How long does a cold lasts

I have had a blocked nose from cold and catarrh for the past 5 days and it is yet to abate. Kindly let me know how long it takes for a cold to clear.

Charles (by SMS)

Typically, for most adults, the symptoms of a cold last for around 7 to 10 days. The duration of a cold can be longer in children — up to 2 weeks. On average, children get more colds in a year than adults. In fact, while an average adult may experience two to four colds in a year, children may have between six and eight.

There is no way to cure the common cold, but certain remedies can help lessen the symptoms. Colds are a viral infection of your upper respiratory tract, which include your nose and throat. Head colds, like the common cold, are different from chest colds, which can affect your lower airways and lungs and can involve chest congestion and coughing up mucus.

Coming down with a cold can sap your energy and make you feel downright miserable. Having a sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, watery eyes, and a cough can really get in the way of going about your daily life. Some people may also have a lingering cough or fatigue. In some cases, a cough can last for several weeks.