What to do if your nose is stuffy and your head hurts, but there is no fever - how to treat it?
There are different types of runny nose.
However, like a headache. In this article we will tell you what a sinus headache is, what are the symptoms of this disease and how to cure it. When they become inflamed (usually due to nasal allergies or infections), they swell and produce more mucus. As a result, the channels that clear the cavities may become clogged.
Increased pressure in the sinuses causes pain similar to a headache.
Migraines and tension headaches are often confused with sinus headaches. Treatment depends on what type of headache you have. It is important to find out whether your symptoms are related to your current sinus condition. If the paranasal sinus is completely clogged in case of infection, and because of this you have a headache, then most likely you will also have a high fever at this time.
As a rule, the doctor listens to the patient, his complaints and symptoms of the disease. He can immediately tell how clogged the sinuses are. The doctor will examine them. In some cases, you will need to do a computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Typically, the goal of treatment is to relieve the symptoms of a sinus headache and get rid of the infection if it is present in the body. You can take antibiotics for ENT infections, as well as antihistamines or decongestants. Keep in mind that taking these medications for a long time is not recommended.
Doctors recommend taking painkillers for sinus headaches. If these don't help, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce sinus inflammation. If the cause of an exacerbation of sinusitis is an allergic reaction, you need to take this factor into account during treatment.
Also try drinking more fluids, using a humidifier, or using nasal rinses to help you feel better.
If you take decongestants and painkillers too often, you may get a headache. If you take pills for headaches for a long time, you need to tell your doctor about it. Decongestants increase blood pressure. If you have a tendency to have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor before using anti-edema medications.
If you take decongestants and painkillers too often, you may get a headache.
In rare cases, a specialist may recommend a sinusotomy (surgery to open the sinuses) to remove nasal polyps, for example, or to open narrowed or swollen sinuses.
Have you ever heard of sinus headaches being caused by allergies? Allergies can cause sinus congestion. This causes headaches. Treating allergies will relieve congestion but will not relieve headaches. Usually it is necessary to treat these two diseases separately. Therefore, it is better to consult a doctor to be sure that the treatment is adequate.
There are many types of headaches. In addition to sinus headaches, headaches in the head are often a symptom of diseases of the paranasal sinuses (frontal sinusitis, sinusitis, ethmoiditis). Also, many patients are well aware of what migraine and cephalalgia (tension headache) are. Sometimes it takes the help of several specialists to accurately determine the cause of the headache. Headaches cannot be tolerated, doctors say. So take care of yourself.
It often happens that the nose is stuffy, but there is no runny nose. Many people have encountered the problem when the nose cannot breathe and there is no runny nose. This condition causes discomfort, which is associated with difficulty in nasal breathing. It is worth noting that nasal congestion in the absence of a runny nose can lead to complications.
Quite often a headache occurs when you have a runny nose. Pain may occur due to nasal congestion and fatigue. The patient's condition worsens significantly, sleep is disturbed, and appetite disappears. To correct the situation and get rid of the symptoms, you need to understand the cause.
The answer to the question whether there can be a headache with a runny nose is definitely positive.
Pain in various parts of the head can develop for several reasons:
- A runny nose and headache without fever can appear due to severe hypothermia. The nose gets stuffy, it becomes difficult to breathe, a cough and sore throat may bother you.
- During a prolonged cold and severe runny nose, a lot of mucus begins to form, which leads to swelling and inflammation of the nasopharynx. There is a constant bursting pain that intensifies when bending and turning the head. The back of my head hurts the most.
- There is an increase in intracranial fluid. As a result of swelling and fluid pressure on the membranes of the brain, pain occurs in the forehead and other areas.
- A runny nose is caused in most cases by bacteria and viruses. When they actively reproduce, symptoms of intoxication appear, which are manifested by a rise in temperature, a stuffy nose and a headache. With the flu, the frontal part of the head and temples usually hurt.
- When nasal congestion occurs, there is insufficient oxygen supply to the body. Oxygen starvation provokes the release of certain hormones into the blood, which increase blood pressure, constrict blood vessels and cause pain in the head.
- Headache from a runny nose due to sinusitis. In most cases, they become a complication of a common runny nose. The nose is very stuffy, the discharge from it is brown and thick, there is pain in the head, and general weakness. Most often there is an elevated body temperature.
- Another complication of rhinitis is otitis media. The disease is accompanied not only by pain in the ears, but also in the head. The pain is acute, constant.
A headache may occur due to inflammation in the frontal sinus (frontal sinusitis). The eyebrow above the eye hurts the most. The condition worsens when performing physical activity or bending forward. Swelling of the eyelids and forehead is observed; when pressing on these areas, the pain intensifies, and the sense of smell decreases.
The pathological process occurring in the maxillary sinuses is called sinusitis. When the sinuses are clogged, the voice becomes nasal, pain in the forehead, under the eyes, in the area between the eyebrows. Sinusitis is characterized by pressing pain and a feeling of heaviness. Unpleasant symptoms often worsen when the head is tilted forward. The cheeks and nose itself may swell.
When inflammatory fluid accumulates in the sphenoid bone, sphenoiditis develops. It hurts between the eyebrows, in the eye sockets, and in the parietal region of the head. Worries about severe swelling of the nasal cavity, purulent discharge, a rise in body temperature, a decrease in the sense of smell and vision.
Inflammation of the ethmoid bone of the nose leads to ethmoiditis. The body temperature can rise to 39, a severe headache is bothering you, and a severe runny nose leads to a decrease in the sense of smell. All these symptoms are accompanied by pain in the bridge of the nose, pain in the eyes, and decreased vision.
Treatment must be prescribed only by a specialist. Once the cause is determined, different groups of medications may be prescribed.
- Antiviral medications (Anaferon, Arbidol, Ergoferon, Kagocel) stop the reproduction of viruses, activate the body’s own defenses and speed up recovery.
