7 Signs a Cold is Actually Something More Serious
While it may be tempting to assume that a
cold is nothing serious, there are instances when the common cold, or
cough, do warrant a visit to the doctor. Though, more often than not,
most people try to push through a cold without seeing a doctor. A 2015
ZocDoc survey found that 43% of respondents would rather diagnose and
treat themselves than see a doctor if they're feeling sick. So, when
should you get your cold checked out by an MD rather than Dr Google?
Cold more than 3 weeks
Three weeks may sound like a long time.
Though it is highly normal for a cold to last up to 21 days. Coughs that
last more than three weeks however, are more of a concern. Prolonged
symptoms could be signs of asthma, pneumonia or a different type of lung
pathology.
Symptoms back with worse signs
There are times when you begin to feel
better, but only rebound and get much worse. There are some emergency
signs that require immediate medical care. Usually, flu-like symptoms
that seem to improve but return with a worse fever and a cough warrants a
visit to your GP. It's possible that you may have a secondary
infection, which could be anything from bronchitis to pneumonia.
Phlegm is yellow/ green/ brown/ with blood
Thickened saliva is common in a cold, but
phlegm that is a strange color signifies that something weird is going
on in your body. Colors like yellow, brown, green or even blood, are of
concern.
Itchy/ watery eyes
Tearing up nonstop? Unless there's a pet in
sight, there's a chance you may have allergies rather than a common
cold. Though at times, it may be hard to tell the difference. There are
more than a hundred strains of cold viruses, each of which tends to
become widespread at certain times of the year, which is why you may
think that you have a cold, rather than seasonal allergy. Hives, tongue
swelling, feeling lightheaded, stomach cramps and more indicate
allergies.
Losing weight
If you're not eating enough, shedding
weight may not come as a surprise. But if you're actively losing weight
while eating, it may be a concern. Unexplained weight loss coupled with
cold-like symptoms could indicate hyperthyroidism, cancer, a bacterial
infection or even HIV.
Wheezing
Coughing is a common cold symptom, though a
cough that is accompanied by wheezing or chest tightness may signify an
asthma attack. During which, your airway linings swell and become
inflamed, get clogged by mucus and then becomes constricted due to
tightening muscles. As a result, breathing becomes difficult. If you
experience any of these symptoms, speak to your doctor.
Feel intense pain / pressure
Be wary if you're experiencing pain or
pressure in one specific part of your body. Strep throat will cause pain
in your throat, while pain your nasal passages may be due to a sinus
infection. Ear infections, however, accompanied with hearing loss,
severe pain in the ear, or any kind of discharge coming out are reasons
to visit a doctor.