Complications

These conditions can occur along with your cold:

• Acute ear infection (otitis media). This occurs when bacteria or viruses enter the space behind the eardrum. Typical signs and symptoms include earaches or the return of a fever following a common cold.
• Asthma. A cold can trigger wheezing, even if you don't have asthma. If you have asthma, a cold can make it worse.
• Acute sinusitis. In adults or children, a common cold that doesn't resolve can lead to swelling and pain (inflammation) and infection of the sinuses.
• Other infections. A common cold can lead to other infections, including strep throat, pneumonia, and croup or bronchiolitis in children. These infections need to be treated by a doctor.