- If the pain in the head is severe and the body temperature is elevated, then the doctor may prescribe medications that can eliminate pain symptoms and get rid of fever: Paracetamol, Pentalgin, Nurofen, Ibuprofen.
- If you have a runny nose and headache, then combined medications will help. They alleviate the condition and reduce the manifestation of cold symptoms: Fervex, Coldrex, Theraflu, Rinza.
- If symptoms appear due to sinusitis or other types of sinusitis, a set of procedures and medications is prescribed. Treatment is not complete without saline solutions: Aquamaris, Marimer, Aqualor, No-salt. Inhalations are done with them and the nose is washed out. Nasal antibiotics Polydexa, Bioparox, Isofra or systemic antibacterial drugs: Amoxicillin, Augmentin, Zinnat, Flemoclav. Antiseptic drugs Miramistin, Furacilin can be prescribed.
- Treatment may be accompanied by antihistamines (Cetrin, Suprastin, Loratadine, Claritin). They can reduce the area of edema and improve nasal breathing. As a result, the outflow of fluid from the sinuses is activated.
- To alleviate the condition, vasoconstrictor drops are prescribed, the use of which should not exceed 5 days. The most popular drops are Otrivin, Tizin, Dlynos, Nazol, Rinonorm.
- Immunostimulating drugs help cure colds. You can put Grippferon or Derinat drops into your nose. Viferon and Genferon suppositories may be prescribed.
During a cold, you can use traditional medicine, but only after consulting a doctor. Many components can cause allergies and the symptoms only intensify:
- You can lubricate your temples, nose wings, and forehead with essential oils. Zvezdochka balm is considered effective.
- Headaches can be treated with cold compresses. The towel is moistened with cold water and applied to the forehead.
- Massage helps restore nasal breathing and reduce pain. Begin massaging clockwise with your fingers, first the point between the eyebrows, then the wings of the nose and temples.
- It is recommended to drink an infusion of elderberry, chamomile, mint, and clover.
- When your forehead hurts due to a runny nose, it is useful to apply lemon peels to your temples.
All medications, including folk remedies, must be taken in accordance with the dosage and duration of treatment. You should not stop taking medications, even if your condition has improved.
Folk remedies
You can also alleviate the condition and speed up recovery using various folk methods. You need to resort to them as an additional, not primary therapy.
- If there is congestion, it is recommended to drip Kalanchoe juice. It relieves inflammation and makes breathing easier. Liquid is squeezed out of the leaves and dripped into each nasal passage three times a day. The course of treatment should not exceed 5 days.
- Lamb fat is an excellent medicine. A cotton swab is dipped in fat and lubricated into the nasal cavity. The procedure is carried out overnight.
- To combat sinusitis at home, use horse sorrel. Pour ½ tsp of plant roots into ½ cup of boiling water. Leave for 1.5 hours and wash the nasal passages.
When your head and nose constantly hurt, use sea salt to cleanse the channels. The solution is not made too strong. The nostril is pinched, the head is tilted to the side and the liquid is poured into the free nostril. Then they blow their nose and begin the second pass. After the procedure, a vasoconstrictor is dripped.
Headaches, nasal congestion, feeling of pressure in the nose and eyes
The anatomical structure of the nose is complex and includes not only external cavities, but formations located in the frontal and facial bones - the sinuses. Their walls are separated by cavities with the frontal lobe of the brain and the eye sockets.
Blood vessels and nerves pass through the sinuses. The frontal, ethmoid, maxillary, and sphenoid sinuses are connected to each other by passages. They are located next to the ear, larynx, and brain. Inflammation of the nasal cavities leads to the development of pathological processes in neighboring areas. If pain in the bridge of the nose radiates to the head, then the decay products of pathogenic bacteria have entered the blood, acting on the receptors of the brain.
Pyogenic infections in the nose occur due to:
- abscesses;
- carbuncles;
- sinusitis;
- tumors;
- frontitis.
As a result of venous communications between the nose and the brain, pyogenic bacteria, cancer cells, and pieces of tumor tissue enter the skull. Hence the development:
- cerebral vein thrombosis;
- thrombosis of the venous sinuses;
- intracranial bleeding;
- purulent meningitis;
- metastatic tumors.
1. Ciprofloxacin (0.5 1 t. 2 times a day - 5 days)
2. Aqualor (2 rubles per day)
With this treatment, the pain and nasal throat congestion decreased slightly, and the congestion in the ears went away.
1. Erespal 80 mg x 2 r. in the village
2. Suprastinex 1 t. 1 r. in the village
3. Koldakst 1 k x 2 r. in the village
4. Maris Aqua 2 r. in the village
5. Otipax (3 rooms, 2 rubles per day)
Headaches, which have a sensation of heaviness and pressure in different parts, and are aggravated by movements. For example, when lowering your head or when rising from a lying position, pressing pain occurs, more often in the parietal and occipital regions, less often in the temporal and frontal;
nose Congestion from slight to complete inability to breathe on one side, is constantly present and occurs on different sides of the nose alternately. There is also a feeling of pressure in the nose. Nasal discharge has been minimal for the last few days;
Sore throat, constant, aggravated by swallowing, medium in intensity. The use of an antiseptic temporarily reduces pain. There is also mucus in the throat all the time.
In the ears, a few days at a time, congestion appears for a short period more often, time on one side, and squelching in the ear on one side when chewing.
Also, periodically throughout the day, a cough occurs, often dry, with sputum sometimes.
Of the general symptoms, there is weakness and There is. drowsiness and sensations of pressure in the eyes, tearing and redness. The temperature all this time was from 36.6 to 37.5, and did not rise above these values.
