For the most part, chronic cough because the aftermath of a cold or other viral infection. Unfortunately for many, they ignore the symptoms of a cold which can turn into a very bad cough. It is best to take medicine for cough and cold immediately as soon as you notice symptoms or feel like you’re about to get sick.
Not drinking up on the necessary meds can eventually make your cold worse. To let you realize how important it is to take your medicine for cough and cold, here are a few things that are likely to happen if you neglect taking your meds:
Nasal Congestion
This happens when the nasal passages are blocked due to the swelling from inflamed blood vessels. Basically the membranes that make up the lining of your nose is swollen hence the feeling of a stuffy nose. After getting a cold or flu, your airways will automatically get irritated. This is why you need to drink medicines and plenty of water to keep it from getting worse.
Stress
It’s a known fact that if we are sick, our stress levels increase dramatically. And this is bad for our cold because stress, especially if it’s chronic can make our colds last longer. Take some down time to relax and reduce your stress a little. There are medicines that come with a ‘drowse’ effect which makes you sleepy and urges you to rest and take a nap. This is especially helpful to keep your stress off the grid. Don’t forget to aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep at night too!
Bacterial Infection
When your airways are raw and irritated after a cold, it’s easier for bacteria to invade. Bacteria can cause many more severe illnesses such as sinus infections, bronchitis and pneumonia. If you have a fever or pain along with your lingering cough, a bacterial infection could be the reason. See your doctor if symptoms persist as you may need to take an antibiotic for this special case.
Sneezing
This act of expelling a sudden and uncontrollable burst of air through the nose and mouth goes hand in hand with cough and cold. Did you know that it’s possible for sneezing to get worse? Along with intensified sneezing comes burning, itchy or watery eyes and extreme discomfort overall.
If you acquire cough or cold, it is best advised to immediately drink up on your meds to treat it immediately. Or else, it could get worse. As mentioned above, many complications will arise if you don’t take your treatment quickly. Stay safe and don’t forget to take your medicines.