Colds
Alternative names:
common cold; pharyngitis, viral; upper respiratory infection - viral; viral URI
Treatment:
Cold symptoms should go away in a week to 10 days. Treatment by a health care provider is not indicated for a cold unless symptoms continue, or existing respiratory conditions are worsened by the symptoms.
Home care measures may relieve some of the symptoms of the cold but will not affect the duration of the illness. These measures include taking over-the-counter pain relievers, drinking plenty of fluids, and rest. Antibiotics are not appropriate treatment for colds.
Expectations (prognosis):
Symptoms usually go away in 7 to 10 days.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Use home care measures first. Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms worsen or do not improve after 7 to 10 days, if breathing difficulty develops, or if thick, green or brown sputum develops.
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