travel head congestion

Flying With a Cold? Here's What You Should Know

The sniffles, the sneezing, the cough you try to muffle, the dirty looks from fellow passengers: flying with a cold can be brutal. Not to mention it can be painful for you, too. But how do you decide whether a few sniffles are worth skipping a trip for? We asked doctors for advice on how to recognize when cold symptoms are severe enough to cancel your air travel plans. Is a runny nose bad enough to ground you, and what are the risks? How can you stop your germs from spreading, and how do you best manage the symptoms at 30,000 feet? The answers can be complicated and depend on your individual comfort level.

Ask yourself: should I even fly with a cold?

“If you have a cold you can’t get under control by over-the-counter medications, I wouldn't fly at all,” says Jeffrey Linder, M.D., an associate physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. “There has to be some consideration for your fellow travelers .”

Prior research shows that those who sit within two rows of someone with flu-like symptoms are at a 3.6 percent increased risk of contracting the illness themselves. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines who might be too under-the-weather to fly—namely, anyone with a fever of 100° F (38° C) or higher and a severe cough, or difficulty breathing, or the kind of stomach sickness that makes a hangover look like a picnic. If their suggestions are making you rethink your upcoming trip, here's how to get a refund if you're too sick to fly .

Why don't my ears pop when flying with a cold?

If you can’t postpone your trip and your symptoms are under control, we’ll warn you: flying with a cold can hurt. “If you have allergies or a viral infection such as the common cold, your mucus membranes are inflamed and swollen,” says William Schaffner, M.D., a professor of preventative medicine at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

That swelling clogs the Eustachian tube, which connects your inner ear with the back of your throat, Schaffner says. In a normal situation, this tube helps equalize pressure between your inner ear and the outside world. When that tube is clogged, it's harder for your ears to pop . As you take off (and the air pressure in the cabin drops), higher pressure within your inner ear pushes out, but can’t equalize with the lower pressure in the cabin, he says.

According to Linder, the results can be painful and frustrating symptoms include:

• Blocked ears
• Hearing loss for a few days
• Bleeding or even ruptured ear drum (in extreme cases)

You might feel this more during the plane's descent, too, he adds. “It’s easier for air to get out, but it can be hard for air to get in when we are descending and moving to a higher pressure environment.”

What to do before you fly with cold symptoms

Take decongestants

Medicines like Sudafed work to reduce swelling around your Eustachian tubes, giving the ear more of a shot at equalizing, says Linder. He suggests taking longer-acting medications—12-hour or 24-hour—an hour before takeoff.

Try nasal sprays

Really stuffed up? The nasal spray Afrin—taken 30 minutes before takeoff and then 30 minutes before descent—can help shrink swollen tissues, too, and it's available over the counter at most drugstores.

Pack lozenges

Keep hard candy to suck on or gum to chew in your carry-on as well. Moving your jaw and swallowing can change the pressure in your throat, opening the Eustachian tube. Schaffer also says to drink up. “If you have a cold, keep up your hydration. This moisture will help prevent nasal secretions from drying, becoming uncomfortable and clogging up the Eustachian tube.”

In addition to these tips, it's important to remember to practice simple hygiene. “Carry some facial tissue, so that you can contain your drippy nose as well as your coughs and sneezes. Wash or sanitize your hands frequently,” Linder advises.

...And after you land

Post-flight, you might be stuck with clogged-up ears or have a hard time hearing for a few days. To ease the trouble, continue with your decongestants and try a hot shower once you reach the hotel, says Linder. “The steam can soothe inflamed, angry mucus membranes.”

If you’re up for it, move around a bit. Some easy exercise —a slow jog or walk—actually makes you feel better, says Schaffner, and can help open stuffy nasal passages.

This article was originally published in January 2017 and has been updated with new information.

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Home » Daily » Eyes, Ears, Nose & Throat » Getting Sick After Flying? How to Prevent That Cold or Nasty Sinus Infection

Getting Sick After Flying? How to Prevent That Cold or Nasty Sinus Infection

You're not alone if you feel as if you're getting sick after flying: around 20 percent of people on commercial flights develop symptoms of the common cold within one week of travel..

Researchers are finally starting to gather and publish more data about the health risks associated with airplane travel.

© Martinmark | Dreamstime.com

With literally billions of people traveling by air every year now, researchers are finally starting to gather and publish more data about the health risks associated with airplane travel. In terms of the common cold, it is now well-accepted that acute respiratory infections are frequently experienced after air travel. So it’s no surprise when we find ourselves getting sick after flying.

Studies have found a high prevalence and wide array of respiratory viruses in people who have recently traveled.[2] Up to 20 percent of passengers may develop respiratory infections within one week after air travel and that flight attendants have significantly more respiratory infections than those who do not frequently fly.

FYI WHAT ABOUT MOTION SICKNESS?

Getting sick after traveling on a plane, train, or boat is one thing. Getting sick during travel is another. Motion sickness, though, is not uncommon; it can cause such symptoms as nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. Read about how to treat (and prevent) the condition in our post “ Motion Sickness: If It Hits You on Long Trips, Consider These Prevention Steps .”

Can Traveling Make You Sick?

So why does flying on a plane increase our susceptibility to getting sick?

• Spread of exhaled infected droplets. Airline cabins have lots of people in a crowded space who are there for long “exposure times,” so the risk of infection via airborne transmission could be high—especially if one or more passengers are infected with an airborne infectious disease. Droplets exhaled by an infected passenger may contain infectious agents such influenza. In fact, droplets have been shown to spread through the air from a single cough, a single breath, or a few seconds of speaking. Exposure to the row in front and the row behind occurs within 30 seconds and extends to seven rows within minutes.[3]
• Low air pressure and oxygen compromise immune function. The conditions of low air pressure and low oxygen have been shown to impair certain immune system functions for a few days after long flights.[4] Researchers, to test how typical airplane air pressure and oxygen levels affect the immune system, studied the effects of a simulated 10-hour flight at an average cruising altitude of 8000 feet and then measured markers of immune system function in 52 healthy volunteers. They looked at blood samples before and on days 1, 4, and 7 after the flight. The researchers observed a number of immune system changes in the immediate days following the simulated flight. For instance, the subjects’ lymphocyte responses were decreased. Lymphocytes include T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells. Lymphocytes are the primary type of white blood cells made by the immune system to combat viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. These immune changes, they concluded, “may contribute to an increased susceptibility to respiratory infections commonly seen after long-haul flights.”[4]

Venous Thrombosis : Another Health Concern Tied to Air Travel

The lower oxygen levels and prolonged sitting on long flights doesn’t just impair your immune system’s ability to fight infections, it also puts you at risk for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Together, these two conditions make up the third most common cardiovascular disease after heart attack and stroke.

For persons who contract the conditions, they carry a high risk of death and permanent complications. Deep vein thrombosis is a condition in which a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body, usually in your legs. Deep vein thrombosis can cause leg pain, but often occurs without any symptoms. Pulmonary embolism is a complication of deep vein thrombosis in which one or more arteries in your lungs becomes blocked by a blood clot that has traveled to your lungs from your leg.

While these conditions are of most concern for people with chronic respiratory diseases, doctors who specialize in travel medicine and lung diseases have been trying to spread the word for years that all travelers need to take precautions to avoid venous thromboembolism. This involves avoiding excess alcohol and caffeine-containing drinks, remaining mobile, and exercising during the flight.

For air travelers with a history of venous thromboembolism, obesity , heart disease , significant medical illness in previous six weeks, immobility, pregnancy, or estrogen therapy (hormone replacement  therapy or combined oral contraceptive pill), experts advise that in addition to the above advice, travelers wear compression stockings, avoid sedatives, and avoid sleeping for prolonged periods in abnormal positions. They also recommend a preventive dose of blood thinning medication for those at high risk of clots, such as those who have recently had a stroke, major surgery, or trauma.

