Learn about symptoms and causes of the common cold, self help treatment options, medication and when to seek medical help.

What is a Common Cold?

A common cold, or simply known as a cold, is an infection of the nose, airways and throat. It is usually quite mild and you will normally recover on your own with little self-treatment. Colds are different from Influenza (flu), which is typically caused by other types of virus and are usually more severe.

What are the possible causes of the Common Cold? 

30 – 50% of colds are caused by a group of viruses known as rhinovirus. Rarely, bacterial infections occur at the same time.

What are the symptoms of the Common Cold?

Symptoms of a common cold may include:

• Sore, scratchy throat (usually at the beginning stage)
• Runny nose
• Blocked nose
• Cough
• Mild fever (less than 38°C)

Cold symptoms typically last for 3-14 days before resolving on their own. 

What can I do to treat a Common Cold?

As the common cold is usually caused by viruses, and not bacteria, antibiotics are not effective in curing it. Antibiotics only treat infections caused by bacteria. The symptoms of common cold can be self-treated using the medications below. These are mostly available over the counter except cough suppressants. You can also ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable treatment.

• Fever medication such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen may be used to reduce a high body temperature. 
• Cough suppressants may be taken to reduce the body’s urge to cough. (https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/medications/389/Cough-Suppressants)
• Expectorants and mucolytics may help by thinning the phlegm, hence making it easier for your body to clear it from the airway either by spitting it out or swallowing it. (https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/medications/390/Mucolytics-and-Expectorants)
• Antihistamines may be given to treat a runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing. They are also commonly used to treat allergies or itch. (https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/medications/385/Antihistamine-oral)
• Decongestants may help to relieve blocked nose. They may be found in nasal spray, nasal drops and tablet forms. While decongestant sprays and drops take effect quickly, they should not be used for more than 3 – 5 days as they may cause rebound blocked nose (constant blocked nose caused by overuse of nasal decongestants). 

Some products contain a combination of the above groups of medication to treat 2 – 3 symptoms at the same time.

• This means you may end up taking medication which you do not need. 
• If you take another medication with the combination product, you may also be taking double the dose of the same medication.
• Please check the ingredients of the products you are using to avoid overdosing and speak to your pharmacist to be sure. 

When do I need to see a doctor?

Although a common cold can be treated without a doctor’s consultation, there are times when the condition might be more serious. 

If your cold does not get better in 2 weeks or gets worse during self-treatment, you should see a doctor. You should also see a doctor if you:

• Have cough with thick phlegm that is yellow or green or contains some blood 
• Have fever more than 38.6°C
• Have shortness of breath
• Have chest pain
• Have a history of medical conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heart failure
• Have a suppressed immune system e.g. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or are using steroids for a long time
• Are elderly with multiple long-term medical conditions
• Are a child less than 2 years old

What else can I do to manage this condition?

Aside from  using medications, having enough rest and drinking lots of fluid (unless your doctor has advised you to limit your fluid intake) can also help you to recover from a cold. The following herbal or home remedies may help to reduce cold symptoms.

• Honey – do not give to infants less than 1 year old
• Elderberry extract – use with caution in patients on long-term immunosuppressants (medications that suppress the immune system e.g. corticosteroids)
• Ivy leaf extract
• Pelargonium sidoides extract
• Echinacea extract – use with caution in patients with liver conditions or who are on long-term immunosuppressants
• Steam inhalation 
• Using a saline nasal spray or nasal wash
• Applying natural oils, sprays or ointments containing eucalyptus, menthol or camphor onto your chest, neck and back to help you to breathe better
• Warm water with honey and lemon

The following are some suggestions to make it less likely for you to get a cold again:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Handle food with clean hands
• Have a healthy diet
• Get enough sleep
• If you are sick, wear a mask. Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and throw away the used tissues quickly

Disclaimers

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

The content above is solely for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. You should not use the information for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or supplement, or adopting any treatment for a health problem.