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COLD SYMPTOMS EXPLAINED

A cold can start with sneezing and stuffy nose and develop into 10 energy-draining symptoms, which can vary from person to person. The 10 symptoms of cold are:

1. Runny Nose

2. Sneezing

3. Stuffy nose & nasal congestion

4. Pressure in your ears and face (sinus pressure) and sinus congestion

5. Cough - Muscles in your chest and abdomen contract and expel air to remove any irritants from your throat or airway. Cough can be of 2 types :

WET COUGH :

  • Brings up mucus, pushing it out of your respiratory system
  • Commonly caused by cold or flu
  • Other conditions—pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute bronchitis, asthma, etc

DRY COUGH

  • Result of inflammation or irritation in your respiratory tract
  • Does not expel excess mucus
  • Commonly caused by lingering cold or flu
  • Other conditions—laryngitis, sore throat, tonsilitis, sinusitis, asthma, allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), medications, exposure to irritants, etc

6. Sore Throat is the scratchy feeling or irritation of the throat, which may worsen when you swallow.

  • Sore throat caused by a virus gets better on its own
  • The one caused by bacteria (known as strep throat) requires treatment
  • Other conditions—allergies, dryness, irritants, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), etc.

7. Slight muscle aches or mild headache

8. Raised temperature or low-grade fever

9. Tiredness (fatigue)

10. General feeling of discomfort, illness (malaise)

Although the symptoms are the same in adults and children, they may last longer in children

Please consult a doctor if your symptoms get worse or you have difficulty in breathing