How to Avoid Catching a Cold on a Plane: Three Strategies

To reduce your risk of getting a respiratory infection while on a flight, here are three specific actions you should take:

• Irrigate your nose (or your children’s) with a saline solution —both before and after the flight—by using a dropper or small squirt bottle. Nasal irrigation with a saline solution helps clean out at least some of the allergen, fungal, and viral pathogens from the nose and thus can help to reduce the risk of getting a sinus infection after flying. Keeping the nasal cavity moist in the dry atmosphere of an airplane cabin is also most beneficial.
• Drink lots of water throughout the flight.
• Take an herbal medicine with immune-boosting properties such as Echinacea for a week or two before the flight. Australian researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial to study whether a standardized Echinacea supplement is effective in the prevention of respiratory and other symptoms associated with long flights.[5] They gave 175 adults travelling for 15 to 25 hours Echinacea (root extract, standardized to 4.4 mg alkylamides) or placebo tablets starting 14 days before travel. The Echinacea group had lower respiratory symptom scores compared to placebo during travel. If you’re planning on traveling by air, you can give your own immune system a boost with Echinacea or other immune stimulating natural therapies starting at least two weeks before you travel. For more ideas on natural immune boosters for prevention of viral infections, such as Elderberry, Beta-Glucans, and Red Korean or American Ginseng, see our post “ 3 Immune System Supplements to Prevent the Flu this Winter .”

[1] AMA. 2002 Jul 24-31;288(4):483-6.

[2] Infect Dis. (2007) 195 (5): 675-679.

[3] Indoor Air. 2011 Aug;21(4):341-50.

[4] Aviat Space Environ Med. 2012 Apr;83(4):418-23.

[5] Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012; 2012: 417267.

Originally published in 2015, this post is regularly updated.

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Dr. Kathleen Jade is a naturopathic physician and served for many years as the Medical Director and Editor-In-Chief of Natural Health Advisory Institute. She has been licensed as a primary …  Read More

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Why flying while sick can make you feel worse

Respiratory illnesses can make it painfully difficult to equalize pressure in your ears and sinuses

As cuffing season meets coughing season and airport crowds are reaching pre-pandemic levels, more travelers are likely getting on a plane when they’re not feeling 100 percent.

The coronavirus , the flu and RSV are all circulating at such high levels that hospitals are overwhelmed . Health experts warn it’s best not to fly if you have any symptoms (and not just for selfless reasons). Not only do you risk getting the passengers around you ill, but the environment on board could make you feel even worse.

“Many of the conditions on aircraft can exacerbate your symptoms when you have a respiratory illness,” said Henry Wu, an associate professor of medicine at Emory University and director of the Emory TravelWell Center.

Here’s how flying while sick could affect you and your fellow fliers — and what experts say you should do about it.

6 tips to avoid getting your family sick during holiday travel

Flying can make congestion, sore throat and dizziness feel worse

Respiratory illnesses affect your sinuses and Eustachian tubes, which connect your middle ear to your throat. Both are air-filled chambers, so when you’re on a plane, the pressure inside needs to equalize with the cabin pressure after takeoff and upon landing.

When you’re sick, however, the passages for drainage from those tubes become inflamed and narrow, making equalizing pressures more difficult, said Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security at the Bloomberg School of Public Health.

What’s the difference between RSV, the flu and covid-19?

“If you’ve got inflammation blocking your means of equalizing the pressure, that’s going to hurt,” he said.

That pain can continue even after your flight as inflammation prevents the pressure from equalizing, Adalja added. It can also lead to trouble hearing, vertigo, and in rare cases, damage to the eardrum, Wu said.

Aircraft cabins also have low humidity, which can exacerbate irritation of your mucus membranes and worsen a sore throat, Wu said.

It can also be a challenge to stay hydrated while flying, especially when you’re sick, leading to lightheadedness or feeling faint, he added.

How to know if you’re too sick to fly

Wu recommended travelers with any respiratory symptoms or fever get tested for coronavirus and the flu, and consider delaying their trip, even if you suspect it is only a common cold.

“It may be difficult to discern the common cold from the more serious respiratory infections like covid or flu or RSV, which is particularly dangerous for infants,” he said.

With the risk of spreading the sickness and exacerbating your symptoms, Wu said it’s better for travelers to be conservative about flying with an illness “for their own comfort and health as well as everyone else’s.” He added he has even seen airlines restrict travelers from boarding if they are visibly ill.

Adalja said anyone feeling shortness of breath before a flight — whether due to a severe respiratory illness or a chronic condition — should not travel, as lower oxygen levels in the air could impair your ability to oxygenate your blood. Most importantly, consult your doctor if you feel ill before a flight because each individual’s risk factors are different, Adalja said.

Jeffrey A. Linder, a professor of medicine at Northwestern University, said the “calculus has changed” in recent years to reduce the need to travel while ill, thanks to the ability to quickly test for the coronavirus and the proliferation of remote work.

“If you can’t get your symptoms under control with over-the-counter medicines, you should try to avoid flying,” Linder said.

Next covid wave could be on a collision course with holiday travel

How to manage your symptoms on a flight

If you must travel while sick, there are a few ways to prevent your symptoms from getting worse.

The most important factor is keeping your nasal and middle ear passages as open as possible, especially during takeoff and descent, Linder said. He recommended taking an oral decongestant like 12-hour Sudafed a few hours before flying, followed by a nasal decongestant spray 30 minutes before flying and 30 minutes before descending (nasal decongestant sprays should only be used for up to three days in a row).

Adalja also recommended the Valsalva maneuver — holding your nose and blowing out — as well as using saline spray to ensure your passages are as clear of mucus as possible before flying.

How to ask a seatmate to mask: The new etiquette for flights

It’s also important to stay hydrated and wear a high-quality mask if you absolutely have to be flying while sick, Wu noted. Wearing a mask can have the added benefit of maintaining higher humidity in your oral and nasal passages, he added.

Above all, Wu recommended that travelers stay home if they feel sick, even if there are no longer coronavirus test requirements in place or mandatory masking on planes.

“It’s still a kind of a transitional period in this pandemic where a lot of folks are still figuring out how to navigate the return of influenza, as well as rising covid numbers again this winter,” he said. “The most we can do is just to everyone take their own precautions, whether you’re sick or not, to try to keep the aircraft and airports as safe as possible for everybody.”

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Why Air Travel Can Impact Your Sinus Health (And What You Can Do)

by Dr. Karanfilov | Dec 16, 2019 | Uncategorized

If you experience pain, pressure, and other uncomfortable sinus symptoms in flight, you already know air travel can have the potential to wreak havoc on your sinuses. Understanding the relationship between flying and your sinuses can help you prevent painful sinus symptoms and protect your sinus health while traveling.  

Whether you are a frequent flyer or just have travel plans in your future, read on below to learn more:  

Why can air travel have a negative influence on your sinus health?

Airplane cabin air supply, germs

On an airplane, the cabin air supply contains various contaminants that carry potential harm to the sinuses—and may play a role in introducing bacteria into the sinus cavities.

Of course, traveling also exposes you to more people, places, and surfaces—increasing the potential to come into contact with germs and viruses. People often get sick while traveling by transferring those germs and viruses from surfaces to their eyes, mouth, and nose.  

Dry airplane air

Airplane air is dryer than typical air. The low humidity of cabin air can inflame the sinus’s delicate mucous membranes. The lack of moisture can also disrupt their natural cleaning process—leaving you more vulnerable to infection.   This is because dry air decreases the flow of mucus in the nose and lets bacteria and viruses stick to the inside the nose—and the insufficient moisture diminishes your body’s ability to flush them out.  

