If you are like many people, you may not rush into your doctor’s office at the first sign of a sniffle, but there is certainly a point where you will want to seek medical attention when you are feeling sick. Typical symptoms of a cold like a runny nose or sneezing may not seem like something serious, but if other symptoms are present, a call to your doctor in Douglasville may be in order. Here are some signs that you should make an appointment with your doctor when you have a cold.
Breathing Problems or Chest Pain
A cold is only a cold until it turns into something worse like bronchitis or pneumonia. It is definitely possible for this to happen when you have a cold so you need to look for certain signs. A normal cold should not be associated with any breathing difficulties or chest pain. Pain while coughing can be a sign of both of these and shortness of breath can certainly indicate a more serious illness than a simple cold. Severe and constant chest pain could be a sign of a heart attack. You should get to the emergency room.
Fever, Vomiting or Other Symptoms Inconsistent with a Cold
You should not have a fever with a cold, nor should vomiting accompany a cold. You may get a fever with the flu, but it should go away in a matter of days. Anytime you have a fever for an extended period of time, it could indicate an infection which will need to be addressed with antibiotics. As for vomiting, this is not typical with a cold either and could be an indication that something else is going on. It is important to receive medical attention if vomiting goes on for more than 2-3 days as you may be losing too much fluid.
Painful Swallowing and Persistent Coughing
Though there may be some degree of a sore throat when you have a cold, it should not be so painful that you cannot possibly swallow. This could be a serious problem or injury that needs to be cared for by a doctor. The same can be said with coughing that won’t let up. Some coughing is normal with a cold but if you have been coughing persistently for more than two weeks, you definitely should make a doctor’s appointment.
The fact of the matter is, we are all going to get colds and all of us will feel under the weather at times. It isn’t necessary to see your doctor for every scratchy throat or sneeze. However, if your illness is getting worse over time, you have a feeling of dread concerning your illness or you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, it is important to make an appointment with your doctor in Douglasville.
When seeking the services of a doctor in Douglasville, make an appointment with Veranet Healthcare LLC. You can reach the office at (770) 771-5230 or browse the website for more information at http://www.docvera.com.