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When a patient complains of a headache that radiates to the bridge of the nose, examinations are most often carried out for the presence of ENT and eye diseases. In this case, the nose is stuffy, and there may be congestion in the ears.
There are several types and causes of headaches in the supraorbital region:
- Sinusitis is a disease that affects the sinuses. Characterized by acute pain, especially when lowering the head. Often the nose is stuffy, pain in the ears is noted, and the discomfort intensifies if the patient presses on the bridge of the nose. In such cases, there is usually no high temperature. In 99% of cases, headaches in the area of the bridge of the nose and nose, pressure and swelling in the nose are associated specifically with sinusitis (sinusitis). To treat this problem, we recommend reading this article before the disease becomes chronic.
- Cluster pain. It is characterized by sharp pain in the area of one eye, accompanied by swelling and hyperemia at the site of localization. Such symptoms do not appear often, once every few months, the attack lasts up to an hour and a half and goes away completely. Sometimes swelling and nasal congestion may occur. Most often, this type occurs in adult men, especially those who drink alcohol.
- Facial pain (prosopalgia). May be caused by various reasons. This type is mainly found in inflammatory processes of the sinuses, trigeminal neuralgia, brain tumors and other diseases. It is characterized by a whole range of symptoms: fever, facial swelling, nasal congestion, skin hyperemia. The pain intensifies if the patient presses on the bridge of the nose, and sometimes there is difficulty breathing.
- Neoplasms of the sinuses and nasal cavity. Characterized by pain in the bridge of the nose and nose. Usually it is laid down. There is no high temperature.
- Eye diseases (myopia, glaucoma and others). Characterized by pain in the temporal and frontal region.
If you experience such symptoms, you must urgently contact a qualified specialist who will carry out appropriate diagnostic measures and prescribe effective treatment. If you have a headache and a stuffy nose for several days, it is recommended to undergo examination by a neurologist and otolaryngologist (ENT).
Why is my nose stuffy and my head hurts?
In this article we will tell you why the nose can be stuffy, what can cause a headache, why the nose bleeds, and also consider the types of headaches with nasal congestion and folk remedies for headaches.
If you have a headache and a feeling of nasal congestion, you may have an inflammatory process. Notice the sensation as you tilt your head down. The pain may intensify or a feeling of heaviness may occur.
When your nose is stuffy and your head hurts, many people's mood deteriorates, their health worsens, and various diseases may arise. This is due to the fact that the nasal cavity is a kind of filter that traps harmful microorganisms. Therefore, it is so important to carry out preventive measures and know how to eliminate such discomfort in a timely manner.
The determining factor for finding out the causes of a stuffy nose and migraines is an increase in temperature. In its absence, such symptoms may arise as a result of the following pathologies:
- Chronic rhinitis. With a prolonged runny nose, the nasal mucosa swells, which causes migraines. This may be a consequence of respiratory diseases or excessive use of vasoconstrictors.
- Allergic rhinitis. It occurs against the background of allergies and is accompanied by a lack of oxygen, sneezing, coughing and migraines. Antihistamines will help, as will a visit to the doctor. A similar reaction can occur to almost anything (dust, wool, pollen, food, medicines, cosmetics, etc.).
- Chronic sinusitis. Inflammatory processes in this disease occur in the paranasal sinuses. Characterized by weakness, impaired sense of smell, nasal discharge, nasopharyngeal congestion, dizziness and spasms. In rare cases, fever appears. Self-medication is strictly forbidden, since the disease often develops in parallel with some other infectious pathology.
- Polyps. These are formations in the nasopharynx caused by the proliferation of its mucous membrane. As they enlarge, a person experiences difficulty breathing and a severe headache in the bridge of the nose. Surgery is required.
- Furunculosis. A boil may form on the mucous membrane, which blocks the path of oxygen and, thereby, causes a migraine. Often this creates the impression that there is a shooting in the nose. Treatment should only be prescribed by a doctor.
If, in addition to the main symptoms, there is a rise in body temperature, then this can happen for the following reasons:
- Sinusitis. Inflammation of the sinuses occurs due to infectious diseases, dental problems, and the activity of bacteria and viruses. Initially, discomfort appears in the area of the affected sinus, gradually it intensifies and rises higher, and can put pressure on the cheekbones, temples or ears. There is clear or light green discharge from the nose. Symptoms worsen when tilting the head. With prolonged inflammation, unpleasant sensations appear in the eye area, and conjunctivitis may begin. If the disease has not been treated or is simply ignored, it can lead to meningitis, osteomyelitis or bronchitis.
- Frontit. The inflammatory process in the frontal sinuses leads to hyperthermia, migraines, nasal congestion, pain begins to put pressure on the forehead and eye sockets. Untreated frontal sinusitis can provoke bone necrosis, fistula, brain abscess or sepsis.
- Sphenoiditis. The sphenoid sinus becomes inflamed, which causes pain in the occipital region, malaise, tears, congestion of the nasopharynx and fever. Complications such as meningitis or destruction of the optic nerve are possible.
- Ethmoiditis. This is an inflammatory process of the ethmoid bone mucosa. Appears in bacterial and viral pathologies. At first, a person feels unwell and pain at the base of the nose and in the eye sockets. Then the symptoms are joined by nasopharyngeal congestion and copious mucus discharge. Complications: meningitis, abscess and blurred vision.
- Sometimes, when the nose is blocked, migraines and hyperthermia begin, and pain in the larynx may appear. This happens with the flu or a cold. Without proper treatment, even a respiratory disease can lead to pneumonia, meningitis and heart problems. The first rule for eliminating a cold is good sleep.
- If something clicks in the nose during a migraine, it could be the consequences of an injury, infectious or bacterial inflammation resulting from advanced forms of pathologies.
- In rare cases, nasopharyngeal cancer causes clogged nostrils and headaches. That is why it is so important to consult a doctor at the first unpleasant sensations. Then it may be possible to recognize the tumor at an early stage.
