Cold

What is a cold?

The cold is an upper respiratory virus that attacks the nose, throat, and lungs. Most people catch a cold at least once a year and, sometimes, more than once. 

The cold typically isn’t serious, but it can be uncomfortable. Diagnosis and treatment can prevent the condition from worsening and help you feel better. 

What are the symptoms of a cold?

Common cold symptoms include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore or scratchy throat
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Generally feeling unwell
• Slight body aches
• Mild headache
• Low-grade fever

The cold virus causes the mucus in your nose to look yellow or green rather than clear. 

When should I see a doctor about a cold?

Make an appointment at Michigan Avenue Primary Care if you have cold symptoms that don’t improve with rest and at-home treatments. That’s particularly true if you have a headache, sinus pressure, or a fever that doesn’t break. 

How is a cold diagnosed?

Your Michigan Avenue Primary Care provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, what they feel like, and if they affect your sleep or breathing ability. Next, they complete a physical exam.

Your provider listens to your heart and lungs and checks your eyes, ears, nose, and throat. They also take a throat or nose swab and send it to a nearby lab to rule out other illnesses. 

If you have difficulty breathing or a barking cough, your provider might order X-rays to rule out a lung illness, like pneumonia. 

How is a cold treated?

The Michigan Avenue Primary Care team uses a conservative, integrative approach to treat colds. They could suggest:

• Rest
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Rinsing out your nose with a saline (saltwater) mixture
• Using a humidifier
• Taking over-the-counter pain medication
• Taking over-the-counter decongestants

The common cold typically runs its course within a week, but if your symptoms continue or worsen, contact Michigan Avenue Primary Care. 

Can the cold be prevented?

There’s no way to prevent the cold entirely, but you can reduce your risk by practicing good hygiene. 

The Michigan Avenue Primary Care team recommends washing your hands several times daily, avoiding crowded areas during the cold season (November-May), and covering your mouth when coughing and sneezing. These simple practices can help protect you and your loved ones.

Call Michigan Avenue Primary Care to schedule cold treatment, or request your appointment online today.