Did you know that adults in the United States get between two and four colds each year? While the common cold doesn’t usually make you seriously sick, nobody likes feeling under the weather. When you’re dealing with a cough and other respiratory symptoms, seeing a medical provider can help you determine exactly what illness you have and how best to treat it.
What is the common cold?
The common cold is not a single illness but a group of viral infections primarily affecting the nose and throat. Rhinovirus causes up to 40% of colds, but these illnesses can also result from other viruses such as coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Colds are responsible for more medical visits in the United States than any other illness. While symptoms typically resolve within a week, the illness can last longer in older adults, children and those with weakened immune systems.
What are the symptoms of a cold?
Common cold symptoms are usually mild and include:
- Body aches
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
- Hoarseness
- Scratchy or sore throat
- Sneezing
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Watery eyes
Cold symptoms tend to develop gradually over a few days, which can help distinguish them from illnesses like the flu, which typically start abruptly.
What are other causes of a cough?
A cough can be a symptom of a cold, but it may also result from other infections or conditions, such as:
- Acid reflux
- Allergies
- Heart failure
- Inhalation of irritants
- Lower respiratory infections (e.g., pneumonia, bronchitis)
- Postnasal drip
- Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
- Throat overuse
- Upper respiratory infections (e.g., laryngitis, flu)
Serious conditions like pneumothorax (collapsed lung) or pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs) can also cause a cough and require immediate medical attention.
When should I seek care for a cough or cold?
Most colds and minor coughs can be managed with at-home care, such as:
- Resting
- Staying hydrated
- Taking over-the-counter medications to ease symptoms
However, seek medical attention if your symptoms:
- Persist for longer than a week
- Worsen instead of improve
- Include difficulty breathing, sharp pain, dehydration or a high fever
Additionally, if you’ve been exposed to someone with the flu or COVID-19 and develop symptoms, visit a medical provider for rapid flu or COVID-19 testing.
How is a cold or cough diagnosed and treated?
At NGPG Urgent Care, we provide in-person and online services to help diagnose and treat colds and coughs. Options include:
Urgent Care Walk-In Services
- Meet face-to-face with a board-certified physician.
- Open 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.
- Treats patients 6 months and older.
- Offers on-site diagnostic testing and vaccinations.
On-Demand Urgent Care Video Visits
- Speak with a medical professional in minutes.
- Available 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Treats patients 5 years and older.
- Accepts insurance and self-pay.
Choose NGPG for Cold & Cough Treatment
When you’re feeling under the weather, NGPG Urgent Care provides accessible care tailored to your needs. Whether you prefer an online visit or an in-person appointment, our team is here to help you get back to feeling your best.