- Sinus congestion and migraines during pregnancy occur as a result of toxicosis and hormonal changes in the body. There is no way to cure them; you just need to endure this period.
- Dry indoor air also causes nasal congestion and migraines, especially in the morning. To avoid this problem, it is recommended to ventilate the room and humidify the air before night.
If a patient experiences pain in the head that radiates to the bridge of the nose, the person must be referred for examination to an otolaryngologist.
After all, when your nose and head hurt, it’s due to:
- Sinusitis. Fluid accumulated in the sinuses puts pressure on the walls, causing discomfort in neighboring organs. In addition to spasms in the head, attacks occur in the ears, eye sockets, and upper jaws. The symptom is accompanied by high body temperature and a feeling of fullness in the affected cavity.
- Cluster pain. An attack of pain in the orbit, swelling, redness of the tissues is accompanied by nasal congestion. Men who drink alcohol suffer from this syndrome.
- Prosopalgia. Pain occurs in facial tissues as a result of inflammation of the trigeminal nerve and brain tumors. Increased discomfort occurs with pressure on the bridge of the nose. The disease is accompanied by swelling of the face, high fever, and difficulty in nasal breathing.
- Neoplasms. If the nasal cavities are affected by malignant tumors or formations of another nature, then there is a danger of their transfer to the brain area. Along with nasal congestion, patients experience spasms in the nasal cavities and head.
- Myopia, glaucoma. Eye diseases are always accompanied by headaches.
Headache and runny nose: what happens in the body
The appearance of headaches due to rhinitis and colds is due to a number of reasons.
The main factor is considered to be an increase in the production of intracranial fluid. It compresses the membranes of the brain. This is often associated with an increase in temperature. Another factor is intoxication of the body due to the activity of pathogenic microorganisms. Also, the reason may lie in inflammation of the paranasal sinuses or the development of otitis media.
Headaches that occur against the background of a runny nose are usually characterized by aches, a feeling of heat, and chills. If the cause of symptoms is influenza, the pain syndrome is much more pronounced. It affects the frontal areas, temples, eyebrows, and eye area.
With severe headache, which is characterized by fever, nausea and vomiting, meningitis can be suspected. This is a very dangerous condition that requires calling an ambulance immediately.
Diagnosis of causes
There are several diagnostic methods that are practiced for such symptoms. First of all, this is an examination of the patient and an x-ray examination. Based on the results, additional diagnosis and treatment of the patient is prescribed. This is a computer or magnetic resonance imaging scan, which provides additional data for making a diagnosis. In some cases, intraocular pressure measurement is prescribed. Your doctor may also order urine and blood tests.
Diagnostics is carried out based on the following data:
- location of pain;
- the nature of the pain (dull, sharp, monotonous);
- pain intensity;
- duration;
- additional symptoms.
By studying this information, a specialist will be able to accurately diagnose and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Differentiated diagnosis of headache
Among the main methods for diagnosing the causes of a runny nose are:
- radiology;
- computer and magnetic resonance imaging of the maxillary sinuses and brain;
- checking intraocular pressure;
- laboratory tests of urine and blood.
To make a differential diagnosis, determine:
- localization of spasm;
- frequency of its occurrence;
- moderate to strong intensity;
- the nature of the symptom manifestation from sharp to paroxysmal or dull;
- duration of pain.
Only an accurate diagnosis will allow you to choose the appropriate treatment and avoid the consequences of infection.
How to reduce headache pain?
If you have a paroxysmal headache due to congestion, you should consult an otolaryngologist. The doctor will prescribe additional studies to differentiate between inflammatory and allergic origins.
If there is an assumption that the nose is blocked under the influence of external or internal allergens, then consultation with a specialist will be required. The allergist will make adjustments to the treatment regimen in the form of detecting and eliminating factors that trigger thickening (hyperplasia) of the mucous membranes of the paranasal sinuses.
Complex impact
Headache from a runny nose must be treated comprehensively - eliminate the cause, reduce clinical manifestations. For this purpose, medications for the common cold (tablets, drops, sprays) and physiotherapy are used. Physician supervision is required to adjust the regimen, introduce additional therapeutic measures, and replace medications in case of individual intolerance.
The danger of self-medication
Sinusitis is fraught with the spread of infection along the physiological bone canals of the head. The following development of the infectious process is possible:
- the bacterial infection has spread to the inner ear;
- damage to the mucous membranes led to otitis and mastoiditis (inflammation of the cells of the mastoid processes);
- connection with the cranial cavity leads to infection of the meninges (meningitis).
This option is more typical for children, because the immune system is weak. But it is also possible for adults. If the secreted mucous component has changed color (green snot), the headache is unbearable, the temperature has risen, then self-medication will not help. On the contrary, it will worsen the situation. Only a doctor will help not only remove pain in the head, but also stop the infection and prevent serious consequences.
Interesting: Why do you get a headache when you are poisoned?
Drug treatment
Edematous mucous membranes are treated with the following means:
- cleansing sprays – Aquamaris, Marimer;
- vasoconstrictor drops (3-4 days, so that addiction does not develop) - Nazivin, Tizin;
- antihistamines, anti-inflammatory drugs – Vibrocil.
If your head continues to hurt after a runny nose, you can add antispasmodics - Ibuprofen, Nurofen.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is included in the complex therapy of rhinitis and sinusitis:
- magnetic therapy;
- inhalation;
- electrophoresis;
- washing with saline solutions.
They should be carried out in a course (about 10 procedures) until the pathological manifestations completely disappear.
Pain in the head is reduced by acupressure, it improves blood flow and promotes accelerated discharge of the exudative component.