Combined with the increased exposure to air contaminants—those who easily susceptible to sinus infection—and even those who aren’t—may find themselves landing with the onset of sinusitis.  

Cabin pressure  

The changes in barometric pressure that occur when flying can also be harmful to your sinuses, cause painful symptoms and contribute to your risk of infection.   During take-off and landing, changes in the air pressure inside the plane’s cabin affects the air inside and outside of your head—which normally, should be balanced. If your sinuses are congested, however, there will be an unbalanced amount of pressure. Not only can that be a very painful experience, but it can also increase nasal congestion, heighten allergies, worsen colds, and even trauma to the sinuses, if severe enough.

The failure of sinus or ear pressure to equalize with that of the cabin pressure, can also increase your susceptibility to infection and blockages of the Eustachian tube (the tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose). As a result (without preventative measures and if left untreated), you may develop tinnitus or “ringing of the ears,” vertigo, and other ear potentially serious problems. Yikes!

What can you do to protect your sinus health when you fly?  

While frequent air travel has the potential to lead to sinus problems, there are of course, other potential contributing factors. Those who already deal with sinus issues, in particular, may find flying makes things worse.  

Below are some tips to help prevent sinus problems and minimize the damaging effects flying can have on your health:  

• Use a saline solution frequently—before, after, and even during—air travel to help maintain moisture in the nose, and clear pathogens and irritants from the sinus area  
• If you experience sinus pressure during flights, using a decongestant spray before boarding and/or landing can help keep nasal passages clear; taking an oral decongestant before your flight can also be helpful (decongestants should be used cautiously, however, as they can also cause nasal dryness)
• Use hand sanitizer frequently (and/or wash your hands), and avoid touching your face with your hands
• Get adequate rest and nutrition
• Drink plenty of water, and avoid caffeine and alcohol (which can dehydrate you)  
• Complete the “Modified Valsalva” maneuver by closing your mouth and lightly pinching your nose shut—while swallowing and blowing into the nose  (t his exercise works to help equalize the pressure in one’s head, sinuses and ears during lift-off and landing)

If you are a frequent flyer and chronic sinusitis sufferer—or experience painful sinus issues while traveling—get checked out by a specialist and don’t put off treatment.  

Contact our office today. We’re happy to help. Find the relief you deserve, so you can be free to roam.  

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How To Manage Sinus Pain While Flying

Flying can be stressful enough as it is, but throwing sinus pain into the mix can make air travel unbearable. So why do some people suffer from sinus pain when they fly, also known as aerosinusitis, and how can it be managed?

What causes sinus pain to occur while flying?

The sinus cavities play a crucial role in our immune system, but when they become blocked or inflamed, you begin to experience sinus pressure. The increasing pressure leads to sinus pain that can usually be felt around the nose, cheekbones, eyes, and forehead. Bending over may make it worse.

When flying, the body has to react to changes in cabin pressure during the flight. Your sinuses and ears can usually adjust quickly to the changing pressure so that you avoid pain or injury. However, when you are suffering from an underlying sinus issue, your sinuses may be slow to react, causing immense sinus pain while flying. Some underlying conditions that can cause your sinuses to adjust slowly to changing pressure include:

• Acute, chronic, or recurrent sinusitis
• Ear infection

Sinusitis is one of the most common causes of chronic sinus pain while flying. At Cumberland Valley ENT, we can diagnose and treat sinusitis before your next flight.

I don’t want severe sinus pressure on my next flight  

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis occurs when the mucous membranes in the sinuses cannot drain properly due to inflammation or a blockage. It can lead to chronic sinus pain and infections. Some sinus infections include:

• Sinus pressure
•  Runny nose
• Postnasal drip
• Sore throat
• Reduced sense of smell

If you suffer from a combination of these symptoms for several weeks at a time, you may be suffering from chronic sinusitis. Cumberland Valley ENT offers a long-term minimally invasive sinusitis treatment called Balloon Sinuplasty.

Balloon Sinuplasty gently opens up your sinuses so that they can drain again, relieving any chronic sinus pain you may be suffering from.

I want more info about Balloon Sinuplasty

How to prevent sinus pain while flying?

Getting long-term relief from the underlying sinus condition that causes your sinus pain is the best way to relieve your sinus pain while flying. However, that’s not always possible if you have a flight coming up soon.

Two of the most common ways to manage sinus pain while flying are chewing gum or sipping water during take-off and landing. You can also try taking medications such as decongestants or using the Valsalva maneuver .

The Valsalva Maneuver

• Close your mouth.
• Squeeze the nostrils closed with one finger.
• Gently attempt to exhale out of your nose while keeping your nose pinched and mouth closed.
• Continue until you relieve the pressure.

Flying with sinus infection pain does not have to last forever.

At Cumberland Vallery ENT, we can diagnose and treat the underlying cause of your sinus problems. We can work with you to discuss your history of sinus pain and your overall health goals to create a treatment plan that will be specific to you.

Schedule now

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How to Get Over a Head Cold

When Symptoms Mostly Occur From the Neck Up

• Head Cold or Something Else?
• Symptom Duration
• Natural Remedies
• Cold Medications
• Secondary Infections
• Are You Contagious?
• Not Getting Better

You probably know the symptoms: a funny feeling in the back of your throat, a sudden stuffy nose, a cough developing out of nowhere—these can be symptoms of a head cold. Some people use the term “head cold” because their symptoms mainly affect the nose, eyes, and throat. A head cold is another name for the common cold .

A head cold can last up to two weeks and can’t be “ cured .” It has to run its course as your immune system eliminates the virus. However, medicines and natural remedies can help ease symptoms and make you feel better.

This article discusses the symptoms of a head cold, how to tell if your symptoms indicate a more severe illness, and offers strategies to manage symptoms when you’re under the weather.

Vladdeep / Getty Images

Do I Have a Head Cold, or Something Else?

The symptoms of a head cold are confined to the nose, eyes, and throat and include the following:

• Stuffy or runny nose
• Scratchy, sore throat
• Watery eyes
• Postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the back of the throat)

A low-grade fever can also be a symptom, but most people don’t have fevers with a head cold. In addition, these symptoms can overlap with other conditions, like COVID-19, allergies, or the flu. But how do you know if it’s a head cold or something else?

• COVID-19 : An unmistakable sign of COVID-19 is losing your sense of smell. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, body aches, fever, and pressure in the chest. For certainty, take a COVID-19 test .
• Flu : A high fever (up to 102 degrees F), a severe cough, and chest congestion are all common with the flu . Sometimes, fatigue can be extreme and last for weeks.
• Allergies : Fever, body aches, and fatigue are never present with allergies . You may experience chest discomfort if you have asthma.

Viral or Bacterial?

There are over 200 viruses that cause the common cold. Close to 40% of colds are caused by rhinoviruses. The rhinovirus family has about 100 different virus subtypes. Other virus families that can cause cold symptoms include adenovirus, coronavirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Sinusitis (sinus infection) is usually caused by viruses, but bacteria, like Streptococcus or Haemophilus influenzae can cause some sinus infections.

How Long Do Head Cold Symptoms Last?

The typical duration of head cold symptoms is about a week, though this can vary. There are three stages of head colds, as follows:

• Incubation period: The first stage of a head cold is the incubation period. This is the time between exposure to a virus and symptoms. For most colds, this time frame is about 12-24 hours.
• Symptom onset : During the second stage, symptoms appear. They become worse, peaking around the third day.
• Symptom improvement : For the third stage, symptoms steadily improve until they disappear. For most people, this will take about seven to 10 days, though depending on your age and health status, it could take longer.

Sometimes, mild symptoms—such as a lingering cough—can last up to three weeks.

