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Chronic Colds Can Be a Sign of 3 Diseases

Chronic cold is not always an ordinary cold. Chronic cold that does not go away can be a sign that you are suffering from another, more serious disease. For that, consider the following explanation about the causes of chronic colds. Sore throat, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, coughing, headaches, and feeling tired, usually you will feel when a cold strikes. As with any severe cold, this condition will usually disappear in about 14 days, both with or without treatment. But if a cold doesn't go away for more than two weeks or even years, it could be caused by other medical conditions, such as allergies, sinusitis, asthma, vasomotor rhinitis, or nasal polyps.

Various Conditions Cause Chronic Colds

The following are various medical conditions that often cause chronic colds:
  • Allergy

  • The most common cause of chronic colds is an allergy to an allergen (things that trigger allergies), such as house dust mites or pet dander. In addition, allergies can also be triggered by wood chips, pollen, and flour. When allergies occur, the immune system will react to allergens. This is because cells in the nose release histamine and other chemicals when in contact with allergens. As a result, the nose becomes inflamed and causes typical symptoms, such as colds and nasal discharge. Symptoms of colds that occur due to allergies usually include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, body aches, and fever. These signs usually appear quickly when in direct contact or only close to the cause of an allergy.
  • Sinusitis

  • Chronic colds can also be caused by sinusitis. Sinusitis itself is inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinus cavity, which is an air-filled space located on the nose, cheeks, nasal cavity, and above the eyes. This condition occurs when the sinuses, which are filled with air, become blocked and fluid filled. As a result, germs can grow and cause infection and inflammation, which is called sinusitis. Elections and sinusitis can cause pain around the eyes and nose, and produce yellowish mucus. Symptoms of sinusitis, such as colds, can persist for up to 4 weeks. If the symptoms of chronic colds for more than 4 weeks due to sinus, then this condition is categorized as chronic sinusitis.
  • Nasal polyps

  • In addition to the two conditions above, nasal polyps can also be another cause of chronic colds. Nasal polyps are swelling of the nasal membranes that occur in the nasal passages and sinuses. Nasal polyps do not always cause symptoms, especially if they are small. However, if the polyp is large, it will usually cause symptoms in the form of nasal congestion, runny nose, and mucus that flows into the back of the throat (postnasal drip). Not only that, large nasal polyps can also be accompanied by pain around the face and teeth, nosebleeds, to disturbance of the sense of smell and sense of taste. Even though nasal polyps are not a worrying disease, but you must still be aware of their development. Especially if nasal polyps cause breathing difficulties, swelling around the eyes, severe headaches, or vision problems. Immediately consult a doctor if you experience these symptoms, to get the right treatment.
In some people, the symptoms of chronic colds appear every day at certain times. However, there are also symptoms of chronic colds that disappear randomly arise. If you feel symptoms of a cold that does not go away accompanied by ear pain, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, chest or stomach pain, neck stiffness, pain around the nose and eyes, sore throat, or coughing up phlegm for more than a week, consult a doctor immediately ENT specialist to get treatment.

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