Colds are common viral infections that affect the upper respiratory tract. There are over 200 viruses that can cause a cold. Moreover, the common cold is infectious and can spread from one person to another. While the common cold frequently occurs in children, adults can still experience several cases per year.
The common symptoms of the common cold include:
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat and/or coughing
- Postnasal drip (or mucus dripping down the back of the throat)
- Headache
Colds usually last for about 7 to 10 days. At most, common cold symptoms can linger for about 2 weeks before you see signs of improvement in your condition.
Why Is My Cold Not Going Away?
There are many instances wherein cold symptoms will last longer and there are a few reasons why this happens:
- You are not getting enough rest: Adequate sleep and getting enough rest are crucial in helping your immune system fight off cold-causing viruses. If you aren’t getting enough sleep and rest while dealing with the common cold, you are not doing your body any favors. Make sure you get the recommended 8 to 10 hours of sleep every night to help recharge and repair your immune system.
- You are under too much stress: Being under stress due to school, work, or other things can take a toll on your immune system. As a result, your immune system isn’t functioning at its best, making it harder to fight off viruses. This increases your chances of catching colds and slows down your body’s ability to recover.
- You are dehydrated: Catching the common cold virus dehydrates your body. Being low on fluids means thicker mucus. This can cause even more mucus buildup and make it difficult to breathe through the nose. Dehydration can lead to a dry throat, making swallowing difficult or even painful. To stay hydrated, drink plenty of water, herbal teas, or broths throughout the day. Try to limit alcohol and caffeine, as they can contribute to dehydration.
- You are treating the wrong illness: If you are experiencing symptoms that linger, it might be a sign that you are treating the wrong illness. It’s easy to confuse the common cold with other respiratory conditions. If this is the case, it would be best to consult with your care provider to find out what exactly you’re dealing with and adjust your treatment accordingly.
You May Be Dealing with a Sinus Infection
The common cold can result in the swelling and inflammation of the sinus linings. This causes mucus buildup and nasal congestion. When there is mucus buildup, one becomes more susceptible to developing a sinus infection, also known as sinusitis.
Common sinusitis symptoms include:
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose with thick yellow or green nasal discharge
- Sore throat and/or coughing
- Postnasal drip
- Facial pain and pressure
- Reduced sense of taste and/or smell
- Chronic bad breath or a foul taste in the mouth
How You Can Achieve Relief From the Common Cold or a Sinus Infection
- Rest and proper hydration: In most cases, colds or sinus infections will go away on their own with proper rest and hydration. Get adequate sleep every night. Aim for 8 to 10 hours of sleep. Drink plenty of fluids. Focus on water, but broths and soups can help too. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as these are extremely dehydrating.
- Decongestants: Decongestants help thin mucus and encourage proper mucus drainage. This can help with nasal congestion.
- Antihistamines: In some cases, lingering sinus issues after a cold may be due to allergies. This is a likely case if it’s peak allergy season (i.e. spring season). If this is the case, you might benefit from antihistamines as these block the body’s histamine-producing response and reduce the swelling of the sinus passages.
- Antibiotics: If the infection doesn’t go away, your care provider might put you on a round of antibiotics.
- Pain reliever medications: Pain relievers can address symptoms like headaches, facial pain and pressure, ear pain, and toothache.
- Saline nasal sprays: Saline nasal sprays can break down mucus buildup and flush out irritants in the sinus passages.
- Use an indoor humidifier: Using an indoor humidifier increases moisture in the air, which can reduce the irritation of the sinuses.
- Warm compress: Apply a hot, damp towel or compress on your nose and surrounding areas to loosen mucus and reduce pain.
- Hot showers and steam: Hot showers and steam can effectively loosen mucus and encourage proper mucus drainage.
Know When to Seek Help: Get in Touch With Del Rey MD
Most colds go away on their own, even with little to no medical intervention. If your condition persists for more than 10 days or you experience symptoms that point to a sinus infection, do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with your care provider. At Del Rey MD, we help our patients get to the bottom of their sinus issues and get the proper treatment to find relief. There is no such thing as a small sinus issue, so get in touch with us with any of your concerns.