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How Can Cold And Nose Congestion Be Treated?
I have had a cold for about three weeks, stuffy nose, sneezing, heavy mucus in nose and chest not coughing all that much. Now I feel like my head and neck weigh a ton with pressure the only relief I get from heavy feeling is laying down but the pressure seems to move to the front of my head vs the back. Are these color non cold symptoms or something else
Fri, 9 Feb 2018
Hello! Welcome to HealthcareMagic!
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
From the symptoms mentioned it appears to me as Sinusitis or sinus infection. Sinuses are air filled spaces, they function as humidifier with mucous lining that moisten dry inhaled air. Often sinuses get infected due to various causes like cold(viral or bacterial), allergies, defect in nose etc. Once the sinus is infected it inflame causing obstruction for free flow of mucus causing symptoms of heavy head and pressure along with nasal congestion.
In most cases the infection is viral and can be taken care at home with few over the counter medications.
If the symptoms does not resolve or worsen over few days ( high grade fever, chills which suggest bacterial infection in most cases) you will have to see a GP to start on antibiotics.
As of now you can take plenty of oral fluids to clear mucus and keep you hydrated, anti-inflammatory like Tab. Panadol 500 mg thrice a day that will help to reduce pain in both head and neck.Warm steam inhalation like hot shower or sauna to help clear the sinuses along with blocked stuffy nose it will take care of pressure and heaviness in head. Over the counter nasal decongestant with oxymetazolin like Sudafed can be used for not more than 5 days twice daily can also be used.
Hope this clarifies your concern. Thank you for the query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr. Ayesha Shareef, General & Family Physician
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
From the symptoms mentioned it appears to me as Sinusitis or sinus infection. Sinuses are air filled spaces, they function as humidifier with mucous lining that moisten dry inhaled air. Often sinuses get infected due to various causes like cold(viral or bacterial), allergies, defect in nose etc. Once the sinus is infected it inflame causing obstruction for free flow of mucus causing symptoms of heavy head and pressure along with nasal congestion.
In most cases the infection is viral and can be taken care at home with few over the counter medications.
If the symptoms does not resolve or worsen over few days ( high grade fever, chills which suggest bacterial infection in most cases) you will have to see a GP to start on antibiotics.
As of now you can take plenty of oral fluids to clear mucus and keep you hydrated, anti-inflammatory like Tab. Panadol 500 mg thrice a day that will help to reduce pain in both head and neck.Warm steam inhalation like hot shower or sauna to help clear the sinuses along with blocked stuffy nose it will take care of pressure and heaviness in head. Over the counter nasal decongestant with oxymetazolin like Sudafed can be used for not more than 5 days twice daily can also be used.
Hope this clarifies your concern. Thank you for the query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr. Ayesha Shareef, General & Family Physician
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