Do I Need to See a Doctor When I Have a Common Cold?

Do I Need to See a Doctor When I Have a Common Cold?

A common cold is one illness that is, well, common! While there are several self-administered common cold remedies you could use to combat it, there are times when you just have to see a doctor. But when do you see a doctor? Seeing a doctor is definitely not what anyone would eagerly look forward to. So your reluctance to go to urgent care for a cold is quite understandable.

In this article, you will learn the common cold stages, and when seeing a doctor is warranted. So, if your symptoms match, act quickly before things get worse.

When the Fever Becomes Persistent

It’s perfectly common to run a temperature once in a while – it’s just part of being human. Most of the time, a fever would naturally go away without any medication. However, if the fever persists for too long even after you’ve taken medicine, go see a doctor.

Protracted fever can point to a deeper illness. The earlier you see a doctor the better.

Sore Throat Problems

A sore throat is discomforting, to say the least. In mild cases, you will only experience slight pain when you swallow food.

If it’s an extreme case, the victim would experience pains in the throat even without swallowing anything. In these situations, seeing a doctor would suffice. The doctor may provide common cold treatment that would ease the sore throat.

Incessant Coughing

A common cold is oftentimes accompanied by coughing. If it’s a mild cough, then you may not need to worry – an over-the-counter medication can help ease the cough. However, if the cough becomes incessant, causing you pain in the chest, it’s in your best interest to seek medical help.

If you notice that each time you cough blood comes out, you may have contracted tuberculosis. Tuberculosis, if not treated in a timely manner, can lead to death.

Lastly, go see a doctor if the cough is accompanied by short breathing, yellowish mucus, and high body temperature. Don’t take chances with your health.

Annoying Headaches

Headaches are often an annoying problem that are hard to ride out. You will always suffer occasional bouts of headache – that’s normal.

A headache can be caused by stress and anxiety. Also, it’s a symptom of common cold which, oftentimes, fades away with time.

If the headache becomes so discomforting that it feels as though your head is about to explode, go and see a doctor. It might be a case of migraine and not cold.

Congestion Problems

Congestion sometimes accompanies the common cold, but it tends to be mild. However, if it persists for about two weeks, seek medical attention. 

You Vomit Anything You Eat

Different things make us vomit. For some people, it’s bad smells, for others, it can be triggered from certain foods. The common cold can also cause vomiting.

If you notice you’ve been vomiting persistently, and can’t seem to keep down what you eat or drink, it’s important to seek urgent care for your cold.

Pains in the Stomach

If you have ever experienced pains in the stomach, you know it’s an unpleasant experience. Persistent stomach pain can point to a more serious condition, so call a doctor’s attention.

A mild cold can quickly become life-threatening if not handled on time. If you are looking for urgent care for a cold,  We also provide urgent care in Concord, as well as urgent care in Walnut Creek.

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