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A prolonged cold can interfere with daily activities, especially if accompanied by a heavy head. It is important to understand the causes and how to treat it, so that you can immediately get the right treatment and prevent further complications.
A cold is generally caused by a viral infection that usually gets better within 7–10 days. However, if the cold lasts more than 10 days or recurs frequently, there may be other underlying factors that need to be watched out for.
Understanding the causes of a prolonged cold is very important so that you get the right treatment and avoid more serious conditions. This is because a prolonged cold is not always caused by the common flu. This condition can also be related to allergies, infections, or other problems in the respiratory tract.
Various Causes of Prolonged Colds
Here are some conditions that can cause prolonged colds:
1. Allergic rhinitis
Allergies to dust, animal hair, pollen, or cold air can cause prolonged colds that are usually accompanied by sneezing and an itchy nose. If your cold is caused by allergies, then the condition is called allergic rhinitis.
2. Sinusitis
Inflammation of the sinus cavities or sinusitiscan make colds difficult to heal. This condition is usually accompanied by nasal congestion, headaches, or pain around the face. Sinusitis can be acute, which lasts less than 4 weeks, or chronic, which lasts more than 12 weeks.
3. Respiratory tract infections
Viral or bacterial infections, such as throat infections, can cause prolonged colds. Colds can take longer to heal in people with weak immune systems, such as children, the elderly, or people with chronic diseases.
4. Nasal polyps
Nasal polypsare non-cancerous soft tissue growths in the nasal cavity or sinuses. These polyps are generally shaped like water droplets and can grow alone or in groups, causing the nasal airways to become blocked.
This condition is usually painless, but it can interfere with breathing, causing prolonged colds, nasal congestion, decreased sense of smell, and sometimes even pain around the face.
5. Exposure to pollution and irritants
Exposure to air pollution and irritants, such as cigarette smoke, dust, or chemicals, can irritate the respiratory tract, including the nose. This irritation triggers inflammation and excess mucus production, leading to a runny nose that is difficult to heal or often recurs.
This condition is usually experienced by people who live in environments with poor air quality, work in smoky areas, or are frequently exposed to certain chemicals.
6. Food and drink allergies
In some people, certain foods or drinks can trigger allergic reactions in the form of a runny nose. However, this condition is actually rarely the main cause of a prolonged cold.
How to Overcome a Prolonged Cold at Home
To relieve a prolonged cold, here are some steps you can take:
- Make sure the surrounding environment is clean, especially from dust, animal hair, or mold that can potentially trigger allergies.
- Avoid allergy triggers, both at home and at work.
- Drink plenty of water to thin the mucus in your nose and make it easier to remove.
- Inhale warm steam from hot water to relieve nasal congestion and reduce irritation in the respiratory tract.
- Use antihistamines or decongestants if needed, but make sure to use them according to your doctor's instructions.
Not all prolonged colds are dangerous, but it's important to know when to be alert. See a doctor immediately if you have a cold accompanied by a high fever for more than 3 days, greenish or bloody nasal mucus, noisy breathing, or difficulty breathing.
For mild symptoms that have not improved, you can use the Chat with a Doctorfeature on Alodokter for easy and fast initial consultation.
If your symptoms get worse or interfere with your activities, immediately make an appointmentfor a consultationdirectly with a doctor through Alodokter so that you can get the appropriate examination and therapy. This service helps you save time, choose a doctor according to your needs, and get a flexible schedule.
Label : Health
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