How to Naturally Get Over a Head Cold

There is no vaccine or cure for head colds. Your body’s immune system needs to fight off the virus. However, symptoms can be uncomfortable. Some people like to use natural remedies to manage their symptoms. Here are some things you can try at home to make yourself feel better:

• Drink fluids : Fluids help prevent your nasal passages and throat from getting too dry. They also help mucus stay thin so you can clear it from your nose more easily.
• Take supplements and herbs : Vitamin C , zinc , echinacea , garlic, and honey are thought to help shorten the duration of a cold. But there is no solid evidence to support this. Consult your healthcare provider before taking supplements or consuming doses of vitamins and minerals above the recommended daily amount.
• Use a humidifier : Moist air helps loosen mucus. A humidifier adds moisture to the air. You can also breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water or during a hot shower.

Treatment Tips for High-Risk Populations

Cold symptoms may be more intense or last longer in older adults and small children. At-home treatment options include:

• Staying hydrated with water, tea, or soup
• Using humidity (a humidifier or a steamy shower) to loosen nasal congestion and a humidifier to keep the air moist
• Getting plenty of rest and sleep helps your body recover from a cold

Head Cold and Sinus Medications

Natural remedies may take the edge off, but sometimes symptoms such as the following are so bothersome that you may need medication to feel more comfortable:

• Headache or fever : Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen) can relieve headache and fever. Children under 6 months should only be given acetaminophen. Never give children aspirin because it can cause Reye’s syndrome , which can cause brain and liver damage.
• Congestion : Decongestants relieve a stuffy nose by narrowing the blood vessels in your nose. They are available as a pill, like Sudafed (pseudoephedrine), or a nasal spray. Consult a healthcare provider before taking pseudoephedrine. It narrows the blood vessels all over your body, causing high blood pressure in some people.
• Cough : A cough can keep you awake and prevent restful sleep. Cough suppressants help reduce coughing, while expectorants loosen mucus so you can more easily cough it up.

Secondary Infections From a Head Cold

Your sinuses can become swollen and inflamed with a head cold. If this symptom lasts too long, you can develop a sinus infection , causing pressure and pain in your head and cheeks. A healthcare provider can do a physical examination to determine if your sinuses are infected. If the cause is bacterial, the provider will prescribe you antibiotics.

Other possible complications of a head cold can include the following:

• Ear infection

Are You Contagious With a Head Cold?

You are most contagious and can pass a head cold on to someone else during the first two to three days of a head cold, and remain contagious as long as you have active symptoms, usually around a week. Once you feel better and don't have any persistent symptoms, such as congestion, a cough, or a runny nose, it's pretty unlikely that you'll pass your cold on to someone else.    

Head Cold Not Getting Better

If your cold symptoms don't improve after seven to 10 days, you could have an infection or another health condition. Call your healthcare provider if you experience the following:

• Trouble breathing
• A fever that lasts longer than four days
• A cough that goes away then returns
• A chronic medical condition that gets worse  

People sometimes call the common cold a head cold because the symptoms affect your head. A head cold typically lasts seven to ten days but can last longer in older adults and young kids. Some people rely on home remedies to manage cold symptoms; others prefer medications for comfort and symptom relief. If you have cold symptoms lasting longer than 10 days, or your symptoms worsen over time, call a healthcare provider for additional testing and diagnoses.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Manage common cold .

National Institutes of Health. Is it flu, COVID-19, allergies, or a cold?

Harvard Health Publishing. Common cold (viral rhinitis) .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sinus infection basics .

Passioti M, Maggina P, Megremis S, Papadopoulos NG. The common cold: Potential for future prevention or cure .  Curr Allergy Asthma Rep . 2014;14(2):413. doi:10.1007/s11882-013-0413-5

American Lung Association. Facts about the common cold .

National Council on Aging. A common-sense guide to the common cold for older adults .

Harvard Health Publishing. Don't let decongestants squeeze your heart .

MedlinePlus. Cold and cough medicines .

MedlinePlus. Sinusitis.

Christus Health. Stages of the common cold .

By Carisa Brewster Brewster is a freelance journalist with over 20 years of writing experience specializing in science and healthcare content.

Is it a cold, flu, RSV or COVID-19? Here’s how to tell the difference

Christopher Connolly, MD , is a board-certified internal medicine physician at Inova 360º Concierge Medicine with more than 24 years of clinical experience. Dr. Connolly previously served as the Medical Director and Chief Medical Information Officer of Nova Medical Group and Urgent Care. Most recently, Dr. Connolly worked as a primary care physician for Inova Primary Care in Ashburn and as a lead physician informaticist for Inova Primary Care.

It might start as a sniffle or a headache. You know you’re coming down with something — but what? Is it just a cold? Or could it be RSV, the flu or COVID-19? Do you need to call your doctor or just hit the couch?

You can often tell these viruses apart — if you know what to look for. From there, you can determine when you need to seek medical care.

Different viruses, different symptoms

At first glance, colds, flu, RSV and COVID-19 can look alike. All of them can start with symptoms that feel like a “head cold.” But a closer look reveals that these illnesses have some key differences.

Common cold symptoms

The mildest of these viruses, the common cold usually doesn’t require a doctor’s visit. You probably have a cold if your symptoms come on slowly and get worse over a period of 1 to 3 days.

Common cold symptoms usually include:

• Cough, which can be dry or productive (coughing up phlegm)
• Fatigue (typically mild)
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore or scratchy throat
• Watery eyes

A cold will usually not cause:

• Loss of taste or smell

Signs of the flu

The flu tends to make people more miserable than a cold. One of the first signs that it’s not a cold is its sudden onset. Within hours, you go from feeling fine to feeling terrible. If you have the flu, your symptoms may include:

• Body and muscle aches
• Fatigue (often severe)
• High fever up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, which lasts up to 4 days
• Lack of appetite
• Vomiting or diarrhea (usually in children)

It’s less common for people with the flu to experience:

• Productive cough
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Wheezing or trouble breathing

Spotting symptoms of RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) feels like a common cold to most young, healthy adults. But it’s not “just a cold.” Thousands of people — mostly adults over age 65 and infants — are hospitalized or die each year from RSV.

Symptoms of RSV often come on in stages and last a total of 7 to 14 days. Healthy adults may experience cold-like symptoms such as:

• Sore throat

Babies under 12 months of age and adults over age 65 may have more serious symptoms, including:

• Barking cough
• Cough with a lot of mucus
• Irritability
• Loss of appetite

RSV can become severe and cause trouble breathing, which can be life-threatening. Seek emergency medical care if you notice:

• Blue lips or fingernails
• Nostrils flaring
• Rapid breathing

COVID-19 symptoms

The current COVID-19 variant causes gradual, cold-like symptoms in most people. But like RSV, COVID-19 can be serious in older adults and people with other medical conditions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Fever and chills

Loss of taste or smell is a telltale sign of COVID-19. This symptom is much less common with other illnesses.

When to recover at home

Most of the time, people recover from these infections on their own, but there are exceptions. RSV can be dangerous for infants and older adults. COVID-19 and flu are more serious for older adults and people with other health issues.

The best course of action with a mild virus is to stay home to avoid spreading the illness to others. If you don’t have other health conditions or a weakened immune system, you can:

• Drink plenty of water or other non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages
• Rest as much as possible
• Take over-the-counter acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve symptoms
• Use nasal saline for a stuffy nose

If you’re concerned about any symptoms, don’t wait it out. Contact your primary care provider or head to an urgent care facility. Many medical offices offer telehealth visits so you can discuss your symptoms without leaving home.

