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Dry cough sore throat stuffy nose. Dry Cough, Sore Throat, and Stuffy Nose: Differentiating Between Colds, Allergies, and the Flu

by alexxlab

What is the difference between a cold, allergies, and the flu? Learn how to identify the symptoms and when to see a doctor for your cough, sore throat, and stuffy nose.

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Understanding the Symptoms of a Cold

The common cold typically begins with a sore throat and is followed by a runny nose, sneezing, fatigue, and a mild cough. You usually don’t get a fever with a cold, but if you do, it may be a sign that you’ve developed an infection or the flu. In the first few days, your runny nose will be watery, but it can turn thicker and darker as the cold progresses. Your cough may also last for up to two weeks.

Differentiating Between Colds and Allergies

It’s easy to mistake cold symptoms for hay fever or allergies. However, if your symptoms begin quickly and resolve within 1-2 weeks, it’s more likely to be a cold rather than an allergy. Allergies are caused by an overactive immune system reacting to things like dust or pollen, which can lead to a runny nose, coughing, and sneezing. Hay fever is not contagious, but some people may have a genetic predisposition to it.

Recognizing the Flu

The flu often has similar symptoms to a cold, but a key difference is that the flu often comes with a fever, muscle aches, and a headache. While a cold rarely raises your temperature above 101°F, the flu often does. If you’re experiencing these more severe symptoms, you may have the flu.

When to See a Doctor

Except in newborns, colds are generally not dangerous and the symptoms usually go away without any special treatment. However, colds can make you more susceptible to bacterial infections. See your doctor if your cold symptoms are severe and you aren’t getting better, or if you have any of the following:

  • Earache
  • Pain around the nose and eyes (sinuses) for more than a week
  • Fever above 102°F
  • Fever that lasts more than a day in a child under 2, or more than 3 days in a child age 2 or older
  • Coughing up mucus for more than a week
  • Shortness of breath
  • Worsening symptoms
  • Symptoms that last longer than 2 weeks
  • Trouble swallowing
  • A bad sore throat with fever (may indicate strep infection)
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or belly
  • A stiff neck or sensitivity to bright lights

Understanding Wet and Dry Coughs

The type of cough you have can provide clues about what may be causing your symptoms. Wet coughs, or productive coughs, clear mucus from the upper airways and are often associated with conditions like the common cold. Dry coughs, on the other hand, do not produce mucus and may be linked to conditions like allergies or the flu.

Preventing the Spread of Colds

Colds are highly contagious, especially during the first 3 days of illness. To prevent the spread of a cold, it’s important to wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, and cover your coughs and sneezes. If you have a cold, try to stay home and avoid close contact with others until your symptoms have improved.

What is the difference between a cold and allergies?

The main difference is that colds are caused by viruses, while allergies are an overreaction of the immune system to things like dust or pollen. Colds typically come on gradually and last 1-2 weeks, while allergy symptoms come on quickly and resolve within a week or two.

When should I see a doctor for a cough or sore throat?

You should see a doctor if your cold symptoms are severe and not improving, or if you have any of the following: earache, sinus pain, fever above 102°F, coughing up mucus for more than a week, shortness of breath, or trouble swallowing. These may be signs of a bacterial infection that requires treatment.

What is the difference between a wet cough and a dry cough?

A wet cough, or productive cough, is one that brings up mucus or phlegm. This is a natural way to clear the airways and is often associated with conditions like the common cold. A dry cough, on the other hand, does not produce any mucus and may be linked to allergies or the flu.

How can I prevent spreading my cold to others?

Colds are highly contagious, especially during the first 3 days of illness. To prevent spreading your cold, be sure to wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, and cover your coughs and sneezes. It’s also a good idea to stay home and avoid close contact with others until your symptoms have improved.

What is the difference between a cold and the flu?

While colds and the flu can have similar symptoms like a sore throat, cough, and stuffy nose, the flu is usually accompanied by a higher fever, muscle aches, and a more severe headache. Colds rarely cause a fever above 101°F, but the flu often does.

