Runny nose, cough, sore throat, and even some minor aches and fatigue are all symptoms of the common cold. In most cases, you can easily navigate your health and wellness through the cold, feeling better in a day or so. Unfortunately, there are times when you may think you have the cold, but in reality, have a more serious issue. With this guide, you will learn the signs that your common cold is something else.

Fever

A fever is an obvious sign you have more than just a common cold. If you are experiencing the normal signs of a cold, take your temperature periodically to document any changes. If you have a temperature of 100.4 or higher, you have a fever that should be addressed. Stop by a medical center that offers urgent medical care services if you have a high fever.

A fever is the body's response to an illness or infection. It is what occurs when the immune system starts to fight off the illness. Although it means your body is trying to heal itself, a fever can also be dangerous if not addressed.

Be sure to take a fever-reducer medication, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, at the first sign of a fever. Then, visit your doctor to determine if you have an infection that requires antibiotic treatments.

Breathing Difficulty

Another common sign your cold is something else is if you are struggling to breathe. You may not be able to breathe through your nose or you may have chest discomfort when taking deep breaths. These are both instances where you should consult your doctor, even though you may think you just have a regular cold.

Over time, the cold virus can cause irritation in your nasal passageways and respiratory system. This irritation can lead to discomfort and even sinus infections.

If you are feeling pressure or pain when trying to breathe or you are coughing a great deal, the cold virus may have affected your airway's lining or the lungs, resulting in pneumonia.

Prolonged Symptoms

A fever and difficulty breathing are both key signs you should consult a doctor when you have the symptoms of a common cold. However, if your basic signs, such as a runny nose, cough, sneezing, and fatigue, are still lingering after a week or more, it is time to consult a doctor.

Colds can last a good amount of time if you are not getting the rest and fluids your body needs. Doctors may run a few tests to make sure there are no underlying issues. In addition, medications can be prescribed to help ease your cold symptoms.