Even though every case of common cold varies, certain symptoms are quite common and occur most of the time in most individuals. It is vital that you are familiar with the common symptoms so that you can decide if it is indeed common cold or another condition. If the symptoms appear severe, it might be the flu or another respiratory condition.
Signs and symptoms of common cold
Congestion
This might be a runny or stuffed nose or a full sensation in the head. In most cases, sneezing is also common during common cold. If an individual is congested, he/she could not breathe properly via the nose.
Itchy eyes, nose or throat
The itchiness or the need to scratch the interior of the nose, eyes or throat is quite common among those who have common cold. These might also be indications of allergies among highly sensitive individuals. It is vital to set an appointment with a doctor if it persists more than 2 weeks.
Watery eyes
An individual with common cold might have runny eyes or feel as if he/she has more tears than usual. Remember that this symptom is quite common among those who have cold.
Fatigue
When an individual is down with the cold, he/she feels as if he/she has not had enough sleep or does not have enough energy to perform daily activities. Take note that fatigue and exhaustion is common with a cold but is not severe that the individual could no longer function normally.
Fever
Fever is considered rare among adults but quite common among children. If the body temperature reaches up to 101 degrees F, it might be a different condition and a doctor should be consulted.
In case the child has symptoms of common cold along with fever, but otherwise acting fine, it is not an issue to worry about. For children below 6 months old with fever or you are not sure about his/her condition, a doctor must be consulted as well.
Headache
A headache is quite common if an individual has a cold. The congestion places pressure on the sinuses which causes the head to hurt. The headaches triggered by common cold is often relieved with the help of over-the-counter medications.
Cough
An individual might have a productive or dry cough. If he/she is coughing up yellowish or green mucous and soreness is present during a coughing episode, a doctor should be consulted.
It is also vital to set an appointment with the doctor if the individual coughs up bright red blood or blood-streaked mucus. This might be an indication of a more serious condition.