When should I call the doctor for my child’s cold symptoms?

You should call the doctor if your child under 3 months has a fever of 100.4°F or higher, or if your child under 2 years old has a fever that lasts more than a day. You should also call the doctor if your child has symptoms that last longer than 2 weeks or if they have trouble breathing, severe pain, or other concerning symptoms.

Sore Throat, Cough, and More

In this Article

  • The Start of a Cold
  • Is It Allergies Instead of a Cold?
  • Is It the Flu?
  • When to Call the Doctor About Cold Symptoms

Your nose is running, you’ve got a cough, and your throat is raw. Is it a cold, allergies, or the flu?

There are similarities to all three, but a few telltale signs can help you tell them apart.

The Start of a Cold

It usually begins with a sore throat, and before you know it, you’ve also got these symptoms:

  • Runny nose (clear and watery)
  • Sneezing
  • Fatigue
  • Cough

You usually don’t get a fever with a cold. If you do, it may be a sign you’ve got the flu or an infection with a bacteria.

For the first few days that you’re sick, your runny nose will be watery, but it turns thicker and darker after that. You may also get a mild cough that can last into the second week of your cold.

Since a cold can trigger an asthma attack, people with asthma should check with your doctor to see if you need to change your regular treatment plan.

If you cough up thick or dark mucus or you get a fever, you may have an infection with a bacteria. See your doctor to find out how to treat it. Also see them if your cough doesn’t get better after a few weeks.

Your symptoms usually start between 1 and 3 days after you get infected with a cold virus. They typically last for about 3 to 7 days. By then the worst is over, but you may feel stuffed up for a week or more.

You’re most contagious during the first 3 days that you’re sick, but it’s still possible to spread it during the first week.

Is It Allergies Instead of a Cold?

Sometimes you might mistake cold symptoms for hay fever. If they begin quickly and are over in 1 to 2 weeks, chances are it’s not an allergy.

Allergies are caused by an overactive immune system, your defense against germs. Your body overreacts to things like dust or pollen. It then releases chemicals like histamine. This causes the passageways in your nose to swell, leading to a runny nose, coughing, and sneezing.

Hay fever isn’t contagious, but some people may inherit a tendency to get it.

For in-depth information, see WebMD’s “Common Cold or Allergies?”

Is It the Flu?

Take your temperature. A mild case of the flu often has symptoms like a cold, but a cold rarely raises your temperature above 101 degrees F.

Besides a fever, the flu often gives you muscle aches and a headache.

For in-depth information, see WebMD’s “Flu or Cold Symptoms?”

When to Call the Doctor About Cold Symptoms

Except in newborns, colds aren’t dangerous. The symptoms usually go away without any special treatment. But when you’re sick it can wear down your body’s resistance, making you more open to an infection by a bacteria.

See your doctor if your cold symptoms are severe and you aren’t getting better. They’ll likely check your throat and ears, and listen to your lungs. They may take a throat culture by brushing your throat with a long cotton-tipped swab. This will show whether you have an infection that needs treatment with antibiotics.

Call your doctor if you have:

  • An earache
  • Pain around the nose and eyes (sinuses) for more than a week
  • Fever above 102 degrees F. If your child is younger than 3 months and has a temperature of 100.4 degrees F or higher, call your doctor right away.
  • Fever that lasts more than a day in a child under 2, or more than 3 days in a child age 2 or older
  • Cough up mucus for more than a week
  • Shortness of breath
  • Worsening symptoms
  • Symptoms that last longer than 2 weeks
  • Trouble swallowing.
  • A bad sore throat with fever (may indicate strep infection)
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or belly
  • A stiff neck or sensitivity to bright lights

Also see your doctor if:

  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding and get a cold
  • Your newborn or infant gets symptoms
  • Your cold worsens after the third day

