What makes a cold worse? Don't do these 9 things!

Time inspiration List of disorders and infectious diseases Last updated: 4 weeks ago Published: 1 year ago 1 question

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A cold is a common disease that almost all people face many times during their life. Although this disease is harmless, it can cause a lot of discomfort. It is interesting to know that some habits or daily behaviors can worsen cold symptoms and slow down recovery. If you want to know what makes a cold worse, read this article from Salam Darmankade to the end.

How to know if a cold is getting worse?
What are the symptoms of a cold getting better?
What What things make a cold worse?
Final word
Frequently asked questions

How do we know that a cold is getting worse?

Depending on the duration of the cold, you may have different symptoms at the beginning of the disease or in the middle and end of it. For example, your cold may start with a sore throat and runny nose; Then you get tired and have a fever, and then the symptoms subside.

If the symptoms gradually worsen or you find new symptoms, it is likely that the cold is getting worse. Fever is a common symptom of a cold; But if the body temperature remains above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (about 38 degrees Celsius) for more than three days, you should see a doctor. Also, if the fever goes away and then comes back, it's a sign that the cold is getting worse.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe chest pain or shortness of breath. These may be signs of other problems that need treatment.

Learn more: Watermelon for Colds

What are the signs of a cold getting better?

If your symptoms gradually decrease and you feel better overall, your cold is getting better. Sometimes the cough remains more than the stuffy nose, sore throat and body ache. But if the other symptoms are disappearing, even if there is a cough, the cold can be considered improving.

What things make the cold worse?

Things that are likely to aggravate the symptoms of a cold or prolong the course of the disease include:

1. Lack of sleep

Adequate sleep is essential for a healthy immune system. A study has shown that sleeping less than seven hours a night increases the chance of catching a cold almost three times. Try to sleep eight to 10 hours a night. If cold symptoms keep you up at night, go to bed earlier or take naps during the day.

Some habits or behaviors make cold symptoms worse.

2. Inadequate rest

When you have a cold, you should rest enough. Rest does not just mean sleeping. During the illness, it is better to avoid doing vigorous sports for 2 or 3 days. You can also stay at home for the first few days to get more rest.

Learn more: herbal teas for cold

3. Severe or persistent stress

When you are worried about work or other issues in your life, stress damages your immune system. In this case, your body loses the ability to fight viruses, which increases both the chance of catching a cold and the duration of the illness.

Continuous stress can reduce the number of lymphocytes in the body. These cells are a type of white blood cell that help fight infection. A decrease in lymphocytes is associated with an increased likelihood of catching colds and other viral diseases. Chronic stress can also disrupt the balance of cortisol (stress hormone) and increase the level of inflammation in the body.

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4. Ignoring fluid intake

When you are sick, you can quickly become dehydrated. Because your body loses a lot of fluids during mucus production and discharge. Also, if you have a fever, this issue also causes moisture to leave the body. Therefore, it is very important to drink plenty of fluids and keep the body hydrated during a cold.

Fluids help to thin the mucus so that the sinuses can drain better. In addition, they play a role in keeping the nose and throat moist. When you have a cold, you can use a variety of liquids such as water, juice, hot tea and soup. Even consuming milk is not a problem, contrary to what you may have heard. The idea that milk increases mucus is wrong.

5. Drinking alcohol

Drinking alcohol, especially in large amounts, causes dehydration and worsens symptoms such as nasal congestion. In addition, it weakens the immune system and may interfere with the cold medicines you take.

Learn more: What fruits are good for colds?

6. Smoking

Even if you are not sick, smoking is bad for your lungs. Smokers catch colds more often than non-smokers. Their symptoms are more severe and last longer. Smoking damages lung cells, which makes it harder for the body to fight a cold. If you are sick, don't smoke and don't be exposed to other people's secondhand smoke.

Smoking can aggravate cold symptoms.

7. Wrong treatment of the disease

It is very easy to confuse a cold with other diseases. You may think that you are treating a cold for a few weeks, but after a while you realize that you have another problem such as allergies.

The difference between allergies and colds

Colds and allergies have common symptoms such as cough, runny nose and sneezing. But they are different in several ways. Cold symptoms usually take a few days to fully appear. But allergy occurs quickly and lasts as long as you are exposed to the allergen. On the other hand, if you have body aches or a fever, you most likely have a cold.

Learn more: What is the flu vaccine for?

The difference between a sinus infection and a cold

Both colds and sinus infections can cause pain around the eyes and nose, and yellow mucus. create In a cold, these symptoms usually appear in the first few days. But sinus infections often occur after the normal cold season is over. So if you still have these symptoms after a few weeks, you may have a sinus infection. In this situation, it is better to see a doctor.

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8. Taking the wrong medicine

You may have heard of methods that promise to cure your cold. Many of these claims are unproven or even harmful despite being herbal. Here are a few of these:

Echinacea is one of the first natural solutions that people recommend for colds. But most studies have shown that this herb is ineffective.
Many people turn to vitamin C in hopes of speeding up the healing process of a cold. But there is little evidence that vitamin C can shorten the length of a cold once it starts.
Some people use zinc to help end a cold. But the evidence about the effectiveness of this method is weak. Even some people who have used zinc nasal spray have lost their sense of smell. Therefore, it is better to avoid using these types of products.
The use of antibiotics is one of the other measures that people often try when they get sick. But this medicine is not useful for colds. Colds are caused by viruses; While antibiotics target bacteria.

There is no way to definitively cure a cold. However, home remedies and over-the-counter medications can help reduce symptoms, regardless of how long the illness has lasted.

If you have a cold, you should know that antibiotics will not help treat your symptoms.

9. Overuse of decongestant sprays

These sprays may work well at first. But if you use these products for more than three days, when you stop using them, the stuffy nose gets worse.

Final Word

A cold is usually considered a mild illness; But paying attention to its symptoms and aggravating factors is very important. Symptoms such as high fever, severe chest pain or shortness of breath may indicate more serious problems that require medical treatment.

If your symptoms do not improve after a few days or worsen significantly, we recommend that you see your GP as soon as possible. Getting the right advice and treatment will help you recover faster and prevent serious complications.

You can get online general practitioner appointment through the website of Darmankade. Also, Dharmankade provides you with the possibility to visit the doctor of your choice through the online appointment system for a general doctor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a cold last?

This disease usually lasts seven It lasts up to 10 days.

How long is a cold contagious?

If you catch a cold, the disease may be contagious for up to 2 weeks. You can spread the virus to others before you even know you are sick. But it's most contagious when your symptoms are at their worst. Usually this period occurs in the first few days of the illness.

How to cure a cold quickly?

Resting and drinking plenty of fluids is the best thing you can do. Drink warm liquids (such as soup), gargle with salt water, place a humidifier in the room, and take over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen. href="https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/your-cold-wont-go-away" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">webmd

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