Getting a cold is bad enough; people often complain about having stuffy noses, sore throats, and being tired. But for a lot of people, the most annoying symptom of a cold is the headache that comes with it. A headache can make it hard to focus, sleep, or even enjoy simple things when you have a cold. It can also make you feel worse, making you more irritable, stressed, and emotionally drained.
If you know why you get headaches when you have a cold, you’ll be better able to deal with them and know when you need to see a doctor or therapist. The good news is that most headaches that come with a cold go away on their own and are easy to treat.
How the Common Cold Affects Your Body and Brain
When you have a cold, your immune system fights the virus. This response hurts not only your lungs but also your brain and nervous system directly.
Here are some important things to know about this link:
- More Sensitive to Pain: You are more sensitive to pain when you don’t get enough sleep, are dehydrated, or have inflammation.
- Less emotional strength: When you’re sick, your mental health gets worse. When you’re tired, it’s harder to deal with stress or anxiety, which can make headaches and other symptoms worse.
Common Reasons Headaches Occur During a Cold
- Sinus Congestion and Pressure
Sinus congestion is one of the main reasons why people get headaches when they have a cold. When the nasal passages swell, they stop the flow of mucus, which puts pressure on the forehead, cheeks, and eyes. When you bend forward or lie down, the pressure in your sinuses often gets worse.
- Immune System Inflammation
When your body fights an illness, it releases molecules called cytokines. Cytokines are important for healing, but they also make inflammation and discomfort more sensitive, which can lead to headaches that last for a long time or throb during a cold.
- Dehydration
Congestion, fevers, and breathing through your mouth make you lose fluids faster. If you don’t drink enough water while you’re sick, even slight dehydration might give you headaches and make you feel more tired.
- Sleep Disruption
Coughing and congestion are two symptoms that can keep you from sleeping. When you’re physically tired, your pain threshold goes down, which makes headaches feel worse and harder to ignore.
- Stress and Muscle Tension
If you’re sick, you might feel stressed, which can make your shoulders and neck tense. This kind of physical stress usually makes it harder to recover because it gives you tension-type headaches.
Types of Headaches Linked to Colds
Sinus Headaches
These headaches are caused by stuffy noses and feel like pressure or fullness in the face and forehead.
Tension Headaches
These headaches feel like a tight band around the head and are often caused by stress, tiredness, or tight muscles.
Dehydration Headaches
These headaches are usually dull and don’t go away until you drink enough water and get enough sleep.
How Cold-Related Headaches Affect Mental Health
There is a strong link between mental health and physical pain. Cold-related headaches could make you cranky, unfocused, and unhappy.
- Kids: Symptoms often show up as being irritable or acting out of the blue.
- Adults: Headaches can make you feel more anxious, angry, and overwhelmed.
When your physical symptoms don’t go away, your mental discomfort gets worse, which makes the process of getting better feel slower and more tiring.
Natural Home Remedies for Headache Relief
- Stay Hydrated: To avoid headaches caused by dehydration, drink water, herbal teas, or clear broths.
- Use Steam Therapy: Inhale steam or use a room humidifier to relieve sinus strain.
- Use Compresses: To ease stress, put warm or cool compresses on your forehead or neck.
- Make a Relaxing Space: Rest in a quiet, dimly lit area to reduce sensory overload.
Over-the-Counter Headache Medicine (Used Responsibly)
When taken as indicated, over-the-counter pain medications or decongestants can help. Always follow the dose instructions and talk to a doctor before giving children more than one medicine at a time.
Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Headache Intensity
- Do breathing exercises: Gentle breathing exercises will help you relax your body.
- Keep an eye on your screen time: Limit your time on screens to avoid digital headaches and eye strain.
- Make Rest a Priority: Don’t feel bad about taking time off to help your mental health and recovery.
When to See a Doctor for a Cold Headache
Most headaches that are caused by the cold go away with rest, but you should contact a doctor if your headache:
- Is really bad or getting worse quickly.
- Lasts longer than other cold symptoms.
- Comes with a high fever, stiff neck, or confusion.
- Makes it hard for you to do things you need to do every day.
Persistent physical ailments affect your mental health and need to be treated properly.
Supporting Children and Family Members With Cold-Related Headaches
It’s hard to tell if a child has a headache because they typically can’t say how much it hurts. Parents should check for signs that are common signs, like being irritable, sensitive to light, and tired. Drinking enough water, getting enough sleep, and getting emotional support are all good home cures.
Tips for Preventing Cold-Related Headaches
- Stay hydrated: To avoid becoming dehydrated, drink a lot of water.
- Prioritize sleep: To help your body heal, stick to a regular sleep pattern.
- Manage stress: Use relaxation methods to lower stress.
- Boost immunity: A balanced diet can help your immune system stay healthy.
These routines will help keep you physically and mentally well.
Caring for Both Your Body and Mind During a Cold
When you have a cold, it’s normal to get headaches, but you should know how to deal with them. You can feel better faster by taking care of your body and mind and learning what makes your head hurt when you have a cold. If you still have sinus pressure or tension, or if your mental health is getting worse, you should see a professional right away. Take care of both your body and mind in a full way.
Most headaches caused by the cold go away with rest and drinking water, but sometimes you need to see a doctor. ARK Medical of Las Vegas can quickly evaluate and treat you for acute illnesses when you need them.
FAQs
Why do colds cause headaches?
When you have a cold, headaches are generally caused by swelling in the sinuses and increased pressure. Fever and dehydration can also make the pain worse.
How can I relieve a cold headache?
Rest, drink plenty of water, and use over-the-counter pain medicines. You can also relieve sinus pressure by using warm compresses and breathing in steam.
When should I see a doctor?
Consult a healthcare provider if your headache is very bad, doesn’t go away after other cold symptoms go away, or is accompanied by a high fever or stiff neck.
){kind=link}