What You Need to Know

The cough reflex, which evolved along with the capacity for speech, carries clues to what may be ailing you. The two types of cough —wet cough and dry cough— are associated with different conditions. Here’s what your cough may be telling you:

Wet Cough

Wet coughs, often called productive coughs, clear mucus (or phlegm) from the upper airways. This clearing of the pathways is a natural cleansing process. Common conditions associated with this type of cough include

  • The common cold: A wet cough with a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, low-grade fever (below 101.5°F), and postnasal drip (mucus running down the back of the throat).
    • Cause: Any of more than 200 contagious viruses; most common is rhinovirus with more than 100 distinct types! Rhinoviruses thrive at 91°F, which is the same temperature as the inside of the nose.1
    • Duration: Symptoms can last from 2 to 14 days, but most people recover within 10 days.2
    • Treatment: Expectorants, such as guaifenesin, can help you “cough up” or expectorate the mucus. Antitussives, such as dextromethorphan, can be used to treat your cough. Important note: Because colds are caused by viruses, antibiotics (which kill bacteria but not viruses) will not cure colds.3
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)/Chronic Bronchitis: A wet cough with mucus, shortness of breath, tightness of the chest, and wheezing.4 
    • Cause: Cigarette smoking or other long-term exposure to air pollutants or lung irritants. Not contagious.
    • Duration and Treatment: COPD is a life-long condition and requires medical care. If your COPD cough is worsening or if you think your cough is due to COPD, see your healthcare provider.

The cough reflex, which evolved along with the capacity for speech, carries clues to what may be ailing you.

Dry Cough

A dry cough or “hack” does not produce noticeable mucus. Common conditions associated with this type of cough include

  • Allergies/Asthma: A dry cough often accompanied by sneezing and watery eyes (allergies) or with wheezing (a whistling when you breathe in or out), shortness of breath, and a tightness of the chest (asthma).
    • Cause: Inflammation and a narrowing of the airways. Not contagious.
    • Duration: Can develop at any age and can be life-threatening if not properly treated.
    • Treatment: For allergies: antihistamines, nasal steroids, decongestants, immunotherapy (allergy shots), or avoidance of the allergen altogether. For asthma: therapies vary broadly and require individualized treatment plans. If you think that you have asthma or if your allergy symptoms last more than 7 days, see your healthcare provider.6,7
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): A dry cough that may be accompanied by a sore throat, hoarseness, a burning sensation under the sternum (the breast bone), or chest pain. 8,9
    • Cause: Sometimes confused with everyday heartburn, GERD occurs when strong stomach acids flow back up into the esophagus, often during sleep. Research has identified GERD as the third-leading cause of chronic cough. Not contagious.
    • Duration: Cough associated with GERD can be chronic; be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about it.
    • Treatment: If you think your cough is due to GERD, see your healthcare provider for further evaluation.
  • Whooping Cough/Pertussis: A dry, intermittent cough accompanied by a mild fever with a sore throat that evolves into spasms of a severe hacking cough, which is then followed by the namesake “whoop” when the sufferer tries to inhale.11 Although traditionally thought of as a childhood disease, it also occurs today among teenagers and adults whose immunity has been compromised.
    • Cause: Airborne, highly contagious Bordetella pertussis bacteria.
    • Duration: Duration can range from 3 weeks to 3 months and longer. At first, whooping cough may appear to be a cold; as it progresses, it may appear to be bronchitis.12
    • Treatment: Adults and teens are typically treated with antibiotics. Infants may need to be hospitalized. If you have been exposed to someone with whooping cough or think you may have it, contact your healthcare provider for treatment.

