Terrible head cold: what to know

A common cold can inflame the nose and throat, causing blocked or runny nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat and headache. Allergic rhinitis often brings itching, repeated sneezing and watery eyes without the same infectious pattern. Chronic sinusitis can cause ongoing blockage, reduced smell, facial pressure or thick nasal discharge. COVID-19 can resemble a cold and may include fever, cough, sore throat or loss of smell. Dehydration, heat exhaustion and dengue fever are more concerning possibilities when headache occurs with marked thirst, weakness, vomiting, fever, rash or recent heat or travel exposure. Anxiety can intensify awareness of head pressure, but it should not be assumed to explain new severe symptoms.

Rest, drink fluids regularly and use saline nasal spray or a humidified environment for comfort. Wash hands and avoid close contact while you have infectious symptoms. Follow medicine labels carefully; ask a pharmacist before using decongestants, combination cold products or nasal sprays, especially if pregnant or if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or take regular medicines. Note fever, nasal discharge, facial pain, cough, breathing symptoms and recent travel. Arrange review if symptoms are severe, keep returning, last longer than expected or interfere with eating, drinking or sleep.

Seek urgent care for a sudden severe headache, confusion, fainting, weakness on one side, stiff neck, trouble breathing, swelling around an eye, vision change or inability to keep fluids down. Get prompt medical advice for high fever with a rash, severe headache after heat exposure, or illness after travel to a dengue-risk area. A headache that is new, worsening or unlike your usual pattern deserves assessment.

Ask whether the pattern fits a common cold, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis or another cause, whether testing is appropriate, and which treatments are safe with your health conditions. Mention fever, facial pain, reduced smell, rash, travel, heat exposure, medicines and how much you are drinking.