Headache due to various pathologies of the nose
Headache (cephalgia) is a common symptom accompanying various diseases. It does not occur directly in the brain - there are no pain receptors in the nervous tissue. Unpleasant sensations come from areas susceptible to pain: blood vessels, nerves, muscles, periosteum of the skull, skin, orbital tissue, sinuses, mucous membranes.
Headache due to nasal pathology occurs for two reasons:
- Increased pressure in the paranasal sinuses
- Hypoxia due to difficulty breathing
In both cases, the free flow of air is hampered due to swelling and narrowing of the lumen of the nasal passages and sinuses. The inflammatory process is observed with sinusitis and viral infections.
With sinusitis (inflammation of the maxillary, frontal, and sphenoidal sinuses), due to edema, a narrowing of the opening of the sinus anastomosis is observed, through which mucus flows into the nasal cavity. When there is excess accumulation, it begins to put pressure on the walls of the sinus, causing pain.
Sinusitis is characterized by unpleasant pressing, bursting pain in the upper jaw, bridge of the nose, eye area, and less often the forehead. At the beginning of the disease, cephalalgia appears only in the morning. As it progresses, it becomes permanent and intensifies when turning and tilting the head. In later stages, it spreads to the entire face, extending to the ears and neck.
In acute sinusitis, the temperature rises above 38 C, general weakness and increased fatigue are noted. Nasal congestion is usually bilateral. The discharge is clear at first, then takes on the character of pus with an unpleasant odor. In the case of severe swelling of the mucous membrane in the area of the sinus anastomosis, there may be no discharge from the nose, and sensitivity to odors decreases.
With frontal sinusitis, there is a dull pain in the forehead after a night's sleep.
In chronic sinusitis, an increase in temperature is rarely observed. The pain is of moderate intensity, worse in the morning. An unpleasant putrid odor from the mouth and a taste of pus may be disturbing. Nasal discharge is scanty, may be mucous or purulent with an unpleasant odor, and appears more often in the morning. Localization of pain - eyes, forehead, temples.
Treatment is carried out by an ENT doctor. Symptomatic treatment consists of the use of vasoconstrictor drops and painkillers.
The first signs indicating the onset of the disease are headache, weakness and chills, dizziness, nausea. Unpleasant sensations may occur in the forehead or back of the head. When viruses enter the body, they begin to actively multiply, cell breakdown products enter the bloodstream and irritate the membranes of the brain.
As the disease progresses, the temperature rises, nasal congestion, runny nose, dry and sore throat, productive or dry cough, and decreased sensitivity to odors occur.
With swelling of the mucous membrane, nasal breathing is significantly impaired. The supply of oxygen to the body decreases, as a result of which the level of CO2 in the blood increases. Excessive carbon dioxide content leads to pain due to irritation of the meninges.
Nasal congestion increases pressure in the tympanic cavity. In this case, both general headaches and ear pain are felt. If not treated correctly, an infection from the nose can spread to the middle ear. The pain syndrome will be caused by inflammation of the ears.
During a runny nose, excess mucus causes a cough, running down the back of the throat. In addition, the inflammatory process causes dysfunction of mucosal cells. When you inhale, the air is not humidified. Dry air irritates the throat, causing a feeling of dryness and a barking hacking cough. Pain impulses come from receptors in the muscles of the neck and throat.
The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms of intoxication (drinking plenty of fluids, ventilation, bed rest), facilitating nasal breathing (vasoconstrictor drops), and lowering the temperature. It is not recommended to take additional analgesics.
Causes and symptoms
There are quite a few factors that lead to the appearance of such a clinical picture.
Localization of different types of sinusitis
Sinusitis
The maxillary sinuses are paired hollow formations that are localized in the thickness of the upper jaw and communicate with the nasal cavity. During the inflammatory process in this area, the temperature increases, the forehead and temples hurt.
A distinctive feature of the disease is the increase in pain when bending forward. Some people experience swelling of the cheeks.
Chronic illness is also common. In this case, rhinitis and headaches appear slightly. However, the temperature remains normal. It is important to treat such an infection so that it does not enter the brain.
Ethmoiditis
The ethmoid labyrinth is a bony cellular structure that is located on the sides of the nasal passages. When infection enters this area, ethmoiditis develops.
This type of illness is characterized by an increase in temperature to 38-39 degrees.
There is also a risk of headaches. Most often, discomfort occurs in the area of the bridge of the nose and the eye area.
Frontit
This term refers to a severe pathology, which is characterized by excruciating pain in the anterior region of the head. This complication is characterized by inflammation of the frontal sinuses. Quite often, infection causes swelling of the upper eyelids. This condition is characterized by severe pain.
Sphenoiditis
This pathology is an inflammation of the sphenoid sinus, which is characterized by severe pain in the head. Most often, discomfort is localized in the occipital region.
Sinusitis
The human skull contains many sinuses called sinuses. They connect to form a vast network. Even the most common cold can become dangerous if the infection gets into the sinuses and causes sinusitis.
As this disease develops, the runny nose intensifies, mucous discharge becomes purulent, problems with nasal breathing arise, and a headache appears.
Sinusitis
When is it necessary to be examined?
If you have a headache, you often take a pill and that’s it. But cramps in the head are a signal of malfunctions in the body’s functioning and the development of serious diseases. See a doctor immediately when:
- symptoms of the disease do not go away within several days;
- the patient has a high temperature along with pain;
- unpleasant sensations occur when you tilt your head;
- attacks of spasms in the head and nose are accompanied by a runny nose, lacrimation, and redness of the eyes.
In these cases, you should not self-medicate, it is dangerous. A complete examination and adherence to the recommendations of a therapist or otolaryngologist will save you from serious consequences.
What is migraine?
Despite the wide spread of the diagnosis in question, not many people know what migraine is and why it occurs. Many people associate the disease with nasal problems. However, it is not. Many doctors believe that neurovascular headaches occur due to disruption of the nervous and circulatory systems. It is worth noting that migraine is the second most common cause of headache.