If your cough lasts more than 7 days contact your healthcare provider

TAGGED: COUGH, COUGHING, COUGH MEDICINE, DRY COUGH

Sore throat and runny nose: causes, symptoms and treatment

Content

  • 1 Sore throat and runny nose: causes and effective treatments
    • 1.1 Sore throat and runny nose: causes, symptoms and treatment
      • 1.1.1 Causes sore throat and runny nose
    • 1.2 Symptoms of a scratchy throat and runny nose
    • 1. 3 Treatment of a scratchy throat and runny nose at home
      • 1.3.1 Sore throat:
      • 1.3.2 Runny nose: 9 0010
    • 1.4 What to take for a runny nose and sore throat
    • 1.5 Prevention of a runny nose and sore throat
      • 1.5.1 1. Practice good hand hygiene
      • 1.5.2 2. Drink more liquids
      • 1.5.3 3. Avoid contact with patients
      • 1.5.4 4. Ventilate the room and humidify the air
    • 1.6 Viral rhinitis: symptoms and treatment
    • 1.7 Allergic rhinitis: causes, symptoms and treatment
    • 1.8 Influenza: how to find out the symptoms, treatment and causes
      • 1.8.1 Causes of influenza
      • 1.8.2 Symptoms of influenza
      • 1.8.3 Treatment of influenza
      • 1.8.4 Prevention of influenza
    • treatment
      • 1.9.1 Causes
      • 1.9. 2 Symptoms
      • 1.9.3 Treatment
    • 1.10 Streptococcal disease: causes, symptoms and treatment
    • 1. 11 How to recognize a runny nose and sore throat in children:
    • 1.12 Related videos: 9001 0
    • 1.13 Q&A:
        • 1.13.0.1 What are the causes of a sore throat and runny nose?
        • 1.13.0.2 What symptoms accompany a sore throat and runny nose?
        • 1.13.0.3 How to treat sore throat and runny nose?
        • 1.13.0.4 Could a sore throat and runny nose be a sign of a more serious health problem?
        • 1.13.0.5 Can a sore throat and runny nose be caused by stress or lack of sleep?
        • 1.13.0.6 What can be done to prevent a sore throat and runny nose?

An article about the causes and methods of treatment of sore throat and runny nose. Find out how to get rid of unpleasant symptoms and boost your immunity.

A person may experience various symptoms when they have a cold or the flu. One of the most common symptoms is a sore throat, which may be accompanied by a runny nose. These symptoms can greatly affect the quality of life and limit our productivity. But what causes these unpleasant sensations?

A scratchy throat can be caused by many factors, including viruses, bacteria, allergens, and environmental irritants. When our airways come into contact with these irritants, it can cause a scratchy throat and runny nose. Headache, cough, and other symptoms of SARS and flu may also occur.

Fortunately, there are many treatments for a sore throat and runny nose. These may include taking medications, using folk remedies, and changing lifestyles. It is important to remember that each person is unique and what works for one may not necessarily work for another. It is best to consult with a specialist and find the appropriate treatment and prevention to prevent or reduce a sore throat and runny nose.

Sore throat and runny nose: causes, symptoms and treatment

Causes of sore throat and runny nose

Sore throat and runny nose can be caused by many factors. One of the most common causes is upper respiratory infections, which can be caused by both viruses and bacteria. Acute respiratory viral infections often lead to a sore throat and runny nose.

It should also be noted that a sore throat and runny nose can be symptoms of more serious conditions such as asthma or reactive airway changes.

  • Upper respiratory infections (viruses, bacteria)
  • Allergies
  • Contact with irritants (smoke, dust)
  • Weather changes
  • Dry indoor air

CausesSymptoms

Upper respiratory infections Sore throat, runny nose, cough, chest pain
Allergies Runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, red and irritated eyes
Contact with irritants Sore throat, cough, eye irritation runny nose

Sore throat

  1. If a lump is felt, the person may experience discomfort and a desire to constantly cough;
  2. Tickling is often accompanied by pain in the abdomen or chest;
  3. Increased dryness in the throat, redness, sometimes swelling of the facial tissues
  4. A scratchy throat can be caused by a disease associated with the walls of the throat, such as pharyngitis. Another reason may be an allergy to certain foods or external factors.

