Symptoms Of Cold

By: Helen Rogers

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Your nose is runny and your muscles ache; you may be experiencing the symptoms of cold. Sometimes you can mistake minor allergy annoyances for a full blown cold, so it helps to know all of the symptoms to look out for. If you think you’re experiencing the symptoms of a cold, compare them to the list below and you should have a better idea.

  1. When a cold begins, it’s usually marked by waking up with a sore or uncomfortable throat sensation. This is typically caused by the nose becoming congested through the night. If you’ve woken up with a sore throat or you feel one coming on, you may be experiencing the first of the cold symptoms.
  2. Nasal drainage is another one of the common symptoms of a cold. Sometimes the drainage might be clear and watery, while with other people, it can be thicker and possess a yellowish green color. One or both of the nostrils may even clog up completely which is one of the least enjoyable cold symptoms.
  3. Frequent sneezing is one of the normal cold symptoms. One or two sneezes is nothing to worry over, but if you find yourself sneezing frequently and sometimes back-to-back, this may be one of the cold symptoms. Remember when sneezing to use a tissue and excrete as much of the congestion as you can.
  4. Watery and irritable eyes can be one of the cold symptoms you experience. If your eyes feel dry, watery, itchy, or irritable, you could be coming down with a cold. Keep eye drops on hand to keep them hydrated and comfortable so that you don’t rub them and risk an infection.
  5. Cold symptoms typically include coughing if there is a lot of chest congestion. Usually, coughing will surface later on in the cold, but sometimes it can show up initially when the cold is just beginning.
  6. A cold may also come with a low fever. A fever is something else to watch out for. Use a thermometer periodically to monitor your body temperature. If it is any higher than 98.6, consider over-the-counter medication. If it reaches above 101 degrees, consult a doctor immediately.
Posted on: Apr. 29, 2011