Rhinosinusitis

Cough, Runny Nose, and the Common Cold Discharge Instructions

The common cold is an infection in the nose and throat. A tiny germ, called a virus, causes this infection. It often affects your nose, throat, ears, and sinuses. A cold can easily spread from person to person. Coughing, sneezing, or touching something with the germ on it spreads the cold. Most colds go away on their own without treatment. Antibiotics will not help a cold. Your doctor may order drugs to help with the signs of a cold. Even though you may feel very sick, the common cold is not a health emergency.

Help a stuffy nose,Lower a fever,Help with pain,Treat an allergy,Help with cough

Chicken soup may be helpful. Warm fluids help thin mucus and help the body get rid of it easier.

Colds may cause signs of asthma for people who have asthma.,Sinus or ear infection,Lung infections,Bronchitis

Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum.,Trouble breathing

Ambulatory Care,Emergency Medicine,Pediatric,Respiratory

Colds,Colds and Coughing,Common Cold,Cough and Colds,Coughing,Nasal Congestion,Nose,Runny,Upper Respiratory Infection, Viral,Viral Rhinitis

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider’s advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.

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