Runny nose

  • A person with a runny nose may experience nasal congestion, inability to breathe through the nose, sneezing, and mucus buildup in the sinus area;
  • Nasal discharge may be clear, yellow or green depending on the cause of the runny nose;
  • Hypersensitivity to odors and respiratory irritation.

If you experience one or more of the symptoms of a sore throat and/or runny nose, you should immediately contact a general practitioner or otolaryngologist for examination and much-needed treatment.

Treatment of sore throat and runny nose at home

Sore throat:

A sore throat can be caused by a variety of things, from a cold to an allergic reaction. If it is not a serious condition, then you can try treating it at home. One effective method is a hot drink, which helps reduce itching and soothe the throat.

  • Hot tea with honey and lemon helps reduce inflammation in the throat and improve general condition.
  • Hot milk with honey softens the throat and improves the quality of sleep.
  • Warm tomato juice is good for a healthy throat and kick-starts our immune processes to help eliminate infection.

Smoking should also be avoided as it worsens the health of the throat. If a sore throat is accompanied by a painful condition, fever or abdominal pain, then you should consult a doctor.

Runny nose:

Runny nose usually causes discomfort, difficulty in breathing and is often accompanied by a constant desire to blow out the nose. Home treatments can help improve the condition and reduce discomfort:

  • Using a saline nasal rinse helps clear debris from the nasal passages and reduce swelling.
  • Wearing a moist, warm nose warmer, warmer pad, or mustard patch on the chest helps improve circulation to the nose and cures a runny nose.
  • Refreshing masks labeled “urgent renewal” or “refresh” can be used to perfectly refresh the nasal mucosa and help ease breathing.

If symptoms worsen, such as difficulty breathing, runny nose and headache, seek medical attention as it could be a sign of a serious illness.

What to take for a runny nose and sore throat

A cold or flu often causes unpleasant symptoms such as a runny nose and sore throat. To alleviate the condition and speed up recovery, it is recommended to take various drugs.

To combat the common cold, you can use vasoconstrictor drops or sprays that reduce swelling of the mucous membrane. It is also helpful to take medicines containing vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and helps fight infection.

Special products such as sprays and drops containing sea water or herbal extracts can be used to moisten the throat and nose. Their action is aimed at reducing dryness and irritation in the throat and nose.

It is important to remember that self-medication can lead to complications and worsen the condition. If you have severe symptoms, you should seek medical attention and follow the doctor’s recommendations.

Prevention of runny nose and sore throat

1. Practice good hand hygiene

Good hand hygiene is very important to avoid infection and to protect against a runny nose and sore throat. You touch surfaces many times a day that can be contaminated with viruses and bacteria, so wash your hands before eating, after using public transport and public places, and after returning home.

2. Drink plenty of fluids

Keeping your nose and throat moist is important to prevent a runny nose and a scratchy throat. One way to do this is to drink more fluids. During the day, our mucous membranes lose moisture, so drink enough water, warm teas or juices to reduce the risk of a viral infection.

3. Avoid contact with sick people

Viruses and bacteria are transmitted through coughs and sneezes. If a family member or co-worker has symptoms of a runny nose and sore throat, try to avoid close contact, use a face mask, and disinfect shared surfaces such as doorknobs, keyboards, etc.

4. Ventilate the room and humidify the air

Viruses and bacteria can also live in the room, so do not forget to ventilate the room regularly. During heating, the air in the room is dry, and this can cause a runny nose and sore throat. Use a humidifier or just leave a bowl of water open to help make the air more humid.

Viral rhinitis: symptoms and treatment

Viral rhinitis is a disease caused by viruses and is accompanied by runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat and cough. This type of runny nose often occurs as a result of contact with sick people, as well as hypothermia or a weakened immune system.

Treatment of viral rhinitis mainly consists in relieving symptoms and strengthening immunity. To do this, you can use various drugs: nasal drops, antihistamines, antiviral drugs, antitussives, etc. It is also recommended to perform procedures to moisturize and cleanse the nasal passages.

