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Common cold and cough – causes, risk factors, and symptoms

Common cold and cough – causes, risk factors, and symptoms

Common cold and cough occur due to viral infection. It affects the nose as well as the upper respiratory tract. It is considered harmless as most people recover from a common cold and cough within a week or two. However, the recovery time may differ from one individual to another.

Common causes of cold and cough
Here are some common causes that lead to cold and cough:

  • Rhinovirus is the most common virus that causes common cold and cough. However, some other viruses can also lead to this condition.
  • A cold virus spreads from someone who is sick to a healthy individual while sneezing or coughing.
  • It can also spread from hand-to-hand contact and sharing contaminated things like toys, towels, utensils, and other products with a person who has a cold.

Risk factors for common cold and cough
There are several risk factors that can increase one’s chances of developing a cold and cough. Some of these risk factors are:

  • Seasons: Adults and children face a high risk of developing a common cold and cough during the winter and fall.
  • Weak immune system: People who suffer from chronic illnesses or have a weak immune system in general face a higher chance of getting common cold and cough.
  • Smoking: Smoking can make a person susceptible to severe cold.
  • Age: Kids younger than six years face the highest risk of contracting a cold.

Symptoms of common cold and cough
The symptoms of common cold and cough appear a day or two after exposure to the disease-causing virus. Here are some of these symptoms:

  • You will have a running nose which will also feel stuffy
  • Sneezing is a common occurrence
  • You may develop a sore throat which will prevent you from eating or talking
  • You may cough quite frequently. The intensity of coughing varies from person to person.
  • You might experience a mild headache or body ache
  • You may develop a low-grade fever
  • You may face congestion in your chest
  • Note that the mucous discharge from your nose might become yellow, green or thicker as time passes.

When to consult a doctor:

  • Adults must seek medical attention if they have a fever which exceeds 38.5 C (101.3F) and lasts for five days or more. Experiencing severe headache, sore throat, wheezing, shortness of breath or sinus pain are signs that you need medical attention, and hence, you must visit a medical professional soon.
  • For newly born babies or babies who are up to 12 weeks old, it is advisable to visit a doctor if the fever exceeds 100.4 F (38 C). Make sure to check for ear pain, unusual drowsiness, and lack of appetite as well. If your kid has a fever which lasts for more than two days, it is advisable to get them checked by a doctor.

Usually, common cold and cough do not require medical intervention, but if the symptoms worsen with time, it is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

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