There are several signs by which a headache with the disease in question differs from pain with overexertion:
- Migraine is characterized by a pulsating headache. When overvolted, it is more stable.
- Often, migraines affect only one side; when overexerted, the head hurts on both sides.
- Migraine is worse if the head moves quickly.
- Nausea and vomiting occur quite often if a migraine worsens. Sensitivity to light and sound also increases significantly.
- The nose gets stuffy quite often. It is worth noting that a stuffy nose can cause quite a lot of problems.
Migraine is often characterized by the fact that on one side the head hurts quite strongly, sometimes there is pressure, but on the other side it is less. Only in some cases does the pain spread to both sides. The very name of the disease indicates that only one half of the head hurts - from Greek hemikrania means “half of the head.”
Allergic rhinitis
Allergy is the same inflammation, only without fever. The cause of rhinitis is the entry of an allergen into the body with air. Swelling of the nasal mucosa prevents free breathing. Hypoxia develops.
As with acute respiratory viral infections, dryness of the nasal and throat mucosa and an unproductive cough will be noted. With severe symptoms of rhinitis, sensitivity to smells is lost, increased fatigue and general weakness may be noted. Headaches are localized in the forehead and temporal areas.
It is necessary to carry out preventive treatment of rhinitis, rinse the nose with saline solutions, take antihistamines during exacerbations, and for nasal congestion, the use of nasal drops and sprays is recommended.
Nasal congestion due to rhinitis
The nasal mucosa is very sensitive to pain and susceptible to inflammatory processes (rhinitis). Inflammations can be of various types:
- Infectious rhinitis is caused by pathogenic viruses and bacteria. Sometimes it is caused by fungi. Microbes that enter the body begin to actively multiply and contribute to the development of inflammation. Nasal congestion and headache appear. Mucus is released. If rhinitis is caused by viruses, it is transparent, if by bacteria or fungi, it is purulent, thick, green.
- An allergic runny nose does not go away until the allergen that causes swelling is eliminated. A person develops copious clear discharge from the nose, watery eyes, and sneezing.
- Vasomotor rhinitis (or vascular) begins due to spasm and narrowing of blood vessels due to a decrease in air temperature. At the same time, the nose hurts very much and a clear liquid is discharged. This type of runny nose is also called “frost allergy.” When a person gets into heat, vascular contraction gradually disappears, but its signs remain. During the entire cold period, the bridge of the nose may ache without obvious reasons.
- Hypertrophic rhinitis is a chronic disease in which the cells of the nasal mucosa rapidly grow, narrowing the canal. The person's voice becomes nasal, and the pain is systematic.
- Atrophic rhinitis , in which the nose is stuffy and the head hurts, is the opposite of hypertrophic rhinitis. The cells do not absorb the released natural fluid, and a runny nose appears. Pain is present regularly, regardless of the weather or illness.
- Specific rhinitis is provoked by serious pathogens, such as leprosy, tuberculosis, and syphilis. Bone structures are slowly destroyed, and the nerve endings painlessly die along with them. Despite this, when the septum and bridge of the nose are completely destroyed, the person still feels pain.
- Drug-induced rhinitis is a rebound reaction of the body to uncontrolled and illiterate treatment of a runny nose with vasoconstrictor drugs. The more they drip, the more mucus is released. This disrupts the functioning of blood vessels and mucous membranes.
Nosebleeds
Bleeding from the nose often occurs when the vessels are shallow, changes in external pressure, and atrophy of the nasal mucosa (sensitivity to odors may be impaired). This condition is not the cause of headaches. The combination of these symptoms may be a sign of blood pressure pathology.
Profuse bleeding from the nose in combination with severe headaches in the temporal, occipital, frontal regions, dizziness and nausea indicates a sharp increase in blood pressure. It is necessary to urgently seek medical help, because Hypertensive crisis if not treated promptly leads to strokes.
Methods for treating lumbago in the head
The list of therapeutic procedures for cranialgia is established by the doctor based on the diagnosis. There are no universal ways to treat the problem. Trying to get rid of the symptom on your own can make the situation worse, so it’s better not to take risks.
Medicines
Acute pathology is treated in a hospital. Depending on the causes of the shooting headache, the patient may be prescribed antibiotics, NSAIDs, vitamins, nootropics and tranquilizers in the form of tablets or injections. For osteochondrosis, ointments “Finalgon”, “Fastum Gel”, “Diklak” are actively used. In case of an unexpected and severe attack, the pain syndrome is relieved with Novocaine or Lidocaine.
Dry nasal mucosa
With low atmospheric humidity, excessive use of vasoconstrictor drops, taking antihistamines and some hormonal drugs, the functioning of the nasal goblet cells, which are responsible for the production of mucus, is disrupted.
With this condition, there is dryness and itching in the nose, rare coughing, sore throat, and headaches. Sometimes nosebleeds may occur. Symptoms intensify with the beginning of the heating season.
It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids, irrigate the nose with saline solutions, and obligatory humidification of the air.
Before starting treatment, it is advisable to establish the cause. It is not recommended to take painkillers without consulting a doctor. Uncontrolled use of analgesics can cause severe nausea, stomach pain, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Do not get carried away with vasoconstrictor drops; their unlimited use can have the opposite effect.
How to get rid of a runny nose and associated headaches
For rhinitis, as with all diseases, rest and lack of heavy stress are recommended. Sick leave is not required, but it is important to stay in bed after work. It is advisable to support the head, allowing the mucus to flow out.
Homeopathy and medicines
Blowing your nose frequently will prevent the virus from multiplying and worsening the infection.
Rhinitis can be treated and swelling of the mucous membrane can be reduced with nasal drops. But be careful: they are addictive and counterproductive with long-term use. In addition, some drugs are not recommended during pregnancy, so pregnant women should consult a doctor before treatment.
