Many people will get a cold during the winter or spring, although the infection can occur any other time as well. If you experience a runny nose or cough that lasts about a week, it COULD be COVID (see below) but you probably have the common cold. This common viral infection affects both adults and children and can spread quickly through contact.
Although head and chest colds have similar symptoms, they’re different. The common cold mostly causes irritation around your nose, head, and throat. It’s usually a mild upper respiratory tract disease. For most patients, a head cold will have no serious medical consequences, unless it’s accompanied by a severe underlying issue. The infection should go away within 10 days, but symptoms may last longer in people with weakened immune systems.
Likewise, a chest cold (acute bronchitis) is also an upper respiratory infection. However, it occurs when the airways swell, letting mucus accumulate in the lungs. Symptoms start in the chest area and most people cough up mucus, which helps clear the airways. This infection can take several weeks to clear up.
Acute bronchitis can be caused by bacteria or viruses. It can also develop from a head cold. The viruses that cause head cold and acute bronchitis can spread from person to person.
A head cold spreads through exposure to the virus that causes it. You can inhale tiny droplets released into the air when an infected individual talks, coughs, or sneezes, or by rubbing your face after touching a surface with droplets on it.
As the infection runs its course, there are remedies that can ease the coughing, sneezing, and aches. These include:
Your favorite soup as well as fluids are excellent options to soothe your throat as you recover. Avoid fluids that may accelerate dehydration, including alcohol and coffee.
Going to work or school while coughing or sneezing may prolong your symptoms as well as infect others. By resting at home, you let your body heal and avoid exposing people to the virus.
Dry indoor air can worsen nasal congestion and coughing. If necessary, use a humidifier in your room.
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain-relievers like acetaminophen can help ease head cold symptoms such as sore throat, fever, and headache in adults. These drugs are also appropriate for fever or pain in children. However, don’t give aspirin to your child without consulting their doctor.
These drugs can help control the coughing or sneezing in people with a head cold.
Some nasal sprays can help decongest the nose. Don’t use them for more than five days as they can trigger rebound symptoms (the congestion kicking in after stopping the decongestant). Avoid giving nasal sprays to children under 6 years old.
These drugs can decongest and moisten nasal pathways. They’re excellent options for adults and children.
To prepare this sore throat remedy, warm about 8 ounces of water and dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of table salt in it. Gargle and spit out the mixture. The solution is more effective in adults and older children who can gargle.
Some menthol lozenges can relieve the soreness in your throat when you have a head cold. Ice chips can also temporarily ease the burning sensation.
Vitamin C is one of the most proposed remedies for a cold. However, such supplementation is generally more effective in preventing than treating infections. When you incorporate enough vitamin C in your regular diet, you can strengthen your immune system against infections like head colds.
Try these when your head cold is accompanied by sinus pressure. By placing a warm compress on your forehead and nose, you may reduce swelling around the area. This can help with the headache or forehead pain.
As a general rule, see your doctor if your condition persists beyond 10 days. Severe head cold symptoms also warrant urgent medical attention. These may include:
Your child should see a doctor if they develop the following complications:
To safely manage and treat your viral condition, visit our urgent care centers in Irvine, Fountain Valley, or Costa Mesa today!
Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
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