Are there any possible complications from a cold?
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Most colds do not cause complications. A cold may trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath in people with asthma or other lung diseases. Sometimes the infection travels to the chest, sinuses, or ears. Bacteria may thrive in the mucus so some people develop a 'secondary' bacterial infection of the chest, ears or sinuses. Therefore, consult a doctor if symptoms do not start to ease within a few days, or if you suspect that a complication is developing. In particular, symptoms to look out for that may mean more than just a cold include:
- fever, wheezing or headaches that become worse or severe.
- fast breathing, shortness of breath, chest pains, or if you cough up blood.
- drowsiness or confusion.
- a cough that persists longer than 3-4 weeks.
- any symptom that you cannot explain and you are concerned about.
References
1 Common Cold: Clinical Knowledge Summary SCHIN 2007
2 Nilangi Virgincar and Robert Spencer: Management of upper respiratory tract infection Prescriber 19 October 2003
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