How long does a cold last? A common cold is one of life’s irritations. We all suffer from colds at one time or another and, unfortunately, there is no cure for them. Most adults suffer from between two and four colds per year whereas children have a lower immune system and usually catch between three and eight colds per year.

The common cold is caused by a viral infection afflicting the upper respiratory system. The first indication you are developing a cold is usually a sore throat. This progresses into a runny or blocked nose, often accompanied by a cough, headache, and blocked sinuses. You might also be lucky enough to suffer from a fever, aches and pains.

How long does a cold last?

Most colds are at their worst after about three days. This is the day when your nose is streaming and the moment you lie down you cannot breathe. It is also the day where you feel absolutely awful and death seems like an attractive option. By day four or five, the worst of the symptoms have eased off and although you are still sniffing and snivelling, signs of life are slowly returning. If the cold has affected your chest and you are also coughing a lot, it is not uncommon for the symptoms to last up to three weeks, but if after one month the cough is still lingering on or you feel no better, it is a good idea to take a trip to the doctor for a check-up to rule out any secondary complications such as a chest infection.

How long does a cold last for a smoker?

People who smoke are far more likely to suffer the effects of a cold longer than those who do not smoke. Their symptoms are also likely to be worse than those of a non-smoker. Children of smokers are also more susceptible to catching colds and coughs.

When you are in the midst of a bad cold, it often feels like it is taking forever to clear up. Colds are a truly miserable experience, but with the aid of a few treatments, it is possible to find some relief from the worst of the symptoms and beat the cold sooner rather than later.

Many people swear by taking vitamin C supplements the moment they feel a vague sniffle coming on, although there is no medical proof that this actually helps in any way. Research has shown that Echinacea herbal remedies can be helpful when taken as a preventative remedy and medication containing zinc has also been proven to be an effective way of reducing the severity of a cold.

Taking regular exercise is a great way to ward off coughs and colds. Studies have repeatedly shown that those people who exercise regularly are far less likely to catch a cold, and if they do succumb to a cold, the symptoms are usually fairly mild and short lived. So if you want to know how long a cold lasts, just remember, the type of lifestyle you lead can have a major effect on the duration and intensity of the common cold.

Source : Common cold