Common Cold In Winters: Symptoms, Causes & When To See A Doctor As the temperature drops, an unwelcomed condition that seems to affect everyone, known as the common cold, occurs. If you are having a runny nose, persistent cough, cold, and throat pain, it can be a common cold. Understanding this viral infection can help us manage the symptoms and get professional medical care. Visit the best internal medicine doctor to get proper guidance on preventing and managing common cold symptoms.
What Is The Common Cold? The common cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract. It is a myth that it is caused by cold weather. There are various causes of the common cold, such as rhinovirus, that can spread very easily from person to person. Our body needs time to fight the viruses, which can be 7 to 10 days. For some more serious symptoms, it can take a bit longer.
What Are The Types Of Common Colds? It is crucial to understand the main types of cold to manage the symptoms effectively. The various types of cold are: Heat cold: Symptoms include sneezing, congestion, headaches, a running nose and throat pain Chest cold or bronchitis: Symptoms include persistent cough, chest discomfort, wheezing, etc. Dry cold, and a dry cough: Symptoms include scratchy throat, general discomfort, mild congestion, and minimal mucus production Bacterial infection and viral cold: Symptoms include mild fatigue, throat pain, etc.
What Are The Common Cold Symptoms? It is significant to recognise cough and cold symptoms early so that you can take proper action to prevent the virus from spreading. Some of the symptoms include: Sneezing Mild fever Fatigue Scratchy or sore throat Runny nose Nasal congestion Throat pain Mild headache Cough Low-grade fever Watery Eyes
Reduced sense of taste and smell If you notice any of these viral infection symptoms, consult an internal medicine doctor immediately.
What Happens When Symptoms Intensify? Most of the common cold symptoms are mild, but some people also experience a cold, cough, and fever simultaneously for the first few days. If the fever lasts for more than three to four days, it might point towards an underlying condition such as a sinus infection or bronchitis.
What Are The Newborn Cold Symptoms? When it comes to small children or infants, some of the symptoms require extra vigilance, especially for babies under 6 months old. Some major warning signs for newborns include: Difficulty breathing or Rapid breathing Unusual lethargy Loss of appetite Thick nasal discharge Signs of dehydration Cold and flu tablets are never prescribed for children below 4 years of age, as they cause major side effects in young children. Consult an internal medicine specialist immediately for proper guidance on the same.
Home Remedies And Self-Care There are some home remedies and proven strategies that can help you feel better with the common cold: Stay hydrated Get adequate rest Use humidity Gargle with salt water Try consuming honey Use nasal drops Elevate your sleep position
Conclusion Across the ClearMedi healthcare network, you are in good hands. From ClearMedi Monark Cancer Hospital in Nanded to ClearMedi Multi-Speciality Hospital in Mysore, and from ClearMedi Paridhi Multispeciality Hospital in Gwalior to Primacare ClearMedi Multispeciality Hospital in Noida, trusted care is available. You will also find expert support at ClearMedi DMH Multispeciality Hospital, Varanasi, ClearMedi Bahra Multispeciality Hospital, Mohali, and ClearMedi Radiant Hospital, Mysore. The common cold is very discomforting; understanding its nature can help you stay healthy. Stay safe, hand warm, and do not hesitate to visit an internal medicine specialist if you notice any warning symptoms. Your health and well-being are always worth the attention and care. Also read: Why Your Throat Hurts in the Morning: Common Causes and Quick Relief
FAQs 1. What is the common cold, and why is it more frequent during winter?
The Common cold is a viral infection that affects human beings. It is more frequent in winter because of the increased time in the indoor environment, which allows easier virus transmission. Along with this, the cold and dry air weakens the nasal defences, resulting in a common cold. 2. What causes the common cold during the winter season? The causes of the common cold are viruses, primarily rhinovirus. This can spread from person to person through airborne droplets and contaminated surfaces, so avoid indoor crowding, cool temperatures, stress, poor sleep, and reduced physical activity to prevent the spread of this virus. 3. Are children more likely to catch a cold in winter? Yes, absolutely. Children are most likely to catch a cold in winter, especially children aged between two and three years. The immunity of these children is still developing and not yet ready to face the virus, resulting in closed nasal passages and congestion. 4. What foods or drinks help boost immunity in winter? The major immunity-boosting foods include citrus fruits, such as Vitamin C, garlic, and ginger, along with non-inflammatory foods like yogurt, leafy greens, etc. Warm herbal teas can also help boost immunity. Don't forget to include nuts, seeds, fatty fish, berries, and honey in your diet. 5. How do doctors diagnose the common cold? This is done through physical examination and symptom evaluation, examining the nasal passages and assessing all vital organs, including body temperature. This diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on various symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, sore throat, etc.
Originally posted on: https://clearmedi.in/blog/common-cold-in-winters-symptoms-causes-when-to-see-a-doctor
