A stuffy nose and headache can be the result of benign conditions such as colds and allergies. However, sometimes, they are due to a condition that may require medical attention.
In this article, we discuss some causes of a headache and stuffy nose, as well as the treatment options available. We also look at when a person should seek medical help.
Sinusitis is a possible cause of a stuffy nose and a headache.
Sinusitis is an infection of the sinuses that can cause a buildup of mucus and swelling. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), an acute sinus infection often starts as a cold.
The initial cold may cause the sinuses to swell, which traps bacteria and mucus in the passages.
According to the AAAAI, chronic sinusitis occurs when a person experiences three or more sinus infections in a given year.
It typically causes sinus swelling and mucus buildup.
Symptoms of sinusitis include: pressure around eyes, forehead or nose, head congestion, stuffy nose, cough, discolored and thick mucus, foul-tasting post-nasal drip, a feeling of fullness in the ear, headache, especially in the front of the head, toothache, fatigue, fever, although this is less common
Treatment
Viruses cause most sinus infections, and people can treat most sinus problems with over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
However, if the sinus problems persist or worsen after 7–10 days, sinusitis is likely due to bacteria. In these cases, a doctor might prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics kill the bacteria that causes the infection to occur.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a stuffy nose is a common cold symptom. Some people may also experience a headache from a cold, although this is a rare symptom.
Other symptoms of a cold can include: cough or slight chest pain, some aches, sore throat, sneezing, fever, although this is rare, weakness or fatigue
Treatment
To treat a cold, a person typically needs rest and to consume fluids. A person can also take OTC medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
Home remedies, such as humidifiers or steamy showers, may also help combat symptoms.
If symptoms do not go away within 10–14 days, a person should talk to their doctor as they may have a sinus infection.
Influenza, or the flu, is a respiratory illness that occurs due to influenza viruses.
Those experiencing the flu may also experience stuffy noses and headaches.
According to the CDC, other symptoms include: cough, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue. fever, although this does not always occur.
Some people may experience vomiting and diarrhea, but this is more likely to occur in children than in adults.
Some people with flu may develop serious complications. A person should seek emergency medical help if they experience any of the following:
difficulty breathing
chest pain
persistent confusion or dizziness
seizures
severe muscle pain
severe weakness
Treatment
It is a good idea to receive treatment as early as possible. A doctor may also prescribe antiviral drugs to help prevent complications from occurring.
Allergies can cause a stuffy nose and a headache. When allergies cause a headache, a person may experience other symptoms, such as:
watery, itchy eyes
runny nose
pain in the face around the cheeks and nose
Treatment
A person should avoid allergy triggers where possible.
Treatments consist of OTC medications, such as antihistamines and nasal decongestants.
If OTC medications are not effective, a person should talk to their doctor about prescription medications or allergy shots.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an infection of the nose, lungs, and throat. Though anyone can get it, it is more common in children. It is a cause of bronchiolitis in children.
The virus can cause a dull or mild headache and a stuffy nose.
Source:Medicalnewstoday.com
In some cases, RSV may cause other symptoms such as:
a cough
fever
fatigue
shortness of breath
sore throat
wheezing
Treatment
Most healthy adults and children can treat RSV at home, and it goes away after 1–2 weeks.
In these cases, OTC cold medications will help ease symptoms. However, a person should talk to a doctor before giving medicines to children.
The CDC state that older adults, infants, and people living with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of developing serious symptoms and should seek medical attention if they experience trouble breathing.
Ear infections can cause a headache and a stuffy nose. Both viruses and bacteria can cause an ear infection.
Fluid from the ear can leak into the nasal passages and cause an infection in the nose.
Some common symptoms of an ear infection include:
hearing loss
fluid drainage
fever
difficulty sleeping
issues with balance
Treatment
Some home remedies can provide relief from an ear infection. Some steps a person can take include:
OTC decongestants
using a warm compress
rest
extra fluids
taking OTC pain medications
using OTC ear drops
If home treatments do not work, a person should talk to their doctor.
