Common cold can many times lead to complicating diseases like:
- Middle Ear Infection (Otitis media): Ear infection is a frequent complication of common cold in children. When bacteria or virus infiltrate the air-filled space behind the eardrum, fluid from surrounding tissues is sucked into the middle ear's cavity causing middle ear infection.
- Asthma: A cold can trigger wheezing along with cough and difficulty in breathing leading to an acute attack of asthma.
- Sinusitis: This is an infection of the sinuses and nasal passages accompanied by inflammation and pain. A dull aching sensation over affected sinuses with headache followed by thick yellow discharge from the nose is indicative of sinusitis.
- Pneumonia: Common cold if not treated, may sometimes lead to infection in the lungs leading to pneumonia.
