Complications of Common Cold

Some of the more severe possible complications of a common cold include:

• Ear infection (middle ear infection)
• Dehydration
• Pneumonia
• Sinusitis
• Bronchiolitis
• Bacterial infection
• Lung infection
• Asthma attack

   •   •   •

Back to: « Common Cold

Complications of Common Cold

Sinus infection middle ear infection, asthma

Source: NIH News in Health (NIH)¹

   •   •   •

Most people recover within about 7-10 days. However, people with weakened immune systems, asthma, or respiratory conditions may develop serious illness, such as pneumonia.

Source: CDC Features²

   •   •   •

Rhinoviruses can also trigger asthma attacks and have been linked to sinus and ear infections.

Source: CDC Features³

   •   •   •

Cold

• Sinus infection
• Middle ear infection
• Asthma exacerbation

Source: MedLinePlus Magazine (NIH)⁴

Complications for Common Cold

Labyrinthitis: Labyrinthitis usually follows a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. The infection can spread from the chest, nose, mouth and airways to the inner ear.

Source: NHS Choices UK⁵

   •   •   •

Reye's syndrome: You should contact your GP if, after having a cold, flu or chickenpox, your child is:

• vomiting repeatedly
• unusually tired
• displaying personality or behavioural changes (see above)

Although it's unlikely these symptoms will be caused by Reye's syndrome, they still need to be checked by a doctor.

Tell your GP if your child has taken aspirin, because the use of aspirin in children has been linked to Reye's syndrome (see below).

But even if your child hasn't taken aspirin, Reye's syndrome shouldn't be ruled out.

Source: NHS Choices UK⁶

   •   •   •

References

1. Source: NIH News in Health (NIH): newsinhealth.nih.gov/ issue/ oct2014/ feature2
2. Source: CDC Features: cdc.gov/ features/ rhinoviruses/ 
3. ibid.
4. Source: MedLinePlus Magazine (NIH): medlineplus.gov/ magazine/ issues/ spring15/ articles/ spring15pg26-27.html
5. Source: NHS Choices UK: nhs.uk/ conditions/ Labyrinthitis/ 
6. Source: NHS Choices UK: nhs.uk/ conditions/ Reyes-syndrome/ 

   •   •   •

Note: This site is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. See your doctor or other qualified medical professional for all your medical needs.