Cold - Complications of a common cold

Colds don't usually cause complications. However, the infection can sometimes move to your chest, ears or sinuses.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an infection of the small, air-filled cavities inside the cheekbones and forehead. It develops in up to 2% of adults and older children with colds.

Symptoms of sinusitis include:

• pain and tenderness around your nose, eyes and forehead 
• a blocked and runny nose

In most cases, the symptoms of sinusitis will resolve without the need for treatment.

Middle ear infection (otitis media)

A middle ear infection (otitis media) develops in an estimated 20% of children under five years old with a cold.

Symptoms of a middle ear infection include:

• severe earache
• a high temperature (fever) of or above 38°C (100°F)
• flu-like symptoms, such as vomiting and lethargy (a lack of energy)
• some loss of hearing

Approximately 80% of middle ear infections will resolve themselves without treatment, usually within three days.

Additional treatment is usually only required if your child has repeated middle ear infections.

Chest infection

A chest infection can occur after a cold, as your immune system is lowered. There are two main types of chest infection:

• bronchitis – which usually resolves itself without treatment after a few weeks
• pneumonia – which is rarer, but causes more serious symptoms

Symptoms of a chest infection include a persistent cough, bringing up phlegm (mucus) and breathlessness.

You should see your GP if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• a high temperature (this is usually a sign of a more serious type of infection)
• confusion or disorientation
• a sharp pain in your chest
• coughing up blood-stained phlegm (thick mucus)
• your symptoms last longer than three weeks