The Common Cold vs. a Chest Cold

You have almost certainly had the common cold at some point. More than likely, you get at least one cold every year. This common illness can hang around for several days and make life miserable during this time. There are similar sicknesses that can also affect you, namely a chest cold. You should learn the differences between these so that you know how to treat them and when you may need to go to urgent care.

An overview of the common cold

A cold comes from a virus such as rhinovirus, coronavirus, or RSV. Most colds come during the late fall or winter, but a person can become sick with one at any time of the year. Colds spread through close contact from person to person. Particles from sneezing or coughing can get onto someone’s hands or in their nose and mouth. Two or three days after exposure, symptoms will show up.

Common symptoms of a cold include a runny or stuffy nose along with sneezing. Congestion and coughing often come with the common cold too. A person may have a mild fever or a headache. Chills and body aches can also occur. A cold will usually stick around for three to five days, though symptoms may linger even longer. Children are more prone to having the common cold than adults or the elderly.

A look at chest colds

A chest cold is another name for bronchitis, a virus-causing illness. It often develops after an upper respiratory infection. It occurs when the airways of the lungs swell and produce mucous. This can cause frequent, often intense coughing. Chest colds can last longer than the common cold. Often, a person will have a chest cold for up to three weeks or longer.

How to tell which one it is

Because the common cold and a chest cold have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to know which one the person has. A chest cold is more severe, so the symptoms will make the person sicker. A chest cold will also affect the person longer. Another test is to look if there is mucous when coughing. The common cold will not produce mucous, while a chest cold will.

Treatment for a chest cold

Both chest colds and the common cold require rest. The person should also drink plenty of fluids, particularly water. A visit to urgent care may be necessary if it becomes difficult to breathe or if the symptoms last longer than a few weeks. People can prevent both types of colds by washing their hands. Avoiding crowds, when possible, during the winter will also help. People should avoid being around sick people during these peak times of the year.