibiotic-resistant cases reported. Natural home remedies can do a good job in alleviating cold symptoms, though not eradicating them completely.
Most people are able to purchase over -the-counter medications for relief unless there is a fever which is an indication of a bacterial infection. Lozenges are helpful when you have a sore throat. Those with coughs can go for cough mixture which can help thin the mucus for easy drainage. Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and antihistamines help with unclogging the blocked nasal passages. Paracetamol is usually effective for a headache or fever. Unless the pain becomes unbearable, Ibuprofen is a good alternative.
Sinusitis
A sinus infection, medically known as sinusitis, is a condition where the air-filled cavities, or sinuses, become inflamed and swollen. In addition to the above cold symptoms, other sinus infection symptoms would include:
1. Pain in the molars of the upper jaw
2. Pressure felt between and around the eyes.
3. Frontal headaches
If cold symptoms last less than seven days, the likely culprit is a cold caused by a virus, and antibiotics are not needed.
If cold symptoms last longer than seven days or get worse and with pain mentioned above, the patient most likely has Acute Sinusitis and will likely need antibiotic treatment.
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