Zinc tablets will help cure a viral disease by preventing the multiplication of viruses. Also, depending on the type of runny nose, you can use other homeopathic remedies:
- Allium cepa 9ch;
- Dulcamara 9ch;
- Kalium biochromicum 9ch.
Homeopathy in the treatment of adults and children should be discussed with a doctor.
Boosting immunity with folk remedies
Of course, the best option for treating a runny nose and accompanying headache is the use of pharmaceuticals. But for uncomplicated conditions, traditional methods will also help. They rely on the experience of ancestors who knew about the healing power of nature, capable of making the most of everything growing around them.
Liquids
Staying hydrated will help your body fight existing infections while supporting your immune system against other potential pathogens. A well-known recipe for treating runny nose and headaches is herbal teas, in particular chamomile. Chamomile has an anti-inflammatory effect, and sweetening with honey enhances its disinfectant effect. This plant is suitable not only for drinking, but also for inhalation.
The consumption of milk and dairy products is inadvisable, because... this leads to excessive mucus production.
Bath
Viruses are killed by high temperatures, so you can take a hot bath, then quickly get dressed and go to bed. An artificially induced fever and increased sweating will occur. This is a desirable state that promotes the destruction of viruses. After half an hour, you can change into dry, warm clothes.
Chicken bouillon
To relieve symptoms, it is recommended to drink strong homemade chicken broth 2-3 times a day. In addition to good taste, it has strong mucus-thinning effects.
Oyster mushroom
Oyster mushrooms have recently been shown to be effective in preventing viral and bacterial diseases. This mushroom contains many important vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, but its main advantages are antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects. One of the most important substances is glucans, which activate the immune system; they increase immunity not only to various microorganisms, but also to tumors and radiation.
To maximize the overall protection of the body, it is recommended to combine the effect of oyster mushrooms with vitamin C and a dose of lactobacilli.
Other effects of glucans are lowering blood cholesterol levels, beneficial effects on intestinal motility, and supporting wound healing.
Ginger
A hit of recent years is ginger tea, which warms the body and contains many healing substances. These are mainly essential oils, but ginger also contains a number of vitamins (A, B1, B2, C, E), minerals (sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, potassium). When you feel that you are starting to get sick, grate the ginger and fill it with water at about 90°C. Sweeten with honey.
How does congestion manifest?
This state of discomfort has the same accompanying symptoms as nasal congestion with a runny nose.
But there is still a difference: there is no nasal discharge, although there is a strong desire to blow your nose.
All of the above ailments cannot be eliminated quickly and without seeking the help of a specialist, however, appropriate measures can be taken to prevent nasal congestion. In particular, this applies to the onset of viral diseases, as well as to the abuse of alcohol and smoking.
Runny nose and cough without fever: how and what to treat in an adult
A runny nose and severe cough without fever most often indicate that a hidden inflammatory process is occurring in the human body or that the patient is hypersensitive to certain factors.
In particular, similar symptoms can be observed in adults if a person inhales fine dust or polluted air.
In the event that the condition does not improve, snot and dry cough last a long time, you need to consult a doctor to find out the exact cause of the illness.
Prevention
As a rule, the main reasons for the appearance of an uncomfortable feeling of nasal congestion are viral and colds, which have a hidden course. In this case, it is very easy to resist unpleasant sensations.
He understands that it will not be possible to completely get rid of colds, but you can reduce the number of colds to a minimum.
Such simple but important measures will help maintain the tone of the immune system and protect the body from viruses and bacteria.
To prevent the disease, it is enough to follow some rules:
- treat colds promptly and completely;
- correct a deviated septum as soon as possible;
- Perform oral hygiene frequently;
- give up bad habits forever.
Some features
Pain with a runny nose can be a manifestation of:
Syndrome of general infectious intoxication.- Acute inflammation of the paranasal sinuses.
It is impossible to completely distinguish between these variants of cephalalgia, since all infectious and inflammatory processes, regardless of location, are accompanied by varying degrees of infectious intoxication. However, each of them has its own characteristics; it is also necessary to take into account external factors - for example, if you have a headache after a runny nose, this may be due to excessively active nose blowing.
Cephalgia during intoxication
Headache due to colds has the following features:
- has a bursting, pressing character;
- bothers a person throughout the day, especially in the evening;
- may be accompanied by lacrimation, increased reactivity to sunlight;
- varies in intensity.
Characteristics of how a headache occurs when you have a runny nose:
- the onset can be associated with general hypothermia of the body;
- accompanied by a deep, nasopharyngeal runny nose;
- the pain is severe, develops quickly, and is localized in a specific area of the head;
- pain intensifies in the morning, since the mucus could not completely drain during the night's rest;
- Coughing, sneezing, and sudden turning of the head increase discomfort in the head.
Syndrome of general infectious intoxication. Acute inflammation of the paranasal sinuses.
It is impossible to completely distinguish between these variants of cephalalgia, since all infectious and inflammatory processes, regardless of location, are accompanied by varying degrees of infectious intoxication. However, each of them has its own characteristics; it is also necessary to take into account external factors - for example, if you have a headache after a runny nose, this may be due to excessively active nose blowing.
Congestion in children
In an infant, the nose may become blocked without a runny nose as a result of congenital pathology of the nasal cavity. Then the child gets used to breathing through the mouth from birth, and the nose will not participate in this process at all. All this negatively affects the development of the child and leads to problems in the future.
Therefore, if an infant suffers from nasal congestion, but there is no runny nose or symptoms of an acute viral infection, then you should immediately seek help from a doctor so that he can prescribe the correct treatment.
It often happens that, for some unknown reason, a baby has trouble breathing through his nose (usually in one nostril). In this case, the nose is stuffy, but there is no runny nose or other reasons for worry. Then there is a possibility that the cause was a foreign object that got into the nasal passage.
