Can a Cold Cause Trouble Breathing

October 18, 2024

The common cold is a common viral infection that tends to spread quickly during the fall and winter seasons. Colds can cause a variety of different symptoms which can vary in severity from person to person. However, colds are unlikely to lead to severe illness symptoms such as trouble breathing or a fever. If you’re experiencing illness symptoms and are in need of rapid symptom relief, visit AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst. Our team of dedicated medical professionals is available 7 days a week to provide same-day illness diagnosis and treatment. Simply walk into the clinic, or schedule your visit online in advance.

Schedule an Appointment

Common Symptoms of a Cold

Having a cold is an umbrella term for being sick with a mild viral infection. Colds can be caused by many different viruses, however, they typically affect the upper respiratory system and cause mild symptoms that resolve on their own within 1-2 weeks. Colds cannot be treated with medications such as antibiotics because they are caused by a virus. This means that your body will fight off the infection over time on its own. However, you can manage cold symptoms by using over-the-counter medications.

Common cold symptoms include:

  • Fatigue
  • Cough
  • Nasal congestion
  • Post-nasal drip
  • Sneezing
  • Sore throat

Is Trouble Breathing a Common Cold Symptom?

Colds are generally considered to be a mild illness. Cold symptoms can vary from person to person depending on what virus is causing the infection. This being said, colds are unlikely to cause severe symptoms such as trouble breathing. Having trouble breathing indicates the presence of a more severe infection in the lungs which may require medical treatment.

In many cases, severe illnesses begin with mild cold-like symptoms and continue to worsen over time. If your illness symptoms seem to be worsing continuously over time or are severe then you may have contracted a more serious illness than a cold and should seek medical care. Delaying care for severe illness symptoms such as trouble breathing can make the recovery period longer.

Illness Symptom Diagnosis & Treatment near Lyndhurst, NJ

If you’re feeling sick, it is always a good idea to seek medical care. This is especially true if you’re experiencing severe symptoms such as trouble breathing. A medical professional will be able to evaluate your symptoms and conduct the necessary diagnostic testing in order to properly diagnose the illness causing your symptoms. Not all illnesses can be treated the same way. Getting to the bottom of what is causing your symptoms is the only way to ensure that you’re treating the underlying infection correctly for the quickest recovery time.

Leaving your illness untreated could result in your symptoms worsening or complications such as secondary infections developing. Viral infections including the common cold, the flu and norovirus cannot be treated with medications. However, bacterial infections such as strep throat or ear infections require antibiotics for treatment.

Walk Into AFC Lyndhurst for Same-Day Illness Treatment in Lyndhurst, NJ

Trouble breathing is a severe illness symptom that requires medical care. If you’re sick, AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst is here to provide same-day care for non-life-threatening conditions such as colds. Our clinic is open 7 days a week and maintains short wait times so that you can get the care that you need when it’s convenient for you.

At AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst, we are prepared to offer care for a wide range of illnesses. Our team of medical providers are board-certified and will evaluate your symptoms and perform any necessary diagnostic testing to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. Based on the results, they will go over the available treatment options to ensure that you recover quickly. Our clinic has an on-site laboratory and we accept most medical insurance plans. Walk in today!

Blog Categories

Archives

Recent Blogs

About Our Services:

Call (201) 345-3839 for more information about our Lyndhurst urgent care services.