However, it is important to remember that a viral rhinitis can accompany other diseases, such as influenza or SARS, which requires additional diagnosis and treatment in general.

Allergic rhinitis: causes, symptoms and treatment

Allergic rhinitis is the body’s reaction to allergens such as pollen, dust, lint and other impurities in the air. It is manifested by excessive secretion of mucus in the nose and frequent sniffing.

Cause of allergic rhinitis may be genetic factors, hypersensitivity to allergens, damage to the nasal mucosa, respiratory tract infections, etc.

Allergic rhinitis symptoms include a runny nose, itching and sneezing, nasal congestion and tears in the eyes, as well as deterioration in general health .

Treatment of allergic rhinitis may include the use of antihistamines, hormonal nasal drops, flush tree, and other methods. It is important to prevent contact with allergens and establish a lifestyle that promotes immunity and a healthy lifestyle.

Flu symptoms, treatment and causes

Flu causes

Flu is an illness caused by viruses. The main culprit is the influenza virus, which can mutate and produce new strains. It is resistant to the environment and is transmitted from person to person by airborne droplets. The flu can lead to serious complications and even death in some cases.

Flu symptoms

A person who has the flu may develop symptoms within 1 to 4 days. These may include headache, sore throat, cough, weakness, loss of appetite, runny nose, and body aches. Some people may develop a high fever and even diarrhea.

Influenza treatment

Influenza treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms and preventing complications. The doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs, which can help shorten the duration of the illness. Drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and taking an antipyretic such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help reduce symptoms.

Flu Prevention

Preventive measures include getting vaccinated, washing your hands regularly, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza infection. You can also avoid getting the flu by avoiding close contact with sick people, avoiding touching your face with your hands and liquids, and washing your hands frequently.

Angina: causes, symptoms and treatment

Causes

Angina occurs when exposed to a variety of pathogenic microorganisms, but most often it is caused by streptococcus (streptococcus). This is a bacterium that enters the body through the oral cavity and disrupts weak immunity.

Angina can also appear due to hypothermia, poor ecology, stress, malnutrition and disturbance of the internal microflora.

Symptoms

The main symptom of angina is severe sore throat when swallowing, often accompanied by redness or swelling of the pharynx, tongue and other parts of the oral cavity. There is an increase in body temperature up to 38-39degrees, weakness, headache, malaise, fatigue.

In some cases, a rash on the skin, soreness of the lymph nodes, swelling of the tonsils may occur.

Treatment

Treatment of angina is recommended to start as early as possible. It includes taking antibiotics and non-narcotic pain and antipyretic drugs, gargling with antiseptics, applying copious heat to the throat, for example, using compresses.

It is important to keep calm and drink properly. You should definitely listen to the advice of your doctor, who will diagnose and prescribe treatment depending on the form and severity of the disease.

Streptococcal disease: causes, symptoms and treatment

Streptococcal disease is caused by group A streptococci bacteria that are spread through coughing, sneezing and contact with infected objects. The disease can manifest itself in the form of tonsillitis, pharyngitis, scarlet fever, pneumonia, sepsis and other conditions.

Symptoms of streptococcal disease may include initial onset of sore throat, pain when swallowing, runny nose, cough, headache, fever, nausea, and other symptoms. In the case of scarlet fever, the skin becomes rash and the tongue may become red and swollen.

Treatment for streptococcal disease may include antibiotics, pain and fever medications, and topical sore throat medications. It is important not to skip medications and follow all the doctor’s recommendations to avoid complications and transmission of the infection to other people.

  • To prevent streptococcal disease, it is recommended that you wash your hands, do not share personal items (eg, towels, toothbrushes), and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • If symptoms of streptococcal disease appear, a doctor should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment.

How to recognize a runny nose and sore throat in children:

Children often encounter problems with a runny nose and sore throat. These two symptoms can cause a lot of discomfort, not only in children but also in adults.

Sore throat may also be an important indicator. This can happen due to various reasons, such as an infection or an allergy to dust. Complaints of sore throat may indicate a sore throat.