A doctor may need to prescribe an antibiotic to treat a bacterial infection.
A person should seek medical help if these symptoms occur:
a high fever of 102°F or higher
worsening symptoms
hearing loss
pus, fluid, or discharge coming from the ear
Migraines are severe, throbbing headaches that typically affect one side of the head or the other. Migraines can cause a person to experience a stuffy nose.
They can be chronic, meaning that they can reoccur.
Other symptoms can include:
nausea
light sensitivity
vision changes
vomiting
Treatment
There are several different treatment options for migraines, though they might not work for everyone.
Treatment typically focuses on either preventing the attack or treating the symptoms.
A person should talk to their doctor about the best treatment options for them.
Nasal polyps are benign growths in the nasal passages. Some nasal polyps may not cause any symptoms at all.
Others can cause:
nasal drainage
facial pressure
nasal congestion
a decrease in the sense of smell
Treatment
Doctors typically treat nasal polyps with steroids and saline washes. According to the AAAAI, steroids typically reduce the size of the polyps. However, polyps often return, and some people may require long-term steroids or, occasionally, surgery.
Pregnancy can cause headaches and a stuffy nose.
A variety of factors, including changing hormones, during pregnancy can cause a woman to experience headaches and a stuffy nose.
According to a 2012 article, rhinitis is common during pregnancy.
Other symptoms of rhinitis may include sneezing and a runny nose.
A woman who is pregnant should talk to their doctor about any of the symptoms they are experiencing.
Treatment
A doctor may be able to recommend safe medications or therapies to help treat the headaches.
A woman can also try:
pregnancy yoga
practicing good posture
neck and shoulder massage
getting more rest
eating well
using a cold pack to ease a tension headache
using a warm facecloth over the eyes and nose if the cause is a sinus headache
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
Diagnosis
In some cases, a person may know what is causing their headache and stuffy nose and may not require a diagnosis each time.
However, a person may want to see a doctor if they do not know the cause of their headache and stuffy nose or their symptoms worsen. A doctor will likely ask a person several questions about symptoms. They will also perform a physical examination.
In some cases, such as allergic reactions, a doctor may order tests to look for allergies or other clues to the underlying condition.
Prevention
Depending on the cause, people may not always be able to prevent a stuffy nose and a headache.
A person can take steps to wash their hands frequently to avoid exposure to the viruses, including flu, a cold, or RSV.
A person can also take steps to avoid known triggers for their allergies or migraines.
When to see a doctor
A person who experiences regular colds, allergies, or migraines does not necessarily need to see their doctor each time they occur.
If symptoms get worse or change, they should speak to their doctor.
A person should talk to their doctor if they have any unexplained congestion and headaches.
Their doctor may be able to diagnose an underlying condition that needs treatment.
Summary
A stuffy nose and headache are often the result of a mild condition such as a cold or allergies.
Some people may develop more serious conditions such as a bacterial sinus infection, migraines, or an ear infection.
People should talk to their doctor if they have a cold that lasts for longer than a week or other serious symptoms that could indicate a bigger problem.
Treatment often can happen at home with OTC pain medications and decongestants.
