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Symptoms of a Congested Head

A congested head is usually the result of a viral or bacterial infection that inflames the sinuses and airways, although other causes may include allergies, airborne irritants such as chemicals or smog or overuse of certain types of nasal sprays. Having a congested head can be annoying and frustrating, and children with persistent or frequent head congestion may have problems with speech and hearing that can affect their ability to learn. Consider this information derived from the Mayo Clinic and the National Library of Medicine about the symptoms of a congested head.

  1. Cough

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, coughing is a symptom of a congested head in children and adults. Congestion can cause excessive mucus to build up in the lungs, which the body may try to expel by coughing it out. Cough is a symptom of congestion that may cause difficulty with sleeping and can get worse with physical activity or while lying down.

    Fever

    • A congested head that is caused by a viral infection may include symptoms such as a fever, according to the Mayo Clinic. Although the common cold usually causes symptoms such as a mild fever, other illnesses such as influenza can cause a fever of 101 F or higher along with head congestion. Babies who have head congestion that develop a fever may require medical treatment if the fever becomes greater than 100 F.

    Pain

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of a congested head often include aches and pains. Head congestion often causes symptoms such as headache and facial swelling and pain, especially around the nose and upper cheeks where the sinuses are located. Congestion in the head that is caused by a cold or the flu may also be accompanied by body aches.

    Sneezing

    • Sneezing is a symptom of head congestion that often occurs during an illness such as the common cold or from seasonal allergies, according to the National Library of Medicine. People with head congestion caused by infectious illnesses may spread those illnesses to others by sneezing. Mucus from the nose and sinuses is expelled by sneezing, and sneezes may occur in bouts within a short amount of time.

    Sore Throat

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, a sore throat can be a symptom of a congested head, as a result of inflammation of the lining of the throat. Congestion can cause fluid and mucus from the sinuses and nasal passages to drain down the back of the throat, which can irritate the throat and make it feel sore. Treating sore throats related to head congestion is often done with home remedies such as gargling with salt water, swallowing a teaspoon of honey or drinking hot tea with lemon.

    Stuffy Nose

    • According to the National Library of Medicine, a stuffy nose is a common symptom of a congested head. A stuffy nose causes significant difficulty with breathing, and can occur as a result of many respiratory disorders including the common cold and sinus infections. A stuffy nose may be runny at the same time, especially in children who are unable to blow their noses by themselves.

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