Complications
Acute ear infection (otitis media). The most frequent complication of common colds in children, ear infections occur when bacteria infiltrate the space behind the eardrum. Typical signs and symptoms include earaches and, in some cases, a green or yellow discharge from the nose or the return of a fever following a common cold. Children who are too young to verbalize their distress may simply cry or pull on the affected ear.
Wheezing. A cold can trigger wheezing in children with asthma.
Sinusitis. In adults or children, a common cold that doesn't resolve may lead to sinusitis --inflammation and infection of the sinuses.
Other secondary infections. These include strep throat (streptococcal pharyngitis), pneumonia, chronic bronchitis in adults and croup in children. These infections need to be treated by a doctor.