To recognize these symptoms in a child, it makes sense to pay attention to his behavior. If he coughs or winces from a sore throat, this may indicate a problem. If his nose is constantly stuffy, it is worth seeing a doctor to make sure that the problem has not become more serious. In any case, contacting a medical specialist is a reasonable step if you suspect a runny nose or sore throat.

  • Conclusion: Knowing the symptoms of runny nose and sore throat in children is important for early detection and treatment of the problem. Look for signs of nasal congestion, copious mucus in the nose, itchy nose, and sore throat. If you suspect these symptoms, see your doctor.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What could be the causes of a sore throat and runny nose?

Sore throat and runny nose can be caused by various factors such as viruses, bacteria, allergens, cold air, gas, dry indoor air and other factors.

What are the symptoms associated with a sore throat and runny nose?

Symptoms of a scratchy throat may include pain or irritation in the throat, feeling of a lump in the throat, difficulty swallowing, coughing, and fever. Symptoms of a runny nose may include sneezing, nasal congestion, nasal discharge, and itchy nose.

How to treat sore throat and runny nose?

Treatment for sore throat and runny nose depends on the cause. If the scratchy throat is caused by a viral infection, then you need to stay hydrated, rest, and take medication to relieve pain and fever. If the cause of a runny nose is an allergy, then you need to avoid contact with allergens, take antihistamines and rinse your nose with special solutions.

Could a sore throat and runny nose be a sign of a more serious health problem?

Yes, a sore throat and runny nose can be associated with more serious health problems such as sinusitis, bronchitis or even pneumonia. If symptoms persist, it is best to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Can a sore throat and runny nose be caused by stress or lack of sleep?

Yes, stress can affect the body’s immune system and cause a sore throat and runny nose. Lack of sleep can also weaken the immune system and make the body more vulnerable to viruses and bacteria.

What can be done to prevent a sore throat and runny nose?

Prevent a sore throat and runny nose by practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding contact with infected people, using paper collars when visiting public places, ventilating the room regularly, and avoiding contact with allergens.

Runny nose, cough, sore throat: causes, treatment and prevention

  1. Home
  2. Services
  3. Therapist

Many people do not consider such symptoms of viral diseases as cough, runny nose, perspiration and sore throat as a serious reason to see a doctor. They independently diagnose and prescribe treatment. However, such therapy often aggravates the situation – from the acute form, the viral infection rapidly flows into the chronic stage. After all, antibiotic treatment for some types of acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections is completely contraindicated!

Do not ignore the symptoms of acute colds, trying to improve the condition by self-medication! This is fraught with serious complications for the body! Right now, if you have a cough, runny nose and sore throat, make an appointment with a therapist. In Kaliningrad, you can do this in the Edcar network of clinics – let a good specialist diagnose you and prescribe effective therapy. Otherwise, a mild cold can easily develop into bronchitis, pneumonia, a chronic form of laryngitis or tonsillitis.

Causes of the “cold”, symptoms, complications

ARVI and acute respiratory infections are the most common diseases that affect both adults and children, especially in winter and spring. Most often, they are transmitted by airborne droplets. However, in the “people” they are called colds, which is not quite the right name. The occurrence of symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose and cough is not always associated with hypothermia. More often, the virus penetrates through the mucous membranes from one person to another, and the peak of its activity occurs in the cold season. ARVI is a viral infection that affects every adult one to three times a year, and even more often children.

Symptoms of acute colds are:

  • runny nose with copious mucus;
  • unpleasant itching and sore throat;
  • dry or wet cough;
  • headache;
  • general weakness;
  • increased body temperature;
  • loss of appetite.

