We’ve all been there. We wake up on any regular morning feeling absolutely terrible. We automatically think “oh great, it’s a cold.” However, simply brushing your symptoms off as a cold can lead to worsening issues as the condition progresses. Many serious conditions can begin looking like a cold, so you need to equip yourself with the tools to measure your degree of your sickness.
This is not to say that you should overreact every time you get a cold. But, if you think that your symptoms are worse than the average cold, or if you have conditions like asthma, severe allergies, diabetes, kidney disease, HIV, or an autoimmune disease, you should be sure you’re not mistaking a cold for something else. Furthermore, be especially aware of these signs if you have a child under six or loved one over 65.
Symptoms Have Lasted More Than Four Days
The common cold normally only lasts for three to four days, so if you continue to experience symptoms after rest and hydration (except mild cough and post-nasal drop) this is a sign that you have more than a cold. It’s best that you set up an appointment with a health expert to be sure you’re fine.
Your Symptoms Came Back
If your symptoms left and promptly came back, then this could be a sign that you have a rebound illness or “superinfection.” This means that you likely had a cold to begin with and then developed a more serious issue once your immune system was compromised. Again, see your local health advisor to determine if you need additional treatment.
You Were Just Abroad
If you recently traveled outside of the country you reside, then it’s likely that you could have more than just a cold. This is a red flag since you could have a less-conventional infection. Certainly get yourself checked out as soon as possible.
High Fevers Aren’t A Good Sign
With a normal cold, you likely won’t experience fevers at 101 degrees or higher. If you are experiencing these body temperatures, then you should make sure you don’t have strep throat. Untreated, strep throat can definitely lead to worse conditions of the heart or rheumatic fever.
Even if you have a constant fever for a few days, make an appointment, since it seems like your body is trying to fight off more than a cold. You could have the flu or mono.
Stomach Problems
Common colds don’t normally bring along issues of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. You should certainly seek medical assistance because if these issues pursue, you could end up seriously dehydrated.
Chest Pain Or Trouble Breathing
Coughing is normal for the common cold but shortness of breathe, chest pain, or wheezing isn’t so normal. This could be a sign for pneumonia or bronchitis. Don’t take these symptoms as typical.
In order to avoid the common cold or more serious conditions, it’s imperative that you keep a balanced nutrition and physical activity plan. A local chiropractor can help you with this and more when it comes to your health.