Winter is upon us, and with it comes the dreaded cold. Bouts of sneezing, runny nose and of course, its antithesis, the clogged nose become frequent. Coughing may also accompany these episodes. While other people are cozying it up by the fireplace, you are trying to live through the discomfort which makes even breathing a challenge.

However, these symptoms, or their variations, are also observed during flu as well, which is why many people end up confusing the two.

Since they are caused due to respiratory viruses, the misperception is natural. However, when you are not able to identify the problem correctly, the solution might also then be a disappointment.

Therefore, for diagnosis and treatment, it is better that you visit the Best General Physician in Lahore, who will treat cold or flu, accordingly.

Symptoms of common cold

It is also important for you to know the symptoms of common cold as well so that you are able to give yourself the necessary first aid. Moreover, flu is a more serious type of virus, and delaying treatment on it by confusing it with common cold might then jeopardize your health.

Common cold symptoms develop around 1-3 days after the body is infected with the virus. It may last from 2 to 14 days. Symptoms of common cold include:

Body aches

Albeit rare, people might experience body aches, and especially headaches when they have common cold. A more severe type of aches, that makes it harder for you to even get out of bed, is associated with flu.

Low-grade fever

Common cold may also cause a low-grade fever, as the body fights the virus. It may also then cause fatigue in the body.

Nasal problems

Common cold might lead to a runny or a congested nose, both of which are equally inconvenient. A stuffy nose with thicker or yellow mucous, around three days into the cold, is also expected.

Common cold can also lead to postnasal drip, in which, mucus travels from the nose to the throat, which may cause great inconvenience during sleeping. It also causes one to constantly clear their throat.

If the nasal problems persist for more than 10 days or are followed by severe headaches and sinus pain, you need to visit a doctor as this points to a probable case of sinusitis.

Sneezing

Another symptom of common cold is sneezing. Caused due to irritation of the nasal passageway, sneezing can be a great form of discomfort, especially for those suffering from weak pelvic floor. It can cause stress to the muscles of the bladder, causing urine leakage.

Sore throat

Postnasal drip and inflammation of the tissue during the cold also cause soreness in the throat. It causes throat to become dry and itchy. It makes swallowing hard as well.

Coughing

Common cold also brings with itself, the dreadful cough. You may experience dry cough, but it is also possible to have productive cough, which is remarked by dredging up of mucous alongside the cough.

These episodes of coughing can be relentless and are usually amongst the last of the symptoms of cold to be resolved. It can, therefore, take up to 3 weeks to improve cough.

While most often the cough goes away on its own, you might need assistance of the doctor if it’s not getting any better.

Moreover, you need to inform your doctor when the cough is accompanied with blood, or it brings up bring mucous that also has a bad odor. Similarly, severe, and sudden coughing episodes are also a cause for concern.

You need to visit the Best General Physician in Islamabad also when coughing aggravates with lying down, or when it also causes raspy breathing. Similarly, get evaluated by a doctor if you have a heart condition or your legs have swollen. Coughs accompanied by fever also need to be looked upon by your doctor.