When you need a test

Most medical offices can do rapid tests for COVID-19, the flu and RSV. Testing can be helpful because:

• It tells your provider what kind of treatment you may need. For example, some people may benefit from antiviral medication for COVID-19 or the flu.
• It helps you protect others. If you find out you have RSV and you plan to be around a baby, for example, you could reschedule your visit.

Consider testing if you:

• Are over age 65
• Have health conditions like diabetes, heart, lung or kidney disease, HIV or obesity
• Will have contact with someone at risk of severe illness, such as a baby, older adult or immunocompromised person
• Take immunosuppressant medications (medications that weaken the immune response)
• Work in a daycare or nursing home

When it’s an emergency

No matter what virus you have, some symptoms always require immediate medical treatment. Get emergency care if you or your loved one has:

• Bluish lips or fingernails
• Fever over 103 degrees Fahrenheit
• Sudden confusion
• Trouble breathing

Stop illness before it starts

When it comes to any illness, prevention is critical. You can help reduce your risk of getting sick if you:

• Avoid being around people who are currently sick
• Get at least 7 hours of quality sleep each night
• Wash your hands regularly, especially after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food

But even with the most diligent handwashing, you can still be exposed to viruses. Help protect yourself by getting vaccinated against:

• COVID-19: Vaccines protect against severe COVID-19 complications and lower your chances of getting long COVID. Vaccines are available for everyone 6 months and older, so talk with your provider to make sure you’re up-to-date.
• Flu: The flu vaccine reduces the risk of serious illnesses and hospitalizations and may reduce the length of symptoms. Everyone 6 months and older should get an updated flu shot yearly to protect against current flu viruses. 
• RSV: The RSV vaccine is available to anyone who is pregnant or at least 60 years of age. Getting the vaccine during pregnancy helps protect your newborn from RSV. Talk with your provider about whether this vaccine could benefit you.

Inova can help with any illness Everyone gets sick sometimes. No matter what level of care you need, Inova is here for you. We offer many convenient primary care locations across northern Virginia and beyond. For urgent needs, our Go-Health Urgent Care provides same-day, walk-in and virtual care. Our expert Emergency Care

13 Comments

Very informative. Thank you.

Wonderful information.

6 months ago I (age 70) caught, perhaps, the common flu, it lasted almost two weeks. I made an appointment, but the appointment was a couple days after symptoms went away & I was deemed fine. Merely a couple days later I caught something more serious, perhaps RSV, lasting over two weeks, coughing up phlem (which I saved for analysis, but never got such done). During both bouts I tested negative for COVID. Anyway, I feel like getting the flu or RSV vaccine would be redundant – I wish I could be tested & learn which illnesses I’ve caught.

When I was a kid of 14, on Long Island, NY, I worked in a drug store delivering Rxs and stocking shelves. That was 1959. There was a large box of Sputum Cups in the upper level storage collecting dust. No one ever cam in to buy one. Too bad I didn’t save any when the Big Walgreens put the drug store out of business while I was still working there paying my way through college!

Great help in determining between illnesses

I wish I had been feeling well enough to look at this e-mail earlier. My husband and I are 76 years old and recently went through what we are pretty sure was RSV. Our son who lives with us got it in early Dec, from an unknown source. He isolated as much as possible in his room. I came down with it Dec 26, and my husband started symptoms 5 days later. My son is now better after a second short reoccurance. I am now about 50% recovered and getting my energy back. My husband who is disabled by Lewy Body Dimensia is starting to get better. He had more fever than our son or I did. One night my husband’s fever broke and his jamas and bedding were drenched. We all have had “foggy brains” throughout. The thing we all noticed was how absolutely sticky (almost glue like) the mucus we had was–and I have not seen that noted elsewhere. My husband is still having jags of hard sneezing of 7-9 times, several times a day, enough to cause his eyes to get blood shot as well as fatigue him. This also populates his eyes with a white discharge that is very “burny” (but has been active for about 6 mo). Five eye doctors have assured us it is not infection. I am wondering if he has something else going on now and we should contact his doctor, or if these are within normal range of reactions? A wet wash cloth over his eyes for 5 minutes relieves the burning, but nothing seems to diminish the sneezing, which is continuing to increase in strength and frequency.

I have something very similiar going on here, on the tail end of three weeks of similar eye issues.

Did you figure out what it was?

Very helpful information as Ive caught the common cold from my husband today (watery burning eyes only) and we both got our spring Covid booster this past week so hoping for a quick recovery. Havent had a cold in years. Thanks

Very fatigue, scratching throat, my head feels big pressure (not headache). I’ve had covid 3 times. Last time, contracted 2 weeks from my doctors office. I went for my annual, started feeling sick 2 days later (on a Saturday). Monday got call from doctor’s office that 2 staff members had COVID the day I was there. And more infected on Friday….

I cannot get my energy up & never regained my lungs strength from first time covid in 2020. So since then always shortness of breath. Any one else feel like this after covid?

Yes I have times when I feel like I am not getting air to my lungs, A lot of times I have been bending over or walking for exercise. I was never this way before covid. I also lost my sense of smell and taste and have lost clumps of hair twice now. I had covid two years ago.

I started with an irritating cough non productive. My head felt like a bowling ball, post nasal drip constant with thick phlegm I just could not clear. I also had tiredness and just wanted to sleep. No desire for food or drink. I did also have some but not much sneezing. Struggling to get over this forcing myself to do at least one task before falling back into bed.

I came to check symptoms. Headache, productive cough, sneezing, low grade fever, fatigue, loss of taste (which could be caused by a stuffy nose – I hope) diarrhea, and sore throat. I felt lousy so I wanted to know what is going on. And now I’m worried. O_O

I recently retired 7/1/24 from 40+ yrs in healthcare with almost no sickness. Pneumonia out of the blue 03/2019, Flu 03/2020, COVID 01/2022, RSV 12/2023. I live alone so can minimize contact with others. Just got “respiratory something” 1 week ago after attending the county fair; all previous was after air travel. Based on symptoms, it doesn’t quite match any of the previous infections, but has characteristics of both COVID and RSV. Thicker/stickier than snot phlegm, went from throat into chest in 2 days. Now last 2 days loose stool and today fever on day 7! What is up with our respiratory stuff these days. Since COVID, I’ve had to use an inhaler due to wheeze, rales, crackle in lungs. Breathing is definitely different now. I’m going to be one of those people that wears a mask in the airport.

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How to tell when you’re too sick to fly

Flu and cold seasons are officially upon us — complicating the worsening coronavirus pandemic.

In the past, you may have shrugged off mild symptoms like a sniffly nose or a tickle in your throat. But now, you can't board an airplane without certifying you don't have any symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, a cough and more.

Beyond what the airlines may specify, travelers should watch for a laundry list of symptoms specified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which can appear between two and 14 days after exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19:

• Fever or chills
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Muscle or body aches
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting

Travelers need to be extremely mindful about even the most innocuous ailments now, as they could be an indication of COVID-19. But, even in normal times — or if the coronavirus isn't detected by a COVID-19 test — it's important to prioritize your health and the health of others. Here's why you should never board a flight if you're feeling sick.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

You have a fever

A good rule of thumb is to never fly when you have a fever, according to New York-based internist Dr. Frank Contacessa.

In addition to indicating a possible COVID-19 infection, a fever could also present itself if you have the flu .

"Having a fever, in general, will accelerate fluid loss from your body," Dr. Contacessa told TPG in 2019. "The very low humidity of the cabin air will dehydrate you even faster. Dehydration makes you feel even worse, increasing weakness, headaches, lightheadedness, etc."

You're vomiting

Sure, there might be vomit bags in the seatback pocket. But if you're throwing up before you get to the airport, it's a clear indication you need to delay your travels.

"If you have a fever over 100.4 degrees or are experiencing vomiting, there's a really good chance that you're contagious," Dr. Nate Favini, medical lead at Forward (a membership-based preventive care clinic), told TPG in 2019.