Prevention should include proper hand-washing and avoiding triggers for allergies or migraines.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Buy and read digital replicas of your TRIBUNE titles by subscribing through E-VENDING
COVID-19: We Don’t Know Whereabouts Of Chinese Doctors ― PTF • Don’t ask me where they are ― Health Minister
The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, on Thursday, said that it is not aware of the whereabouts of the Chinese doctors and health professionals who were brought to Nigeria some weeks ago to help the country in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic… Read full story
Amid Uproar, Lagos Backtracks, Says Dubai Returnee Didn’t Die Of COVID-19
Lagos State government on Thursday night retracted its earlier claim that one of the returnees from Dubai, died of COVID-19. Other returnees, quarantined at an isolation centre in Lekki, had protested in a viral video clip, disproving the earlier official position… Read full story
No Conclusion Yet On ‘Strange’ Deaths In Kano
The Federal Government says there are no conclusions yet with regard to ‘strange’ deaths in Kano State. The Minister for Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja at the daily briefing of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19… Read full story
FG To Present Revised 2020 Budget Next Week •As Reps uncover documents on illegal virement of MDAs funds to finance COVID-19
Barring last minutes changes, the Federal Government (FG) is expected to formally present the revised 2020 Appropriation bill of N10.58 trillion to the National Assembly. The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, who disclosed this during high-level meeting held behind closed… Read full story
COVID-19: PTF Warns Against Using Bleach, Ethanol As Cure
The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, on Thursday, warned Nigerians against the use of bleach or ethanol as cure for COVID-19, saying that its usage can result in death. Besides, the PTF also cautioned Nigerians to stop the stigmatisation of people with COVID-19 infection once they recover from it… Read full story
COVID-19 Care Now Available For All Who Need It ― PTF
The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday assured that Nigeria’s testing strategy is yielding results, asserting that the country can now give care to any patient who needs it. Chairman of the task force and Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha… Read full story
Buhari Makes Plans For Post-COVID-19 Nigeria
The presidency on Thursday outlined its plans to move the country forward after it exits the present COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting actions in the areas of the economy, healthcare, jobs creation, among others. A statement issued by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity) in Abuja noted… Read full story
Nigeria Didn’t Ask For Madagascar COVID Solution, The Country Sent Them To Us, Says PTF
The Presidential Task Force of the control of the COVID-19 pandemic has disowned the Madagascar Covid organic solution, which had been reported to have been requested by the Federal Government to fight the virus. Chairman of the task force and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss… Read full story
Why Canada Denies Air Peace Right To Evacuate Stranded Nigerians–Onyeama
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama’s move to patronise local carriers for the evacuation of Nigerians abroad has suffered a setback. The Canadian government had denied a local airline, Air Peace, landing right to evacuate Nigerian citizens in Ottawa on the ground that it has no license to… Read full story
COVID-19: Pandemic Offers Chance To Reset Critical Sectors ― Osinbajo
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has observed that even though the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected lives and livelihoods of Nigerians in different ways, it, however, offers an opportunity for the Nigerian people and government to have a reset in critical sectors of the economy and social services… Read full story
13-Year-Old Girl, 23 Other Ladies Used For Prostitution Rescued In Lagos Hotel
The police in Lagos State have rescued 24 ladies including a 13-year-old who were trafficked to Lagos from Akwa Ibom State for prostitution. Four members of the syndicate that brought the girls, most of them from Oron in Akwa Ibom State, have also been arrested… Read full story
Shocking Story Of Man Who Found Out That His Twins Babies Have Two Fathers
A Chinese man is left stunned after finding out that his twin babies have two fathers, the Daily Mail of UK reported on Thursday. The man, who remains unidentified, made the shocking discovery after taking the new babies for a DNA test as part of the standard procedure to register their births in China, a DNA… Read full story
We Deregulated Downstream Oil Sector In March — Sylva
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva says the downstream oil sector was deregulated on March 19, with the reduction in the pump price of the Premium Motor Spirit(PMS) also known as petrol. Sylva made the clarification at a ministerial briefing giving a scorecard of the… Read full story
EDITORIAL: Governments And The COVID-19 Billions
SINCE the Covid-19 global pandemic touched down in Nigeria in late February, there have been concerted efforts by the private and public sectors to mobilise resources to contain its spread. As early as March 26, the Coalition Against Covid-19 (CACOVID) emerged to mobilise private sector leadership… Read full story
He equally declared that by accommodating defectors, the Tinubu administration was creating a government of…
"The blackout has paralyzed economic activity here. Welders, tailors, cold drinks sellers, and barbers have…
In a drive to harness innovation for sustainable national growth and youth empowerment, the Director…
“We must not continue like this. A change is coming, and though we don’t know…
"The displaced persons were roaming around towns begging for what to eat without any help…
"I make N400k in a month as a beginner. I’m aiming for the N21 million…
This website uses cookies.