The common cold: Important facts you should know

See this little guy here? This is how I've been feeling for the past few weeks. At various times, I felt like I might be on the road to recovery only to wake up with yet another stuffy nose or end up going to bed with an uncontrollable cough. Since I'm going on week 4 of this darned cold, I decided to do some online research and get re-informed about the symptoms and duration of the cold virus as well as things I can do to make myself more comfortable while my body heals itself (since nothing cures the cold virus).

The first article I came across was a gem, so I decided to share it here with you. It has information such as "6 keys to understanding the common cold virus," "Natural treatments for coughs, runny nose and congestion," "Medications to treat coughs and colds," and "When to worry - 4 complications of colds." You may think you already know all of this (and you might), but there are many myths associated with the common cold and its treatment. You may be surprised at what you find out.

Although it may seem like a lengthy article, please bookmark it and go back and read it at some point. You'll be glad you did. Keep in mind that the article is written as if it's directed to a parent trying to help their child. However, the same information holds true for an adult with a cold so don't stop reading it because you think it doesn't apply to you...it does.

Here's an excerpt from the article from askdrsears.com:

"You waken at three in the morning to the sound of your coughing eight-year-old child. You stumble down the hallway to his room to check on him and you hear his chest rattling. He is unable to breath through his stuffy nose and he feels like he has a fever. Another coughing fit hits him and he vomits some green mucus. What should you do? His fever worries you. Should you call your doctor or take him to the ER?

Your one-year-old has had a green runny nose and a cough for two weeks, but he seems happy and playful, has no fever, and has been sleeping relatively well. Should you take him to the doctor? Could this be an ear infection or sinus infection?

Your three-year-old has had a fever for the past three days, along with a runny nose and cough. It's Sunday, and your doctor isn't available. Should you take him to the ER, or perhaps the clinic down the street?

Here is a guide to helping you understand coughs and colds. Does green nose mean a sinus infection? Is a fever cause for worry? How do you tell if your child has bronchitis? Should you take him in to the doctor, or wait a few days? These and many other questions will be answered as we discuss how to get your child through the common cold, how to treat his symptoms, and how to decide when to see the doctor. For a full discussion on bronchitis, click here.

Coughs and colds are seldom a reason to go to the ER or page your doctor in the middle of the night. There are guidelines at the end of this discussion that instruct you when to go to the ER or page your doctor."

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