Related: It's flu season — here's how to avoid getting sick on a plane

You're short of breath

"The pressurized cabin air has less oxygen, which can make you feel short of breath if your airways are already inflamed from an infection," said Dr. Contacessa.

Dr. Favini added, "Flying is stressful on your body and your immune system in particular, so it can reduce your ability to fight off an infection. The air onboard is incredibly dry, and even healthy people end up extremely dehydrated at the end of their flight. You may end up being sicker or sick for longer because of flying while ill."

You could still be contagious

Back in 2019, before the coronavirus was a known threat, Dr. Favini told TPG that travelers experiencing any flu-like symptoms — including fever, cough, runny nose, congestion, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea — are still contagious.

Even if it's not the coronavirus making you ill, you can still infect someone up to 6 feet away .

Related: How to boost your immune system so you don't get sick while traveling

You have ear pain

Something as minor as ear pain might also be reason enough to avoid flying. You know how your ears sometimes pop during taking off or landing? Well, if you have ear pain and pressure, then that brief moment of discomfort can become severe.

"The changes in pressure during the flight can cause your eardrum to burst if you have an ear infection and it's not properly treated before you take off," said Dr. Favini.

Your heart is racing

Even if you don't have the sniffles or more obvious symptoms of being sick , there is one tell-tale warning sign that you absolutely shouldn't fly. If you do, you could experience a serious medical emergency.

"If you're experiencing chest pain or a racing heartbeat, especially if this is new or severe, don't get on your flight," said Dr. Favini. "This can be a sign of a life-threatening medical condition, and even if the pilot does land your flight, it might not be fast enough for you to get the help you need. The same goes for shortness of breath."

Related: The best travel insurance policies and providers

When you can fly again

OK, let's say you've determined you're too sick to fly. When can you reschedule your trip?

"If you do change your plans and postpone your trip, you should wait until you have been without a fever for at least 24 to 48 hours," said Dr. Contacessa back in 2019.

And, of course, if you've been diagnosed with COVID-19, most airlines will ask you to delay travel for at least 14 days after testing positive. Some will require even a longer period of time since your diagnosis.

The CDC says you can be around others 10 days after symptoms first appear and 24 hours without a fever, and any other symptoms have improved.

Additional reporting by Melanie Lieberman.

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The Fastest Way to Relieve Congestion, According to Doctors

Tell those stopped-up sensations to "stuff it!" with these expert-recommended at-home congestion relief options.

Karla Walsh is a Des Moines, Iowa-based freelance writer, editor, level one sommelier and former fitness instructor and personal trainer who balances her love of food and drink with her passion for fitness. (Or tries to, at least!) Her writing has been published in AllRecipes, Runner's World, Shape and Fitness Magazines, as well as on EatingWell.com, Shape.com, BHG.com, ReadersDigest.com, TheHealthy.com, Prevention.com, WomensHealthMag.com and more.

Be it due to allergies, a cold, asthma or otherwise, congestion is a real pain in the neck. Actually, a pain in the face—that stuffed-up, achy sensation in the sinus area is no joke, as you can attest to if you're one of the 9 to 16% of Americans who experience it often.

Although it's far from pleasant, congestion is actually a sign that your immune system is working appropriately.

"Nasal congestion is the body's defense mechanism when it senses something foreign entering the nasal cavity," explains Jonathan Simmonds, M.D. , an ear, nose and throat physician and sinus and skull base surgeon at Westmed Medical Group in Rye, New York. "Structures that sit next to your septum, called turbinates, swell with cells that work for the immune system to fight off these foreign substances."

This swelling works to protect you by:

• Providing a larger surface area to capture these foreign substances, and
• Blocking off the nasal passage to prevent the invader from attacking the rest of the airway

While this is a terrific illness barrier when you are exposed to a virus, "it can be quite annoying when this happens in response to something innocuous, like pollen," Simmonds says, and allergies like this are actually a major cause of congestion.

Beyond that stopped-up sensation, symptoms can include runny nose, post-nasal drip (and perhaps a resulting sore throat or cough), a heavy head and a burning feeling in the sinus area.

When congestion occurs, the nose is producing more mucus in order to rid itself of something that it finds irritating—this could be a virus (like the common cold or flu), allergens or a sinus infection, adds Mary Pat Friedlander, M.D ., associate program director at the UPMC St. Margaret Family Residency Program in Pittsburgh. So the goal with any congestion-relief option is to loosen up or remove that mucus so you can breathe easier.

Most forms of congestion get better over time on their own—and recovery tends to speed up if you follow the pro tips below.

1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

Here's some intel that will help you recover quicker from nearly any infection: "Rest and hydration help our immune system fight infections," says Monaa Zafar, M.D. , a primary care physician at Westmed Medical Group in Purchase, New York.

Women need around 91 ounces of H2O per day, while men should aim for about 125 ounces. (ICYMI, how much water you should drink, by the numbers .)

"Fluids are important anytime patients are under the weather, to help prevent dehydration from sweating or from appetite loss," adds Isabel Valdez, P.A ., a physician assistant and assistant professor of internal medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

2. Get steamy.

You'll score healing bonus points if some of those fluids come by way of warm liquids, such as hot tea .

"Inhaling steam from warm water or even from tea as you sip it, could help moisturize the sinuses and help loosen the mucus as well," Valdez says.

You can also get similar steam room-like benefits (for $0 and at home) in a toasty shower, so each morning and night, try to spend at least five minutes in the steamy environment of your shower bay.

"Steam from a hot shower works well for nasal congestion," Simmonds explains. "Unlike most other parts of the body, the nasal mucosa actually shrinks in response to heat. Steam will likely provide some temporary relief."

3. Flush things out.

The single most helpful and instant home remedy, according to Friedlander, is a saltwater rinse or a neti pot.

"This is a great way to relieve nasal congestion. Just be sure to use distilled water when making the solution," she says, which is a *must* according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's neti pot safety guidance .

To use a neti pot (like this NeilMed NasaFlo Neti Pot Sinus Relief with Premixed Packets) the FDA way:

• Wash your hands.
• Fill the pot with distilled or sterile water, or tap water you've boiled for five minutes then cooled to lukewarm. Add saline per package instructions.
• Stand with your head leaning over a sink and breathe through your open mouth.
• Tilt your head slightly sideways so one nostril is higher than the other, then position the spout of the neti pot in the higher nostril.
• As the water flows into the higher nostril, it will flow out the lower nostril and empty into the sink.
• Do this for about one minute, clear nostrils completely, then repeat on the other side.

A system like this Navage Nasal Care Starter Bundle makes the nasal irrigation process easier and more hands-off. "If using a neti pot is too cumbersome or even too gross, over-the-counter nasal saline spray can also be helpful," Friedlander says. (One to try: Simply Saline Nasal Care Daily Relief Mist Spray)

"These remedies can provide relief after one or two uses. With nasal rinses, the benefit increases with increased use," Zafar adds, noting that using a humidifier can also be effective.

4. Use caution with certain over-the-counter medications.

While it might be tempting to run to the drugstore to fill your basket with everything in the decongestant aisle—they are called de congestants !—these come with a warning from all of the medical pros we spoke to.

Common decongestant nasal sprays (oxymetazoline/Afrin and phenylephrine/Sinex) and decongestant pills (pseudoephedrine/Sudafed) should be used with caution because excessive use can eventually exacerbate the congestion, Zafar says.

A condition called "rebound congestion" may crop up after use of these medications for more than three days. "Your body can get used to these medicines, and if you use it constantly, you can end up with worse congestion than when you started," Simmonds says.

Avoid taking nasal decongestants for more than three days at a time.

