You do your best to stay healthy and germ free, but from time to time getting a head cold is simply unavoidable. Head colds can vary in severity, but no matter what, they always bring along with them a host of symptoms and side effects that are unpleasant and difficult to endure.
The cold virus can be easily picked up anywhere and from people who many not even realize that they are carrying (and spreading) it around. Hand washing is a great tool to combat the cold, as is eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a head cold may enter your home and leaving you feeling tired, achy and eager to be rid of the virus.
In most cases, head colds are harmless and don’t usually require a visit to your physician’s office. However, it is important to keep tabs on your symptoms to know when a visit to the doctor would be warranted. Head colds should not last more than a week and should not cause you to be sick in bed for days at a time. It is always important to get extra rest and take in more fluids than normal when suffering from a head cold.
1. Muscle Pain
Many times muscle pain can be the first sign that a head cold is brewing. Muscle aches and pains can arrive without warning and for no other apparent reason when they are a symptom of a cold virus. Often focusing on the extremities such as arms and legs, muscle pains can be felt anywhere throughout the body.
Over the counter pain relievers can be taken to bring some relief. Medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen can help to relieve both pain and inflammation. It is important to take it easy when dealing with muscle aches from a head cold. Try and avoid intense exercise and allow your muscles the time they need to feel better.
Muscle pains may be relieved with the application or heat or cold. Soaking in an Epsom salt bath or doing a relaxing meditation can help to calm these pains. The good news is that muscle pains associated with a cold often do not last long and cause no lasting issues. Muscle pain should never get to the point of being severe when they are the symptom of a simple head cold. If the pain feels intense or does not diminish, it would be time to seek out the care of a physician for further treatment.
2. Cough with Phlegm
There are two main classifications of coughs: dry coughs and wet coughs. When a cough produces phlegm it is considered a wet cough. These wet coughs; while unpleasant, are a good way for the body to expel the phlegm that builds up when suffering from a head cold.
Phlegm is created over the course of a head cold when mucous becomes thicker and the body is working in overdrive to beat the cold virus. Being able to cough up the phlegm is an effective way of helping put your body on a fast track to healing. While a phlegm producing cough may not look, feel or sound great, it is recommended that these coughs are not suppressed.
3. Congestion
Congestion; otherwise known as a stuffy nose, often goes along with a head cold. Head congestion can be felt through the sinuses, across the forehead, in the ears and in the areas surrounding the eyes and nose. Head congestion feels like pressure is being exerted on your head or face and it can sometimes bring a headache along with it.
Congestion is caused from fluid and mucous build up. It can be relieved through the inhalation of steam (either in a steamy shower or carefully breathing in the steam of a hot pot of water with a towel draped over your head to make a steam tent.) Nasal irrigation is also very helpful when it comes to congestion relief. Neti pots and saline solutions are very effective ways to help combat congestion.
4. Runny Nose
A runny nose can be an irritating symptom of the common head cold. A runny nose occurs when the body is attempting to rid itself of an unwelcome visitor, such as a cold virus. As long as the secretions remain thin and clear, there is no need for concern.
Maintaining a level of comfort when dealing with a runny nose is important. The skin surrounding the nose and on the upper lip is very thin and delicate and can be torn or suffer from soreness due to the frequent nose wiping. Choose soft tissues infused with aloe or lotion and apply a soothing balm under the nose to protect the area until the virus runs its course.
5. Chills
Chills generally go hand in hand with fevers. Many head colds can result in a low grade fever, which may lead to chills. Chills are sensations that run throughout the body that feel similar to a shiver. Even if you are in a warm room and are dressed appropriately, you may feel very cold when experiencing chills.
Chills can be constant or erratic. The best way to lessen the effects of chills brought on by a head cold is to regulate your body temperature and maintain a comfortable level of heat with a blanket or light layers of extra clothing in a breathable fabric.
6. Fever
When the body responds to the immune system being under attach from a head cold, often an increase in body temperature will result. In most cases, a fever is the symptom of an infection that is present in the body. In the case of a head cold, the infection is viral and a low grade fever may be present for several days while it tries to rid the body of the virus.
Most fevers are harmless and are actually a good sign that your body is working properly and your immune system is kicking in. Fevers that do not respond to medication or that remain at a high level for several days warrant a trip in to the doctor’s office.
7. Sinus Pressure
Sinus pressure can feel like your head is being squeezed between a vice. Sinus pressure can also bring about dental pain. The roots of the top teeth (especially the rear molars) are very close to the sinus cavity and when pressure builds in that cavity, it can press on the roots of your teeth, causing discomfort.
Sinus pressure can be relieved through manual facial massage, the inhalation of steam, or by taking an over the counter medication formulated for sinus relief. Cool compresses applied over the bridge of the nose can also bring relief to those suffering from sinus pressure.
8. Chest Discomfort
Many times, a head cold can settle in the lungs and bring about a bit of chest discomfort. Thick mucous build up can be difficult to expel through coughing and can lead to a feeling of tightness or heaviness in the chest.
Trying to keep secretions thin will keep the mucous from getting so thick that it causes discomfort. Drink plenty of liquids and warm soups or broth to keep the body hydrated. Should chest discomfort become worse, or breathing becomes labored, a trip to your doctor is recommended to ensure that the cold hasn’t turned into a lung infection.
9. Swollen Lymph Nodes
One of the tell take signs of a head cold are swollen lymph nodes. When the lymph nodes become swollen it is a sign that the immune system is going to work and there is a virus wreaking havoc on the body.
Lymph nodes are found in the throat, under the arms, in the groin, and at various other points throughout the body. When they become tender during a head cold, it is best to treat them with care. Avoid pressing on the swollen area. Applying a warm compress or soaking in a warm bath can bring about some relief.
10. Throat Irritation
Sore throats can feel dry and painful. Throats are often irritated by the post nasal drip that comes along when suffering from a head cold. When your throat is irritated it can feel difficult to eat and drink because the simple act of swallowing is painful.
Gargling with warm salt water is very soothing to an irritated throat. Throat lozenges and warm drinks have also proved to be very helpful. When nothing else seems to help, an over the counter pain medication with take the edge off of your throat pain. Should you see spots on your throat or the pain becomes intense, it would be wise to see a doctor to rule out strep throat.
