Beyond the Sniffles: Is It a Cold or Something More?

A cold is often the first thing that comes to mind when you have a runny nose, cough, and congestion. Most of the time, that assumption is correct. But sometimes, what seems like a cold is actually another condition that requires different treatment. 

Board-certified family nurse practitioner Albalira Gibson-Borrelli, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, at Horizons Wellness Family Health NP PLLC, helps patients sort through these symptoms and find the correct care. Recognizing when it’s really a cold and when it’s something more means getting the best treatment for the right issue. 

Characteristics of a cold

Viruses that impact the upper respiratory system cause colds, and symptoms usually develop gradually. They may include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Mild sore throat
• Cough
• Low-grade fever
• Fatigue

Most colds improve within 7–10 days. Rest, fluids, and over-the-counter remedies are typically enough while the infection clears.

Red flags that suggest something more

Specific symptoms should make you pause before writing it off as “just a cold.” Watch for:

• Fever higher than 101°F
• Severe sore throat or difficulty swallowing
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Chest pain or persistent cough with colored mucus
• Symptoms that worsen after initially improving
• Illness lasting longer than 10 days

These signs could indicate flu, strep throat, bronchitis, or pneumonia, conditions that often require medical evaluation and, in some cases, prescription treatment.

Conditions often mistaken for a cold

Because many respiratory illnesses share similar symptoms, they’re often confused with the common cold.

Allergies

Like colds, allergies make you feel tired and cause sneezing and congestion. Unlike colds, they don’t cause fever, and symptoms such as itchy eyes or a clear runny nose can last for weeks or months, depending on exposure to triggers like pollen, dust, or pet dander.

Sinus infections

Sinusitis sometimes develops after a cold, but symptoms tend to last longer and worsen instead of improving. Facial pain or pressure, thick yellow or green nasal discharge, and congestion that lasts for more than 10 days usually signal sinusitis. Bacterial sinus infections often require antibiotics.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis often begins with cold-like symptoms but soon develops into a persistent cough that produces mucus. The cough can linger for weeks and may worsen at night. Some cases resolve with supportive care, but medical evaluation helps rule out more serious conditions, such as pneumonia.

The flu 

The flu can feel like a bad cold, but comes on suddenly and feels more intense with high fever, chills, body aches, and exhaustion. Because flu carries a higher risk of complications, especially in vulnerable groups, early diagnosis and antiviral medication can make a beneficial difference.

When to seek care

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you:

• Have a high fever that doesn’t improve with rest and fluids
• Feel unusually weak, dizzy, or short of breath
• Experience chest pain or severe headaches

Our team at Horizons Wellness can perform rapid tests for strep and flu, evaluate your symptoms, and determine whether allergies, sinusitis, or bronchitis may be the cause.

Clarity for lasting relief

Sniffles and sneezes don’t always point to a cold. By learning to recognize the signs of allergies, sinus infections, bronchitis, and the flu, you’ll know when it’s time to seek care. At Horizons Wellness Family Health NP PLLC, we’re here to uncover the cause of your symptoms and provide the treatment you need to feel better.

Call to schedule an appointment today with our Middletown, New York office or book online if you or your child has ongoing cold symptoms. Relief starts with the correct diagnosis.