5. Address any potential congestion triggers.

Antihistamines may help if your congestion is related to allergies, but the quickest and easiest solution is attacking the problem at its source.

"If your congestion is triggered by allergies or irritation, removing the allergen will offer the best help," Friedlander says.

Replace carpet with wood or tile floors that don't trap dust mites or dander. If possible, keep windows closed to avoid pollen inside and use HEPA filters in your HVAC system and air purifiers .

The Bottom Line

"If your symptoms are not improving, contact your doctor for further recommendations," Friedlander says, and keep track of the duration of your congestion and the other symptoms that come along with it to alert your medical care team.

No need to bring a "sample" if you do end up visiting your doc, however. (Yep, it happens, Friedlander says!) "The color of the congestion is not really important," she says, if said congestion includes mucus discharge.

Up Next : You're Not Imagining It: Here's Why Allergy Season Is Worse This Year

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How to Relieve Head Congestion

Last Updated: June 27, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was medically reviewed by Erik Kramer, DO, MPH . Dr. Erik Kramer is a Board-Certified Primary Care Physician at the University of Colorado. With over 15 years of experience, his clinical interests include obesity and weight management, diabetes care, and preventive care, as well as embracing a holistic approach to primary care. He received his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) from the Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at Central Maine Medical Center. Dr. Kramer is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 387,635 times.

Head congestion from a cold or allergies can make you feel awful! Luckily, there are a few simple remedies you can try to get yourself feeling better fast. To relieve head congestion, you'll need to unblock your sinuses so mucus can drain properly. Taking saline drops, drinking plenty of fluids, or turning on a humidifier are just a few things that might help.

Immediate Relief

• Many decongestants, such as phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine, narrow the blood vessels to clear out nasal congestion. This also increases blood pressure. Therefore, proceed with caution if you already have high blood pressure.
• Decongestants can be found in tablets, capsules, liquids, and syrups.
• Make sure to read the label carefully or talk to a doctor before taking a decongestant because serious side effects can occur in babies, pregnant people, and people with allergies. Take the correct dosage and do not abuse the medication.

• It is recommended to take saline drops after the use of a decongestant.
• Taking saline nasal drops will help you avoid the “rebound effect” often associated with taking a decongestant nasal spray too often.

• Zinc prevents the rhinovirus from multiplying and keeps it from lodging in the mucous membranes of the throat and nose. The rhinovirus is the source of most common colds.
• Despite these initial findings, there is still not enough evidence that zinc has the impact on reducing head congestion as previously advertised. Zinc will boost the immune system against the virus but will have little influence on congestion.
• Don’t use zinc nasal spray or drops, since these can cause permanent damage to your sense of smell. [3] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
• Using zinc supplements long-term can cause a copper deficiency, which may lead to symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms and legs. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using zinc and ask whether you should also take copper supplements.

Dietary Changes

• Drink water, juice, or a clear broth. You can add lemon or honey to help soothe your throat and loosen congestion. Sipping on warm liquids, such as chicken soup or warm apple juice, could increase mucus flow and relieve blockage.
• A saltwater gargle can help relieve a sore or scratchy throat associated with congestion. Add about a quarter to one-half teaspoon (1.4-2.8 g) of salt into an 8  fl oz (240 mL) glass. Make sure the salt is dissolved before gargling.
• Try some aromatic or herbal tea to relax your body, soothe your throat, and provide temporary relief from head congestion.

• Pineapples contain bromelain, a mixture of enzymes that digest protein, which has been used for centuries in South America to reduce inflammation from sinus surgery.
• Garlic releases the enzyme allicin, which destroys bacteria and viruses, when you crush or chop it. Wait 10 minutes after you crush or chop garlic before cooking it.
• Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, nuts, eggs, and flaxseed have anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate allergy-related conditions.

• Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C. Eat lots of oranges, grapefruits, and strawberries to utilize the full effect of antioxidants.
• Vegetables such as tomatoes, red and green bell peppers, kale, spinach, broccoli, and brussels sprouts also have lots of vitamin C. Make sure to choose red and green vegetables.
• Ideally, you should get most of your vitamin C from food rather than from supplements, and aim to make it a regular part of your daily diet. Taking vitamin C supplements right when you start to get sick is unlikely to help with your cold symptoms.

• Polyphenols are the main active ingredients in ginger (gingerol); red wine, tea, onions, dark leafy vegetables, fruits (quercetin); green tea extract (EGCG); and curry extract (curcumin).

Natural Remedies

• Maintain your humidifier regularly or it could become a health hazard. Monitor and clean your humidifier so that it does not become a haven for mold and the humidity level does not go too high or low. In both cases, you will cause more problems than you solve.
• In addition, consider taking a hot bath or shower, inhaling steam, or putting a hot cup of water under your nose to help loosen mucus.

• Nasal strips are flexible, stretchy bands made to fit right above the flare of your nostrils and stay there because of the adhesive.
• Nasal adhesive strips are designed to help open inflamed sinus passages. They are effective against colds, allergies, and congestion.

• Specifically, apply deep firm pressure to self-massage the point between your thumb and index finger. This will relieve stress on your large intestine.
• For the gallbladder, massage the back of your head at the cross between where the ear bone and neck meet.
• These 2 points have been identified as places that can be stimulated to help open up your sinuses and reduce your symptoms.

• High levels of stress cause the quality and quantity of sleep to decrease, resulting in dysregulation that intensifies the symptoms associated with allergies and sinusitis.
• Try socializing with family, friends, and colleagues, listening to peaceful music, or finding some alone or quiet time to rest your mind and body.

Clear Congestion With This Expert Series

Expert Q&A

Reader Videos

• Limit your consumption of dairy products, grains, sugars, and starchy vegetables while you are congested because they produce excess mucus. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Decrease the intensity of your exercise until you are decongested. Instead, try taking a walk or doing yoga. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Avoid drinking alcohol, soda, and coffee because they will dehydrate you, making your symptoms worse. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/24923-nasal-decongestant
• ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4359576/
• ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/zinc-for-the-common-cold-not-for-me-201102171498
• ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/359266/
• ↑ https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/sinus-infection/best-foods-to-eat-sinus-infection
• ↑ https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0715/p153.html
• ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002404.htm
• ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20338103/
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sinusitis.html
• ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17980-nasal-congestion
• ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/try-this-easy-6-minute-acupressure-exercise-for-allergy-relief-video/
• ↑ https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body

About This Article

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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To relieve head congestion, take an over-the-counter decongestant medicine for quick relief in conjunction with over-the-counter saline nasal drops to keep your sinuses moist. Using a humidifier or taking a hot, steamy shower can also help loosen up head congestion and provide some relief. Be sure to drink plenty of water, juice, or clear broth to stay hydrated, which loosens congestion and makes it easier to get rid of. If you're having trouble sleeping through the night, try adhesive nasal strips so you can breathe more easily. To learn about dietary changes you can make that might help with head congestion, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Sinus headaches

On this page, when to see a doctor, risk factors.

Sinus headaches are headaches that may feel like an infection in the sinuses (sinusitis). You may feel pressure around the eyes, cheeks and forehead. Perhaps your head throbs.

But, this pain might actually be caused by a migraine.

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Signs and symptoms of sinus headaches may include:

• Pain, pressure and fullness in the cheeks, brow or forehead
• Worsening pain if you bend forward or lie down
• Stuffy nose
• Achy feeling in the upper teeth

Sinusitis or migraine?

Migraines and headaches from sinusitis are easy to confuse because the signs and symptoms of the two types of headaches may overlap.

Both migraine and sinusitis headache pain often get worse when you bend forward. Migraine can also be accompanied by various nasal signs and symptoms — including congestion, facial pressure and a clear, watery nasal discharge. These are due to involvement of the autonomic nervous system in a migraine attack. In fact, studies have shown that most people who see a health care provider for sinus headaches are found to have migraines instead.

