Colds (cont.)
Medical Author:
Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD
Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhDDr. Charles "Pat" Davis, MD, PhD, is a board certified Emergency Medicine doctor who currently practices as a consultant and staff member for hospitals. He has a PhD in Microbiology (UT at Austin), and the MD (Univ. Texas Medical Branch, Galveston). He is a Clinical Professor (retired) in the Division of Emergency Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and has been the Chief of Emergency Medicine at UT Medical Branch and at UTHSCSA with over 250 publications. Medical Editor:
John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP
John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEPJohn P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey. IN THIS ARTICLE
When to Seek Medical Care for a ColdPeople usually do not need to call a doctor if they catch a cold. However, if symptoms become severe or people develop the following symptoms, the patient may have "the flu" virus, bacterial pneumonia, or another illness that should be reported to the doctor:
For mild-to-moderate cold symptoms, individuals usually do not need to see a doctor. Almost everything a doctor can prescribe to relieve symptoms can be purchased without a prescription. For more severe symptoms or a prolonged duration of symptoms, people should visit their doctor. An office visit will usually suffice but if the person is extremely ill and seems to be getting worse, go to the emergency department. Must Read Articles Related to Colds
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Viewer Comments & ReviewsCommon Cold - What You Do to AvoidThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What symptoms did you experience with your cold? Common Cold - SymptomsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What was your common cold symptoms and signs? |
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The common cold is an acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) characterized by mild coryzal symptoms, rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, and sneezing.
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