Head Cold Symptoms

A head cold is nothing but a common cold in which the symptoms are more pronounced in the facial region. A common cold is a viral infection caused in the upper respiratory tract, i.e., a person's nose and throat in lay man's terms. As there are over 200 viruses that can cause chest and head cold, symptoms can differ greatly from one person to another. However, apart from the discomfort caused by a running nose, watery eyes, sore throat and cough, sneezing and congestion, a common cold is usually harmless. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, there is no specific medication for common cold, and it is expected to cure on its own within 10 to 14 days.

Symptoms of a Head Cold

The most common symptoms of a head cold are:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion

Other common symptoms may include:

• A stuffy nose
• Mild fatigue
• Itchy or sore throat
• Low-grade fever (up to 102°F or 39°C)
• Cough
• Watery eyes
• Muscle ache
• A mild headache
• Loss of appetite

At the start of the cold, discharge from the nose is usually clear and watery but becomes thicker and yellow or green as the cold progresses. What differentiates a common cold from a viral infection is that the person suffering from common cold does not usually run a high fever, or experience significant fatigue.

On an average, children suffer more when affected with a common cold. Though the chest and head cold symptoms in children are the same as those in adults, they often develop complications, such as ear infections. If your child starts experiencing fever of 103°F (39.5°C) or higher, chills or sweating fever that lasts for more than three days, difficulty in breathing, vomiting or abdominal pain, ear pain, unusual sleepiness, persistent crying, severe headache or persistent cough, then get him/her immediate medical attention.

Head Cold Treatment

As mentioned before, there is no particular treatment for the chest and head cold. However, on the brighter side, the illness runs its course about a week (usually) and cures without medication. As antibiotics do not cure the cold, medication may only help relieve the symptoms. You may take a mild pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), for muscle aches, headache, and fever. Options to deal with nasal congestion are many like decongestant nasal sprays, though they aren't advisable for children to use. A commonly taken medication is cough syrup, that may help soothe an itchy throat. Apart from these, there are several OTC medications available, but as they are ineffective for treating the cause of the illness, it is better not to take them.

However, there are a number of other measures you can take to ease the discomfort and they are:

• Drink plenty of fluids, so the mucous stays moist and clears out of the body faster.
• Avoid fluids with caffeine or alcohol, as both have a dehydrating effect.
• Use a humidifier while sleeping.
• Sleeping and breathing can be made easier by propping up one's head with pillows.
• Try chewing on some vitamin C candies.
• Have some chicken soup at regular intervals. It is a scientifically proven remedy for treating above symptoms.
• Salt water gargling will also help clear sore throat.

I hope you now have a clear understanding of head cold symptoms and treatment. Supplement these efforts with plenty of rest, and you will find yourself waving goodbye to the nasty head cold in no time.