Sinusitis, however, usually isn't associated with nausea or vomiting or aggravated by noise or bright light — all common features of migraines.

Sinusitis usually:

• Occurs after a viral upper respiratory infection or cold
• Includes thick, discolored nasal mucus
• Is associated with a decreased sense of smell
• Causes pain in one cheek or upper teeth

Headaches due to sinus disease often last days or longer, and migraines most commonly last hours to a day or two.

Consult your provider if:

• Your headache symptoms occur more than 15 days a month or require frequent pain medicine available without a prescription
• You have a severe headache, and pain medicine available without a prescription doesn't help
• You miss school or work because of frequent headaches or the headaches interfere with your daily life

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Sinus headaches are usually associated with migraines or other forms of headaches.

Sinus headaches are associated with pain and pressure in the face and sinuses and can cause nasal symptoms. Most of these headaches are not caused by sinus infections and generally should not be treated with antibiotics.

Sinus headaches can affect anyone but may be more likely if you have:

• A previous history of migraines or headaches
• A family history of migraines or headaches
• Hormonal changes associated with headaches

Whether or not you take preventive medications, you may benefit from lifestyle changes that can help reduce the number and severity of headaches. One or more of these suggestions may be helpful for you:

Avoid triggers. If certain foods or odors seem to have triggered your headaches in the past, avoid them. Your provider may recommend you reduce your caffeine and alcohol intake and avoid tobacco.

In general, establish a daily routine with regular sleep patterns and regular meals. In addition, try to control stress.

Exercise regularly. Regular aerobic exercise reduces tension and can help prevent headaches. If your provider agrees, choose any aerobic exercise you enjoy, including walking, swimming and cycling.

Warm up slowly, however, because sudden, intense exercise can cause headaches.

Obesity is also thought to be a factor in headaches, and regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight or lose weight.

Reduce the effects of estrogen. If estrogen seems to trigger or make your headaches worse, you may want to avoid or reduce the medications you take that contain estrogen.

These medications include birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy. Talk with your provider about the appropriate alternatives or dosages for you.

May 17, 2022

• Jayawardena ADL, et al. Headaches and facial pain in rhinology. American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy. 2018; doi:10.2500/ajra.2018.32.4501.
• Sinusitis. The Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders/nose-and-paranasal-sinus-disorders/sinusitis?redirectid=737?ruleredirectid=30&qt=sinus%20headache&sc=&alt=sh . Accessed Feb. 27, 2022.
• Kaniecki R. Sinus, disabling tension-type, and temporomandibular joint headaches. Current Opinion in Neurology. 2021; doi:10.1097/WCO.0000000000000918.
• Sinus infection (sinusitis). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/sinus-infection.html. Accessed Feb. 27, 2022.
• Wootton RJ, et al. Evaluation of headache in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 27, 2022.
• Sinus headaches. American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery. https://www.enthealth.org/conditions/sinus-headaches/. Accessed Feb. 27, 2022.
• Headache information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Headache-Information-Page. Accessed Feb. 27, 2022.
• Schwedt TJ, et al. Acute treatment of migraine in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 27, 2022.
• Schwedt TJ, et al. Preventive treatment of episodic migraine in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 27, 2022.
• Headache: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Hope-Through-Research/Headache-Hope-Through-Research. Feb. 27, 2022.
• Cutrer FM. Exercise (exertional) headache. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 13, 2022.
• Diseases & Conditions
• Sinus headaches symptoms & causes

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• Upper endoscopy

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HEAD CONGESTION: CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS

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• Head Congestion: Causes and Symptoms
• Common Cold Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment Options | SUDAFED®

No one wants to be sidelined by head congestion. A headache and stuffy nose can make you feel uncomfortable and may keep you from accomplishing simple daily tasks. When you understand head congestion causes and symptoms, you can take the appropriate steps to get relief and help prevent them from disrupting your life further. Keep reading to learn more about head congestion and how to help treat your symptoms.

What is Head Congestion?

Head congestion refers to the pressure and discomfort you feel from a runny or stuffy nose. Though head congestion is usually harmless, it can leave you feeling miserable and exhausted for several days.

What Causes Head Congestion?

Your head feels congested when mucus builds up, causing blood vessels in your nose to become inflamed and resulting in swollen tissues and head pressure. The cause for this extra mucus varies, but below are some common reasons you might be feeling stuffy.

A Common Cold

With more than 1 billion colds in the United States each year, it’s likely your head congestion is caused by the common cold. When you catch a cold, a virus infects your nose and throat, resulting in head cold symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, coughing and headaches.

This virus causes your nose to make thick, clear mucus, which helps wash away the germs from your nose and sinuses. This mucus also causes the nasal swelling that feels like head pressure.

When your nose swells, it can eventually interfere with your sinuses ability to drain, causing more mucus buildup. As a result, pressure builds and leads to pain in your forehead, between or behind your eyes and even your teeth.

If you’re experiencing head congestion, you probably want to know: How long does a head cold last? Most signs of a cold go away after seven to 10 days.

Similarly, the influenza virus leads to head congestion by infecting your nose, throat and lungs, and causing nasal swelling. People often confuse a cold with the flu because their symptoms are similar. However, flu symptoms often come on quicker and are more severe, resulting in a fever, body aches, chills and more.

A Sinus Infection

Sometimes a runny nose and nasal swelling are actually a result of sinus congestion. Head and sinus congestion have different causes and treatments , but a sinus infection occurs when the swelling in your nose interferes with your sinuses’ ability to drain, causing a mucus buildup that attracts bacteria and other germs. If your cold symptoms haven’t improved after a week, see your doctor. You could be developing a sinus infection .

How to Relieve a Head Cold and Head Congestion

If you start to feel bad from nasal swelling or a stuffy nose, you can take steps to improve your symptoms and make yourself more comfortable. Here are some remedies for head congestion. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Whether you catch the cold or flu, what your body needs most is rest. Go to bed early, take naps when needed, and don’t be afraid to take time off work or keep your children home from school. Not only will this prevent you from overexerting yourself, but it also helps avoid spreading your germs to others.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking lots of fluids is key to helping your immune system function properly, so consume even more than you do when healthy. Water, fruit juices with vitamin C, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey do the best job of keeping you hydrated and loosening congestion. Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages like coffee or soda make dehydration worse, so avoid them until symptoms improve.

Add Moisture to the Air

Though it seems counterproductive, you don’t want your nasal passages to dry up. Dry airways can increase nasal swelling that leads to a stuffy nose and nasal congestion. Keep moisture in the air with a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier; be sure to change the water and clean the unit properly. Steam from a shower or a hot cup of tea can also add extra moisture to the nasal passages to help with drainage.

Don’t Use Antibiotics to Treat Colds

Because colds are caused by viruses and not by bacteria, antibiotics are ineffective at treating colds. They will not relieve your symptoms and inappropriate use can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Get Ahead of Cold Symptoms

Though there’s no promise you’ll escape cold and flu season without a runny nose or sore throat, there are some steps you can take to increase your chances of staying healthy.

• Wash your hands frequently to help prevent coming into contact with or spreading harmful germs.
• Disinfect your environment and frequently clean commonly touched surfaces such as sink handles, doorknobs and handrails.
• Avoid sharing personal items, especially those that come in contact with your eyes, nose or mouth like utensils, washcloths or cups.
• Do not come in close contact with people who have colds or other upper respiratory infections.

Overall, pursue a healthy lifestyle to boost immunity by eating nutritious food, sleeping eight hours, drinking water, exercising and managing stress.

Common Head Cold: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

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