Cold - Complications of a common cold
- Introduction
- Symptoms of a common cold
- Treating a common cold
- Complications of a common cold
- Common cold in children
- Preventing a common cold
- Diagnosis
- Causes
- Prevention
Colds don't usually cause complications. However, the infection can sometimes move to your chest, ears or sinuses.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is an infection of the small, air-filled cavities inside the cheekbones and forehead. It develops in up to 2% of adults and older children with colds.
Symptoms of sinusitis include:
- pain and tenderness around your nose, eyes and forehead
- a blocked and runny nose
In most cases, the symptoms of sinusitis will resolve without the need for treatment.
Middle ear infection (otitis media)
A middle ear infection (otitis media) develops in an estimated 20% of children under five years old with a cold.
Symptoms of a middle ear infection include:
- severe earache
- a high temperature (fever) of or above 38°C (100°F)
- flu-like symptoms, such as vomiting and lethargy (a lack of energy)
- some loss of hearing
Approximately 80% of middle ear infections will resolve themselves without treatment, usually within three days.
Additional treatment is usually only required if your child has repeated middle ear infections.
Chest infection
A chest infection can occur after a cold, as your immune system is lowered. There are two main types of chest infection:
- bronchitis – which usually resolves itself without treatment after a few weeks
- pneumonia – which is rarer, but causes more serious symptoms
Symptoms of a chest infection include a persistent cough, bringing up phlegm (mucus) and breathlessness.
You should see your GP if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- a high temperature (this is usually a sign of a more serious type of infection)
- confusion or disorientation
- a sharp pain in your chest
- coughing up blood-stained phlegm (thick mucus)
- your symptoms last longer than three weeks
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