COLDS

Symptom Definition

  • Runny or stuffy nose, nasal congestion
  • The nasal discharge may be clear, cloudy, yellow, or green
  • Other symptoms of a cold include:
    • Sneezing
    • Mild fever and muscle aches, feeling tired and sleepy, headache
    • Scratchy, mildly sore throat
    • Postnasal drip, throat clearing, cough
    • Sometimes there is hoarseness, tearing eyes, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck

General Information

  • Colds are very common. The average adult experiences 3-4 colds each year.
  • Viruses cause colds, and no medicine or "shot" will cure an uncomplicated cold.
  • Colds are usually not serious, but they can sometimes lead to more serious illnesses such as: sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and otitis media. Elderly persons and individuals with a weakened immune system (due to chemotherapy, HIV positive, splenectomy, or the regular use of steroid medications) are at higher risk of developing these infectious complications.

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WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR COLDS

Call 911 Now (you may need an ambulance) If:

  • Severe difficulty breathing (e.g. struggling for each breath, unable to speak)
  • Very weak (can't stand)

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If:

  • You feel weak or very sick
  • Difficulty breathing, and is not from a blocked or stuffy nose
  • Fever of 103 F (39.4 C) or higher
  • Fever of 100.5 F (38.1 C) or higher and you  
    • Are over 60 years of age
    • Have diabetes mellitus or a weakened immune system (e.g. HIV positive, cancer chemotherapy, chronic steroid treatment, splenectomy)
    • Are bedridden (e.g. nursing home patient, stroke, chronic illness, recovering from surgery)

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If:

  • You think you need to be seen
  • Earache or cloudy discharge from ear canal
  • Yellow or green eye discharge
  • Lots of yellow or green nasal discharge present for more than 3 days
  • Sinus pain or pressure persists for more than 24 hours despite nasal washes and pain medications
  • Fever present for more than 3 days

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If:

  • You have other questions or concerns
  • Fever returns after being gone for more than 24 hours
  • Nasal congestion (blocked nose) interferes with sleep after using nasal washes several times
  • Nasal discharge present for more than 10 days

Self Care at Home If:

  • Mild cold and you don't think you need to be seen
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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR A MILD COLD

  1. For a Runny Nose With Profuse Discharge: Blow the Nose.
    • Nasal mucus and discharge helps to wash viruses and bacteria out of the nose and sinuses.
    • Blowing the nose is all that's needed.
    • Apply petroleum jelly to the nasal openings to protect them from irritation (cleanse the skin first).
  2. For a Blocked Nose - Use Nasal Washes:  
    • Use warm water or saline nose drops to loosen up the dried mucus, followed by blowing each nostril separately (pinch one nostril shut while blowing your nose then repeat while pinching the other nostril). Instill 2-3 drops of warm water or saline in each nostril. Blow your nose again and repeat nose drops and blowing until discharge is clear. Repeat this process at least four times a day or whenever you can't breathe through the nose.
    • Saline nose drops - add ½ tsp of table salt to 1 cup (8 oz) of warm water.
    • Other option: take a warm shower.
  3. Hydration: Drink plenty of liquids (6-8 glasses of water daily). If the air in your home is dry, use a cool mist humidifier
  4. Cold Medicines: Most "cold" medicines are not helpful. They can't remove dried mucus from the nose. Antihistamines are only helpful if you also have nasal allergies. Antibiotics are not helpful unless you develop an ear or sinus infection.
  5. Pain and Fever Relief: For pain and fever relief, take acetaminophen every 4-6 hours (Adults 650 mg) OR ibuprofen every 6-8 hours (Adults 400 mg).
    • Do not take ibuprofen if you have stomach problems, kidney disease, are pregnant, or have been told by your doctor to avoid this type of anti-inflammatory drug. Do not take ibuprofen for more than 7 days without consulting your doctor.
    • Do not take acetaminophen if you have liver disease.
    • Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take.
  6. Zinc For Cold Symptoms:
    • Studies have reported that zinc gluconate lozenges reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms.
    • Dosage: Obtain zinc lozenges (over the counter). Begin taking them within 48 hours of cold onset. Dissolve one in your mouth every 4 hours while awake. Use for 3 days.
    • Side effects: Some people complain of nausea and a bad taste in their mouth when they take zinc.
  7. Treatment For Associated Symptoms of Colds:  
    • Sore throat: throat lozenges, hard candy or warm chicken broth.
    • Cough: use cough drops.
  8. Contagiousness: The cold virus is present in your nasal secretions. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Wash your hands frequently. You can return to work or school after the fever is gone and you feel well enough to participate in normal activities.
  9. Expected Course: Fever may last 2-3 days, nasal discharge 7-10 days, and cough up to 2-3 weeks.
  10. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Fever lasts more than 3 days
    • Nasal discharge lasts more than 10 days
    • Cough lasts more than 3 weeks
    • You become worse or develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

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