Possible Complications from the Common Cold

There could be instances when a common cold could become a more serious disease. This often happens when your immune system weakens. Going to the local urgent care clinic might be in order. If you want to know the different complications that can develop from a common cold, here are the details.

Asthma attacks

A common cold is a quick trigger of asthma in young children. Diagnosed asthma patients deal with colds longer. Symptoms of asthma tend to worsen as well. Patients tend to feel more chest tightness and wheezing when the cold symptoms set in.

Taking in plenty of fluids and rest can help improve the cold symptoms and prevent the attacks. Monitoring the airflow and adjusting asthma medications can keep asthma from acting up. Talking to the doctor about improvements in the asthma treatment plan can prevent attacks as well. Going to a local urgent care facility is in order if breathing becomes too difficult or the throat becomes too sore. Any symptom of pneumonia is also a reason to see a doctor.

Acute ear infection

A common cold can result in fluid buildup. This can cause congestion right behind the eardrum. The virus fills the space behind the eardrum and infects the ear. This causes earache.

An ear infection is a complication among children. A young child may cry or not sleep well because of the pain. Yellow or green nasal discharge may be evident. Fever also occurs after the cold. This complication often clears up in one or two weeks.

Going to the urgent care clinic can treat the pain right away. Targeting the symptoms with a warm compress, prescription eyedrops, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Some cases may involve prescribing antibiotics to remove the infection. Others may need ear tube surgery. This procedure will drain the fluids in the ears.

Strep throat

This is also a possible complication of a common cold. It is also common among children 5-15 years of age. Some adults have it as well. Streptococcal bacteria cause strep throat.

A person can contract it by touching a contaminated surface or an infected person. Transmitting strep is also possible through droplets or contact with contaminated items of the infected person. Going to an urgent care facility can help target the infection. Finishing the course of antibiotics will remove the bacteria.

Pneumonia

This can be a life-threatening complication for people with weak or weakened immunity. Older adults, people with comorbidities, and young children are prone to developing pneumonia after a common cold. There will be sharp pain in the chest upon breathing and shortness of breath. A visit to the urgent care clinic can treat these symptoms right away. Supportive therapy and antibiotics will help.