Disease Comparison
Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.
Respiratory Failure
Unknown
3
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS
Common Cold
Mild
4
Symptoms
0
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
Overview
Respiratory Failure
Respiratory failure occurs when the lungs cannot provide enough oxygen to the blood or cannot adequately remove carbon dioxide from the body. It may develop suddenly or gradually and can result from conditions affecting the lungs, airways, breathing muscles, or nervous system. Symptoms may include severe shortness of breath, rapid breathing, confusion, bluish or gray skin coloration, extreme sleepiness, and difficulty speaking because of breathlessness. Acute respiratory failure is a medical emergency and may require immediate oxygen or ventilatory support.
Common Cold
The common cold is a mild infection of the upper respiratory tract, usually caused by viruses. It commonly produces a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, and mild tiredness. Symptoms generally develop gradually and improve within several days to about one or two weeks. Many different viruses can cause colds, so having one cold does not provide lasting protection against future infections.
Symptoms
Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Abdominal Tenderness Chest Pain Frequent SweatingOnly in Right Disease
Difficulty Swallowing Dry Cough Nasal Congestion NosebleedCauses
Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Chronic Disease InfectionOnly in Right Disease
None
Diagnosis
Respiratory Failure
Respiratory failure is diagnosed by assessing breathing, oxygen levels, and carbon dioxide levels. Pulse oximetry provides a quick estimate of blood oxygen saturation, while an arterial blood gas can directly measure oxygen, carbon dioxide, and blood acidity. A physical examination helps identify signs of airway obstruction or lung disease. Chest imaging and other tests may determine the underlying cause. The severity and speed of onset determine how urgently respiratory support is required.
Common Cold
A common cold is usually diagnosed from the symptoms and a physical examination. Typical features include nasal congestion or discharge, sneezing, sore throat, cough, and mild systemic symptoms. Laboratory testing is generally unnecessary for an uncomplicated cold. Testing may be considered when symptoms are unusual, severe, prolonged, or when another respiratory infection such as influenza or COVID-19 needs to be considered.
Prevention
Respiratory Failure
Respiratory failure cannot always be prevented because it can result from severe illness or injury. Preventive measures include managing chronic lung and heart conditions, avoiding tobacco smoke, keeping recommended vaccinations up to date, reducing exposure to respiratory infections, and following treatment plans for conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Avoiding misuse or overdose of sedating medicines can also reduce risk. Early treatment of serious respiratory symptoms can prevent deterioration in some cases.
Common Cold
Good hand hygiene can reduce the spread of viruses that cause colds. Wash hands regularly and avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with people who are ill when possible, and cover coughs and sneezes. Cleaning frequently touched surfaces and improving ventilation in shared indoor spaces can also reduce exposure to respiratory viruses.
Risk Factors
Respiratory Failure
Risk factors for respiratory failure include severe lung disease, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, severe asthma, heart failure, neuromuscular disorders, chest injuries, obesity, sleep-related breathing disorders, and conditions affecting the brain or spinal cord. Older age and serious systemic illness may increase vulnerability. Sedating medicines or drug overdose can suppress breathing. People with chronic respiratory disease may be at increased risk during infections or other acute illnesses.
Common Cold
Risk factors include close contact with people who have respiratory infections, frequent exposure to crowded indoor environments, and touching the nose, mouth, or eyes with unwashed hands. Children may experience frequent colds because they encounter many viruses while developing immunity. Seasonal changes and spending more time indoors can also increase opportunities for respiratory virus transmission.
Treatment
Respiratory Failure
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Common Cold
Treatment comparison will be available soon.