How to Tell when the Common Cold Has Become a Serious Illness

Having the common cold is generally not life-threatening and the symptoms go away within a few days. However, if certain symptoms continue long after the cold is gone, you may be experiencing complications of a cold. Many times, people ignore these ongoing symptoms until an infection becomes so bad they become very sick. By detecting the signs of these complications early, you can take care of the infection and feel better faster. Here are the most common complications that can occur from a cold and the symptoms to look for.

Asthma Attack

People with a history of asthma can experience flare-ups during a cold. According to the article Asthma: Limit Asthma Attacks Caused by Colds or Flu at MayoClinic.com, the bronchial tubes in an asthmatic are sensitive and overreact to several different triggers, including a virus. Coughing and mucus build-up due to a cold can cause inflammation which triggers an attack. A virus-induced asthma attack can also occur in people who do not have a history of chronic asthma. Symptoms of an attack include coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest and shortness of breath. If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.

Sinus Infections or Sinusitis

It is very common for a cold to turn into a sinus infection, also known as sinusitis. Colds generally cause increased mucus in the sinuses, which results in a stuffy or runny nose. A sinus infection occurs when the sinus passages become blocked due to inflammation of the mucous membranes and the sinus cavities become infected and cannot drain. Symptoms include fever, headache, pain above or below the eyes where the sinus cavities are located, toothache, cough and thick green or yellow mucus when you blow your nose. Sinus infections do not go away without antibiotics so if you experience these symptoms for more than a week, see a doctor for treatment.

Tonsillitis or Strep Throat

A common cold can trigger tonsils to become inflamed and infection to set in. If your throat hurts when swallowing or you have trouble swallowing, you may have tonsillitis. Be aware also that strep throat starts out with cold-like symptoms. If your throat feels raw and painful and you have a fever, you may have strep. See a doctor if a sore throat has lasted longer than a few days or you cannot stand the pain of swallowing.

Ear Infections

It is common for ear infections to occur during a cold. If you have a low-grade fever of 101 degrees or less, ear pain, yellow mucus draining from the nose or ear drainage then you may have an ear infection. See a doctor if these symptoms occur for a week or longer.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis, also known as a chest cold, is the inflammation of the airways and can occur during a cold. Symptoms are a persistent cough which brings up a thick, yellow mucus, chest tightness and shortness of breath. If these symptoms occur for a week or more, or you have severe shortness of breath, see a doctor for treatment. Viral bronchitis will go away on its own but bacterial bronchitis needs antibiotics to clear the inflammation.

Whether you are age 6 or 60, if a cold has lingered longer than a week it is time to see a doctor. Waiting too long can cause infections to become worse and other complications to set in. Early detection of infections and treatment will get you on the way to feeling better again and save you from letting a common cold turn dangerous.