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Common Cold
Alternative Names: Upper respiratory infection - viral; Cold Treatment: Try over-the-counter cold remedies to relieve your symptoms. These won't actually shorten the length of a cold, but can help you feel better. Meanwhile, get rest. Drink plenty of fluids. And don't force a child with a cold to eat. Text Continues Below Antibiotics should NOT be used to treat a common cold. They will NOT help and may make the situation worse! Thick yellow or green nasal discharge is not a reason for antibiotics, unless it lasts for 10 to 14 days without improving. (In this case, it may be sinusitis.) New anti-viral drugs could make runny noses completely clear up a day sooner than usual (and begin to ease the symptoms within a day). It’s unclear whether the benefits of these drugs outweigh the risks. Chicken soup has been used for treating common colds at least since the 12th century. It may really help. The heat, fluid, and salt may help you fight the infection. Expectations (prognosis): The symptoms usually go away in 7 to 10 days. Complications: bronchitis pneumonia ear infection sinusitis aggravation of asthma Calling your health care provider: Try home care measures first. Call your health care provider if: The symptoms worsen or do not improve after 7 to 10 days Breathing difficulty develops Specific symptoms deserve a call (for example, see the article on fever) References: Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>