Common Cold

The common cold typically affects adults 2-3 times yearly. Don’t let nasal congestion, fatigue, or sneezing caused by a cold drag you down. At Internists of North Dallas in Irving, Texas, board-certified internal medicine physician Nabila Aslam, MD, treats common colds to diminish bothersome symptoms and enhance your recovery. Schedule a sick visit by calling the Internists of North Dallas office or requesting an appointment online today. 

What is the common cold?

The common cold is an upper respiratory illness that affects your throat, sinuses, windpipe, and nose. It’s common but contagious, often going away on its own within 7-10 days. However, despite its often-harmless nature, colds can sometimes cause worrisome symptoms and lead to complications when not addressed. Dr. Aslam offers symptom relief and a speedier recovery. 

What are the symptoms of a common cold?

The common cold can cause the following symptoms:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Sore throat
• Low-grade fever
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Scratchy throat
• Fatigue
• Mild body aches
• Headache
• Yellow, green, thick, or runny mucus
• Wheezing

Symptoms typically appear within 1-3 days of contracting the cold virus from an infected person. They may be mild or severe. 

How does the common cold spread?

The common cold spreads from person to person via air droplets or contact with a shared surface. The cold virus infects a host by entering the body via the nose, mouth, or eyes. It can spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks. Colds are also spread by hand-to-hand contact, sharing personal care items, or touching shared doorknobs. 

Risk factors for developing the common cold include being an infant, a young child, an older adult, or someone with a weakened immune system. Exposure to large crowds, smoking, and the fall and winter seasons are also risk factors for contracting colds. 

Colds can sometimes develop into middle ear infections, sinus infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, or other complications. 

Reduce your risk of the common cold by avoiding large crowds, keeping your distance from people exhibiting illness symptoms, and washing your hands often or using hand sanitizer. 

How is the common cold diagnosed?

Dr. Aslam diagnoses the common cold after checking your vital signs, discussing your symptoms, and completing a physical exam. She may complete a tissue swab to rule out similar illnesses, such as COVID-19, the flu, or strep throat — or order chest X-rays.

How is the common cold treated?

Treating the common cold involves minimizing symptoms while your body fights the virus. Dr. Aslam may recommend one or more of the following treatments for cold symptom relief:

• Rest and fluids
• Dietary supplements
• Over-the-counter medicines
• Prescription medications 
• Air humidifier 
• Saline nasal rinses

While treatment helps you manage symptoms of the common cold, there’s no cure. It often goes away within 7-10 days. 

Schedule an appointment at Internists of North Dallas by phone or request one online today for symptom relief of the common cold.