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The common cold is considered a viral upper respiratory tract infection. Old and new viruses which cause the common cold constantly attack our body and it is near impossible for it to build resistance against all of them.

Common Cold Symptoms

The most common symptoms of the cold would include clogged nasal passages which affect mucus drainage, sore throat, hoarseness, sneezing, cough, abnormal amounts of post-nasal drip and sometimes a fever or headache. These cold symptoms would normally be present for a period of three to 9 days from the onset.

Common Cold Treatment

Being a viral infection, there is no quick fix for the common cold. Antibiotics can only act against bacteria and not viruses. In fact, many doctors have been cautioned not to prescribe antibiotics indiscriminately due to the rising number of antibiotic-resistant cases reported. Natural home remedies can do a good job in alleviating cold symptoms, though not eradicating them completely.

Most people are able to purchase over -the-counter medications for relief unless there is a fever which is an indication of a bacterial infection. Lozenges can be an effective relief for sore throat. If you have a cough, cough mixtures can help thin the mucus produced for ease of drainage. Pseudoephredine (Sudafed) and antihistamines can help to unclog blocked nasal passages. Paracetamol is a mild pain-killer that is effective for a headache or fever. Ibuprofen is another good alternative if the pain becomes too intense.

Sinusitis

A sinus infection, medically known as sinusitis, is a condition where the air-filled cavities, or sinuses, become inflamed and swollen. In addition to the above cold symptoms, other sinus infection symptoms would include:

1. Pain in the molars of the upper jaw

2. Pressure felt between and around the eyes.

3. Frontal headaches

If cold symptoms last less than seven days, the likely culprit is a cold caused by a virus, and antibiotics are not needed.

If cold symptoms last longer than seven days or get worse and with pain mentioned above, the patient most likely has Acute Sinusitis and will likely need antibiotic treatment.

Tags: acute sinusitis, common cold, sinus infection, sinus infection symptoms