Why you should not ignore common cold

[Mirror]

The rains are here again. You don't have to be a doctor to predict that many Nigerians will come down with some ailments associated with the cold weather. Predictably, the common cold is one health problem that is not likely to receive much attention from most people.

When the sneezing and runny nose begin, you will probably just arm yourself with handkerchief, some analgesics Vitamin C or vapour rub – which is not a bad idea. But experts say you will be making a mistake if you ignore it totally, especially if it persists after a week or so.

Ear nose and throat (ENT) specialists say common cold could lead to some complications of the upper respiratory tract – some of which could be fatal and life threatening if not investigated to ensure it's not a more serious bacterial infection.

A specialist who pleaded anonymity told National Mirror that common cold could be the beginning of more serious infections like sinusitis and other infection of the upper respiratory tract, middle ear and tonsils.

According to him, the common cold would ordinarily last about three to five days and would stop on its own when not treated. During this period, the individual only needs to rest, and take a mild analgesic.

A more intensive treatment may however be needed if the symptoms – stuffy nose, mild fever headache and fever – persist after five days. The ENT specialist says there could be a bacterial infection which should be investigated so that an appropriate antibiotic can be prescribed.

When this is not done, other serious conditions could set in, especially after a long period and these could be difficult to treat. Such treatment will not only be costly but may require hospital admission and sometime, surgery.

The ENT specialist identified otitis media, an inflammation of the middle ear, as one of the infections to watch because it often progresses from common cold. According to him, otitis media is more common among children and the causative agent could either be of viral or bacterial origin. It is often preceded by an upper respiratory infection, especially common cold.

The symptoms of otitis media include diminished hearing, pain, fever and a sense of fullness in the ear. Treatment, according to the experts, will include the use of antibiotic – which will be chosen after a swab of the affected ear had been taken for laboratory investigation.

At this stage, the ENT specialist says, it is imperative to select an appropriate antibiotic that will completely eradicate the infection and prevent complications. It is therefore not an ailment that should be treated at home or through self medication!

So, has your cold lasted more than a week? You need to see your doctor urgently. He should be able to refer you to an ENT specialist for appropriated, treatment to avoid dangerous complications.

National Mirror

[Shola Sholaz]

Cold is cold...Whether common or serious...People should try as much as possible to avoid it because it is dangerous.