In this case, you need to examine the baby’s nose: if the foreign object is clearly visible and it is possible to get it out, then you should immediately release the nostril, as inflammation may appear around the object. When it is impossible to do this on your own, you need to go to a hospital, where they can remove the foreign object using a special device.
When your nose is stuffy without a runny nose, you can use decongestants. Nasal sprays and vasoconstrictor drops will only be supportive drugs to relieve swelling and other associated symptoms. Among the drugs, the effectiveness is observed in the following:
- Brizolin (xylometazoline) – nasal drops. Adults and children over 6 years of age are recommended to instill 2-3 drops into a previously cleaned nasal passage. The procedure is performed four times a day.
- Vibrocil (dimetindene and phenylephrine) – spray, nasal drops. Children over 1 year of age can take 1 drop four times a day. From 1 year to 6 years, two drops four times a day are allowed. In turn, the spray can be used by adults and children over 6 years old. The medicine is injected 1-2 times into each half of the nose. Do it four times a day.
Products with a decongestant effect are available in the form of tablets and instant powders.
Unlike sprays and drops, tablets do not provide such quick relief, but have a long-lasting effect.
Among such means the following can be noted:
- Clarinase – 12 (loratodine and pseudoephrine). Adults should take 1 tablet per day with water. Children under 12 years of age are contraindicated.
- Cetrin (cetirizine). Children over 12 years of age and adults are recommended to take 1 tablet per day with water. Children 6-12 years old should take ½ tablet twice a day. Children under six years of age are contraindicated.
Colds
The cause of a cold is hypothermia
If a person catches a cold as a result of hypothermia, in addition to a runny nose, a number of other signs occur:
- temperature increase;
- general weakness;
- malaise accompanied by nausea;
- headache, most often the forehead hurts.
Headaches with a cold occur quite often. This process is often affected by elevated temperature and general overstrain of the body. A negative clinical picture can be provoked by heavy physical and mental activity. During this process, the pain is localized not only in the forehead, but also in the back of the head. Usually the unpleasant symptom disappears on its own after proper rest. If there is no relief, then it is best to go to the hospital.
If you have a headache with a runny nose, and at the same time there is a feeling of heaviness in the nasal passages, it is customary to diagnose sinusitis. This condition is characterized by discomfort in the affected maxillary sinuses. The person is unable to breathe through the nose; no relief is observed after blowing the nose. The patient reacts sharply to light and is unable to distinguish odors. Often the pain does not have a clear localization and spreads over the entire face.
Respiratory diseases
The intensity and nature of the unpleasant sensations depend on the type of infectious agent and disease. A runny nose and headache are symptoms of the following pathologies:
- sinusitis;
- ethmoiditis;
- sphenoiditis;
- frontitis.
With the development of ethmoiditis, when the inflammatory process is localized in the ethmoid labyrinth of the nasopharynx, the temperature rises along with discharge from the nasal sinuses, and the pain in the head is severe and prolonged, and is only temporarily relieved by taking medication. The pain spreads to the bridge of the nose and has a burning sensation near the eyes and ears.
With sinusitis, a severe headache is always present, and its occurrence is associated with increased intracranial pressure due to congestion of the maxillary sinuses. It is pressing and spreads all over the head.
The frontal part of the skull, cheekbones, bridge of the nose hurts. Along with a runny nose and pain, swelling of the face appears; the unpleasant pressing feeling intensifies when the patient tilts his head.
With inflammatory processes in the frontal sinuses - frontal sinusitis - there is a headache in the frontal part, and swelling may appear in the upper eyelids. If you press on the bridge of your nose, the discomfort intensifies.
Sphenoiditis - the back of the head hurts, the syndrome has a splitting character, radiating to the orbital area. If the pathology worsens, constant pain in the head can negatively affect vision and reduce its sharpness. With otitis media, the pain is localized near the ear, does not go away for a long period of time, is shooting in nature and is not relieved by medications.
If your nose is stuffy and a headache appears that quickly spreads throughout the skull, has a strong intensity, does not disappear after taking medications and is accompanied by dizziness, nausea and very high body temperature, then most likely this is a sign of meningitis.
Diagnostics
At a consultation with a general practitioner, the patient will be able to find out what to do if he has a headache due to a runny nose or after a cold. The patient will definitely need to visit an otolaryngologist. If rhinitis and cephalalgia are caused by stress, you will need to consult a neurologist.
Primary diagnostic measures include:
- Examination of the patient by the attending physician. The patient's nasal cavity will be examined by an otolaryngologist using a special medical device called a light reflector. During such a visual examination, a medical specialist will be able to determine how serious the disease is;
- Patient interview. At this stage, the doctor will be able to find out what complaints the patient has.
To make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to take a general blood test in the laboratory. If this test shows that there is an infection in the nasopharynx, the patient will need to undergo a procedure called a sinus puncture. After receiving the examination results, the attending physician makes a diagnosis, on the basis of which treatment measures will be prescribed.
Treatment
The patient may be prescribed drug therapy, which includes the use of the following types of pharmaceuticals:
- Antiviral;
- Antipyretics;
- Antifungal;
- Antihistamines;
- Antibiotics;
- Vasoconstrictor sprays and nasal drops;
- Expectorant medications. This type of medication will be needed when a complication in the form of cough arises due to rhinitis.
In addition to treatment with pharmaceutical drugs, it is necessary to rinse the nasopharynx with saline solution. This procedure will help rid your sinuses of mucus. In order to reduce the pain of a runny nose, the patient needs to do acupressure with lavender oil or rub the temples, bridge of the nose and forehead with menthol oil.
When your forehead hurts badly, it is advisable to stay in bed, reduce the time you watch TV and work at the computer, and reduce physical activity.