Head Cold

Head cold typically strikes in the winter months in different regions of the world. It is nothing but an infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by one of more than 200 viruses. This is the reason why it is difficult to say that the symptoms faced by a person may be the same, as in the case of others. Head cold is typically a harmless medical condition, but it has its own share of discomfort for the affected person. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases advocates the fact that ailments such as this does not have any cure. The virus has to run its course for about 10-14 days, before the illness resolves on its own. However, to manage the symptoms and make them bearable, one can follow a few tips at home.

Symptoms

The classic symptoms of this condition include runny nose, cough, nasal congestion, fits of sneezing, watery eyes and a mild fatigue. These symptoms may be accompanied by sore throat, stuffy nose, itchy throat and body aches, headaches. Head cold is not usually accompanied by high fever but one of a low-grade degree, up to 39 degree Celsius. Nasal discharge may become thicker or take on color of yellow or green. This indicates that the ailment is running its course. As said earlier, head cold is a self resolving viral infection and does not require any medical attention.

Although the ailment does not require medical attention, if the sufferer experiences a fever of 39 °C or higher, which is accompanied by chills, cough and sweating, then this might warrant a medical check up. It might be more concerning if there are other symptoms such as swollen glands and severe sinus pain are present, as well. Needless to say, children are more affected by this condition. Generally, even they do not have to go for a check up, but if symptoms such as severe headache, breathing difficulty, ear pain, persistent coughing and fever higher than 39.5 °C persist, then medical help becomes a must. Also, vomiting or abdominal pain can be some severe symptoms which may raise concern.

Treatment

Head cold, being a form of common cold, is incurable and there is no medicine which may make it go away any faster. No matter what, the infection will run its course and disappear within a span of 10-14 days. Antibiotics are useless as it is a viral infection, and using OTC medications have their own share of side effects. However, medications such as pain relievers, decongestants, nasal sprays and cough syrups can be used as they are helpful in managing the symptoms such as headaches, nasal congestion and coughs, respectively.

Resting helps a lot as it keeps the body from getting weaker and the infection more aggressive. Drinking lots of fluids such as juice, broth, tea, soups, including water aids in keeping the body hydrated and replacing fluids lost through mucus production. Chicken soup was earlier thought to be just a way to make the sufferer feel good. However, with more research on this food, it has been found that it actually does provide relief from head cold.

To conclude, gargling with warm saline water and keeping the room warm and moist also helps in managing the symptoms of head cold till the time it disappears on its own.