What are the symptoms of the common cold?
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Symptoms of the Common Cold
The common cold is a prevalent and self-limiting upper respiratory tract infection characterized by a variety of symptoms. Understanding these symptoms can help in distinguishing the common cold from other respiratory illnesses and in managing the condition effectively.
Early Symptoms: Sore Throat, Runny Nose, and Sneezing
The initial symptoms of a common cold often include a tickle in the throat, a runny or stuffy nose, and sneezing. These symptoms typically appear within the first 24 hours of infection onset2 4. Sore throat is frequently the first noticeable symptom and serves as a harbinger of the illness2.
Nasal Symptoms: Congestion and Rhinorrhea
Nasal congestion and rhinorrhea (runny nose) are hallmark symptoms of the common cold. These symptoms are usually copious and thin during the first two days of illness, becoming more viscous and purulent as the cold progresses4 7. Nasal congestion is often reported as the most bothersome symptom during the early days of the cold2.
Cough and Sneezing
Cough is a common symptom that tends to persist throughout the duration of the cold, becoming more prominent and bothersome in the later stages2. Sneezing is also a frequent symptom, especially in the early phase of the illness3 4.
Pain and Discomfort: Headache, Muscle Aches, and Sinus Pain
Headache, muscle aches, and sinus pain are common pain-related symptoms associated with the common cold. These symptoms are often due to the release of cytokines from leukocytes, which cause local inflammation and systemic effects1 6. Muscle aches and pains, along with headache, contribute to the overall discomfort experienced during a cold1 6.
Fever and Malaise
Fever, although usually mild, can accompany a common cold. It is often associated with feelings of chilliness and general malaise1 6. Feverishness is reported in a significant number of cases, particularly in children3.
Other Symptoms: Watery Eyes and Loss of Appetite
Additional symptoms of the common cold include watery eyes and loss of appetite. These symptoms are less common but can still contribute to the overall symptom burden4 6.
Duration and Overlap of Symptoms
The symptoms of the common cold typically overlap and can persist for several days. Nasal congestion, secretory symptoms (runny nose, sneezing), and pain symptoms (sore throat, headache, muscle pains) frequently occur together, especially in the first four days of illness2. Most individuals continue to experience symptoms for at least 10 days, with some symptoms, such as cough, persisting even longer3.
Conclusion
The common cold is characterized by a range of symptoms, including sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, headache, muscle aches, fever, and general malaise. These symptoms often overlap and can persist for several days, making the common cold a significant cause of discomfort and absenteeism. Understanding these symptoms can aid in the effective management and treatment of the common cold.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Understanding the symptoms of the common cold and influenza
New knowledge of cytokines helps explain some previously folkloric symptoms of colds and flu, improving our understanding of their mechanisms.
Highly CitedThe 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 StudySymptom 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 CitedThe Common Cold
A common cold in children may include symptoms like a tickle in the throat, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and other issues.
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.
Mechanisms of symptoms of common cold and flu
Common cold and flu symptoms are primarily caused by local inflammation of the airway and systemic release of cytokines from leukocytes.
Nasal obstruction and the common cold
Nasal obstruction is a common symptom of the common cold, causing sneezing, congestion, impaired sense of smell, headache, watering of the eyes, and sometimes slight fever.
The Common Cold
The Common Cold is a book that can influence readers to do better future by providing valuable lessons and insights on how to live a better life.
Vaccines for the common cold
There is no conclusive evidence to support the use of vaccines for preventing the common cold in healthy people, and future trials are needed to establish the trade-off between potential benefits and harms.
Systematic Review
Very Rigorous JournalComparison of the clinical differences between COVID-19, SARS, influenza, and the common cold: A systematic literature review.
A greater number of general symptoms should lead to a diagnosis of influenza or common cold rather than COVID-19.
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