Common Cold Treatment at Brimhall Primary Care Center, Ming Primary Care Clinic, Niles Primary Care Clinic, and Niles Family Medicine in Bakersfield, CA

At  Universal Primary Care Medical Group of Brimhall Primary Care Center, Ming Primary Care Clinic, Niles Primary Care Clinic, and Niles Family Medicine, we understand the discomfort and inconvenience that comes with the common cold. As a viral infection primarily affects the nose and throat, a cold can present with a variety of symptoms, which may vary among individuals.
 
The initial symptoms typically include a sore throat with a scratchy or throbbing sensation and difficulty swallowing. These usually subside after a day or two but are often followed by nasal congestion, a hallmark symptom of a cold that can make breathing through the nose difficult.

As your cold progresses, you may experience increased nasal secretions or rhinorrhea. The mucus can be clear or yellowish, causing a runny nose, and may thicken and darken as the infection progresses. However, this is a common part of the cold and not necessarily an indication of a bacterial infection.

Sneezing is another frequent symptom, as your body works to expel foreign particles, including viruses, from your nose and throat. Around the fourth or fifth day, you may start coughing, which can vary from a dry, hacking cough to a wet, productive one bringing up mucus.

At Universal Primary Care Medical Group of Brimhall Primary Care Center, Ming Primary Care Clinic, Niles Primary Care Clinic, and Niles Family Medicine, we want to stress that these symptoms can overlap with other conditions. Therefore, if your symptoms persist or worsen, we recommend that you seek medical advice.

At Universal Primary Care Medical Group of Brimhall Primary Care Center, Ming Primary Care Clinic, Niles Primary Care Clinic, and Niles Family Medicine, we understand that the common cold, a prevalent upper respiratory infection, can cause significant discomfort despite being self-limiting. Symptoms can range from mild to moderate, typically persisting for seven to ten days, although this duration can vary among individuals. The common cold may present with a sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, congestion, coughing, and even a low-grade fever.
 
The viruses primarily responsible for the common cold are rhinoviruses, accounting for approximately 30 to 50% of cases. However, other viruses such as coronaviruses, adenoviruses, and influenza viruses can also cause this illness. These viruses are highly contagious and quickly spread via respiratory droplets created when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Moreover, our team is trained to distinguish a common cold from more severe respiratory infections such as influenza or pneumonia. If your cold lasts for more than ten days, symptoms worsen, or are accompanied by high fever, severe headache, chest pain, or other worrying symptoms, we encourage it. You should get medical assistance from one of our qualified practitioners right away. These symptoms could indicate a more dangerous condition, such as the flu, which is marked by a sudden onset of high fever, muscular aches, headache, and weariness, or pneumonia, a pulmonary infection that causes fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

At Universal Primary Care Medical Group of Brimhall Primary Care Center, Ming Primary Care Clinic, Niles Primary Care Clinic, and Niles Family Medicine, we understand that while most colds, which are viral infections of the nose and throat, resolve within two weeks without medical intervention, there are certain symptoms and circumstances that necessitate medical attention.
 
We encourage our patients to schedule an appointment if:

● Symptoms persist or worsen: If your cold symptoms persist for more than a week without improvement or are severe and getting worse, this could indicate a more serious infection or a bacterial infection. Our healthcare professionals can provide the necessary antibiotics if required.
● High fever: A temperature over 101.5°F (38.6°C) that lasts for more than 24 hours, especially in infants, young children, and elderly people, requires medical attention.
● Chest pain or shortness of breath: These symptoms could suggest a more serious respiratory infection such as pneumonia or asthma. Our team can evaluate and provide the appropriate treatment.
● Thick, discolored mucus: Green or yellow mucus may indicate a bacterial infection. Our practitioners can prescribe the necessary antibiotics.
● Severe or persistent headache: A severe, throbbing headache that does not improve with over-the-counter pain relievers may be a sign of a sinus infection which our team can evaluate.
● Ear pain or pressure: Ear pain may indicate an ear infection, and our clinicians can prescribe suitable antibiotics.
● Other worrying symptoms: Seek medical attention at our practice if you experience confusion, drowsiness, seizures, or other worrying symptoms.

At Universal Primary Care Medical Group of Brimhall Primary Care Center, Ming Primary Care Clinic, Niles Primary Care Clinic, and Niles Family Medicine, we are here to ensure your health and well-being. If you have any doubt about the severity of your symptoms or if you’re not feeling better after a week of home care, our team is ready to assist. We can rule out any more serious infections, provide you with treatment options, and give you advice on how to prevent future colds.

At Universal Primary Care Medical Group of Brimhall Primary Care Center, Ming Primary Care Clinic, Niles Primary Care Clinic, and Niles Family Medicine, we are committed to ensuring your health and well-being, especially if you are experiencing persistent or worsening cold symptoms. These might be indicative of a more severe illness, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. We recommend that you closely monitor your symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
 
● Severe cough, producing thick or discolored mucus
● Fever over 100.4°F (38°C) for more than three days
● Persistent or severe headache
● Body aches that hinder your daily activities
● Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
● Ear pain or discharge
● Facial pain or pressure
● Confusion or delirium
● Persistent nausea or vomiting

To avoid transmitting the infection, limit your contact with people as much as possible. If contact is unavoidable, adopt proper hygiene by covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing and washing your hands often.

Remember, it is always better to seek medical advice if you are unsure about your symptoms or how to treat them. At Universal Primary Care Medical Group of Brimhall Primary Care Center, Ming Primary Care Clinic, Niles Primary Care Clinic, and Niles Family Medicine, our healthcare providers are available to provide accurate information based on your specific case and medical history. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations at Brimhall Primary Care Center, Ming Primary Care Clinic, Niles Primary Care Clinic, and Niles Family Medicine in Bakersfield, CA. We serve patients from Bakersfield CA, Maltha CA, Kayandee CA, Panama CA, Arvin CA, Fairfax CA, Rosedale CA, and surrounding areas.