The severe and prolonged cold
The bad cold is a complication of the common cold, this is a mild and self-limited viral infectious disease that normally heals in about 7 days. There is no treatment to cure the cold, only to relieve the symptoms.
What are the symptoms of a severe cold?
The long-term severe cold and sinusitis share symptoms, and in fact, a cold that lasts longer than 10 days is called acute sinusitis. If the cold symptoms persist for more than 3 months, then it is classified as chronic sinusitis.
Nasal congestion
Nasal congestion occurs due to blockage of the nasal passages consequently causing what is known as a “stuffy nose”.
Runny nose
A runny nose occurs when the nasal cavity is filled with mucus.
Headache
When the sinuses are blocked, nasal pressure increases significantly and causes facial pain.
Loss of smell
Inflammation or blockage of the sinuses can affect the sense of smell.
But what about sinusitis?
Prolonged, severe cold and sinusitis share symptoms. In fact, a cold that lasts more than 10 days is called acute sinusitis. If the cold symptoms persist for more than 3 months, then it is classified as chronic sinusitis.
Causes of severe cold
Typically a cold lasts 7-10 days with complete resolution of symptoms. In some cases, cold symptoms last longer than 10 days and then you are suffering from what doctors call acute sinusitis.
What can make a cold last more than 10 days?
There are several factors that alone or in conjunction with others can prolong a cold. A weakened immune system (what people call low defenses) makes it difficult to cure infections and therefore all factors that affect the immune system prolong the cold.
How to PREVENT a severe cold
By knowing the factors that can lengthen a cold, the logical recommendation is to avoid them…
Get enough rest and sleep, at least eight hours.