Influenza is considered the most common viral infection. It is characterized by all of the above symptoms, with the exception of a runny nose, which may not be. However, in addition there is a strong ache in the body. The temperature rises suddenly, sharply, up to 40 degrees. The patient feels severe weakness, lethargy. Influenza is dangerous with complications that usually develop in the absence of drug treatment or improperly selected therapy. Complications of influenza are pneumonia, inflammatory processes in the nasal appendages, various types of otitis, meningitis. The flu is very dangerous for people whose immunity is reduced. These are the elderly and children, patients with diabetes and HIV-infected.

ARVI is characterized by chills, fever up to 39 degrees, broken state of the body. The cough is usually dry at first. Then the mucus starts to come out. It keeps for 2-3 weeks. Even longer cough can disturb in the absence of proper treatment of the disease. Complications are – sinusitis, sinusitis, pneumonia. In general, complications in SARS occur in advanced cases – when a person self-medicates or is not treated at all. Competent therapy eliminates the risk of their development, does not require much time.

When complications begin to develop, the body signals a sudden deterioration in well-being and a repeated increase in body temperature. It is dangerous if an untreated acute respiratory disease makes itself felt:

  • shortness of breath;
  • bloody sputum on coughing;
  • unbearable pain in the chest area;
  • skin rash;
  • eye sensitivity to light;
  • confusion.

It is difficult not to notice the development of complications in acute respiratory diseases. However, eliminating the consequences of lack of treatment or illiterate therapy is much more difficult and longer in time than preventing them. A timely appeal to a therapist with a cough, runny nose, sore throat, will not allow the disease to adversely affect health in general. But it will save you from many problems in the future.

Diagnosis and treatment

It is not difficult for a general practitioner to make a diagnosis for acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections or influenza. The clinical picture is usually clear and understandable. The therapist in Kaliningrad listens to the patient’s complaints, listens to his chest, prescribes the delivery of laboratory tests of urine and blood. With the development of complications, the patient is sent for x-rays of the upper respiratory tract, paranasal sinuses. In some cases, a bacteriological analysis of sputum is required. These studies make it possible to exclude the risk of developing serious pathologies of the ENT organs, and if they are present, to adjust the treatment.

In the treatment of SARS, influenza, our therapist recommends:

  • stay at home, and preferably bed rest, at least for the first few days;
  • drink a lot of liquid at room temperature – water, fruit drinks, compotes, juices, but not coffee or tea;
  • of antipyretics, it is recommended to take only paracetamol or products based on it;
  • drink vitamins.

Medicines for influenza should only be prescribed by a doctor to relieve symptoms of influenza and improve the condition. Antibiotics are not prescribed for uncomplicated forms of acute respiratory infections, since they do not have a detrimental effect on the virus.

Prevention

To protect yourself from a viral infection, it is enough to follow a few simple rules:

  • during the cold season, when the peak of the spread of the virus is observed, it is necessary to avoid public places where a lot of people accumulate;
  • after walking, visiting public places, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water several times in the middle of the day;
  • diversify the diet with foods rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals;
  • take vitamin complexes in winter and spring;
  • with weak immunity, drink immunomodulating agents – tinctures of Eleutherococcus, ginseng, propolis;
  • spend a lot of time outdoors;
  • ventilate the room as often as possible;
  • exercise moderate physical activity – walking, morning exercises, light running, swimming;
  • temper and strengthen the body, before the onset of the disease.

Vaccination is an effective preventive measure for influenza. However, you need to be vaccinated in advance, and not during an epidemic. Vaccination is especially recommended for people with reduced immunity, school-age children, the elderly, those who, due to their professional activities, are constantly among a large crowd of people. It is very important to be vaccinated for those who suffer from chronic diseases of the ENT organs, cardiovascular pathologies, diabetes mellitus, and kidney diseases. This will help to avoid dangerous complications after the flu in the season of exacerbation!

If you feel the onset of an acute respiratory illness – sore throat, runny nose, cough, body aches and weakness, you should contact a general practitioner as soon as possible. Do not let the disease take its course, without attaching importance to it! For a certain group of people, even a common cold can cause serious complications. We will be glad to see you at Edcar at any time convenient for you.

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