Stages of a cold in days

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Stages of a Cold in Days

Understanding the progression of a common cold can help in managing symptoms and expectations. The stages of a cold typically unfold over several days, with specific symptoms peaking at different times.

Day 1: Onset of Symptoms - Sore Throat and Nasal Congestion

The initial stage of a cold often begins with a sore throat, which is usually the first symptom to appear. This is quickly followed by nasal congestion, runny nose, and headache. These symptoms can start within 24 hours of the onset of the cold . During this early phase, the nasal discharge is usually copious and thin .

Days 2-5: Peak of Nasal Symptoms and Pain

As the cold progresses into days 2 to 5, nasal congestion becomes more prominent and is often accompanied by a runny nose and sneezing. Pain symptoms such as headaches and muscle aches are also common during this period. Feverishness may be present, although it is not always a consistent symptom 12. The nasal discharge typically becomes more viscous and purulent as the days go by .

Days 6-7: Emergence of Cough

By days 6 and 7, cough becomes the most bothersome symptom for many individuals. While cough may have been present earlier, it tends to peak later in the course of the illness. Other symptoms like nasal congestion and sore throat may still be present but are usually less severe compared to the earlier days .

Days 8-10: Gradual Resolution

From day 8 onwards, most symptoms begin to subside. However, a significant number of individuals, especially children, may continue to experience symptoms like nasal congestion and cough for up to 10 days or more . The cold is generally self-limited, and symptoms gradually resolve without the need for medical intervention .

Conclusion

The common cold typically follows a predictable pattern over the course of 7 to 10 days. Initial symptoms like sore throat and nasal congestion appear within the first 24 hours, followed by a peak in nasal symptoms and pain over the next few days. Cough becomes more prominent towards the end of the first week, with most symptoms gradually resolving by day 10. Understanding these stages can help in managing expectations and symptom relief strategies effectively.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

The natural history of community-acquired common colds symptoms assessed over 4-years.

Common cold symptoms overlap significantly in the first few days, with nasal congestion, secretory, and pain symptoms frequently occurring together, and cough being less prominent but still very bothersome.

Observational Study

2015·

38citations

·T. Witek et al.

THE COMMON COLD

The common cold is caused by various viruses, with seasonal patterns indicating the most common times for outbreaks, and diagnostic tests aid in identifying differential diagnoses.

1996·

46citations

·G. L. Kirkpatrick

Symptom Profile of Common Colds in School-Aged Children

The common cold in school-aged children is characterized by nasal congestion, cough, and runny nose, with symptoms typically continuing for at least 10 days.

Observational StudyHighly Cited

2008·

104citations

·D. Pappas et al.

Re-appraisal: a new look at the common cold.

The common cold is a two-stage illness, with the first stage caused by virus infection and the second stage caused by bacteria multiplication, and preventing harmful effects by targeting bacteria can make colds practically innocuous.

1969·

2citations

·H. S. Banks et al.

The epidemiology of the common cold II. Cross-infection and immunity

Cross-infections of common colds among office workers and their families are common, with susceptibility reduced in the weeks following a cold.

1961·

14citations

·O. Lidwell et al.

Staying healthy in winter : colds and flu

Common colds are more common in children, and flu is more common in adults, with symptoms typically resolving within five days.

2014·

0citations

·J. Souter

Cold Spells and Cause-Specific Mortality in 47 Japanese Prefectures: A Systematic Evaluation

Cold spells in Japan are associated with higher mortality rates, particularly due to age-related physical debilitation, and may require tailored public health strategies to prevent avoidable health consequences.

Meta-AnalysisVery Rigorous Journal

2021·

26citations

·Chaochen Ma et al.

Acute cooling of the feet and the onset of common cold symptoms.

Acute chilling of the feet can cause the onset of common cold symptoms in around 10% of subjects, but further studies are needed to determine the relationship between symptom generation and respiratory infection.

RCT

2005·

67citations

·Claire D. Johnson et al.

Time trends in the impact attributable to cold days in Spain: Incidence of local factors.

The impact of cold days on daily mortality in Spain has not shown a downward trend over time, highlighting the need for more research in this area.

Meta-Analysis

2019·

14citations

·J. Díaz et al.

Efficacy of a pelargonium sidoides preparation in patients with the common cold: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Pelargonium sidoides preparation significantly improves symptoms and reduces work absence compared to placebo in adult patients with common colds.

RCTHighly Cited

2007·

104citations

·V. Lizogub et al.

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