Why do colds cause headaches?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on January 25, 2025
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Why does a cold cause headaches? A cold is a viral infection, and the inflammation stimulates the body's temperature regulation center, causing immune-related fever, which leads to complications such as fever, headache, and limb pain. Additionally, a cold can cause symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, and tearing, which can also pull and cause forehead pain. Therefore, whether the headache is caused by any of these reasons, one can choose non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic medications to relieve the symptoms. At the same time, treatment should also be paired with symptomatic medication and antiviral drugs for a targeted approach.

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Can you exercise when you have a cold?

After catching a cold, it is appropriate to engage in some mild exercise, such as walking or slow-paced walking. It is crucial not to partake in intense physical activities as they can lead to fatigue and a decrease in immunity, potentially worsening bacterial infections. Moreover, intense exercise can cause the sweat pores to expand, further aggravating cold symptoms. After a cold, the body tends to be weaker, so it is advisable to drink more ginger sugar water, rest adequately, and avoid spicy, greasy, and irritating foods. Drinking plenty of water is also important. If there are symptoms of fever, physical methods should be used to reduce the fever.

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How to treat a cold during pregnancy

If you have symptoms of a cold while pregnant, it is advised not to self-medicate blindly. Always consult a physician and use medications that are relatively safer to treat the condition so as to prevent any potential impact on the fetus. This is particularly important during the first three months of pregnancy when the baby's development is still not complete, and indiscriminate use of some medications could possibly cause developmental abnormalities in the baby. It is suggested that everyone should distinguish the type of cold they are experiencing, and then treat and alleviate symptoms through dietary therapy. For instance, for a cold caused by exposure to wind and chill, one might drink some brown sugar ginger tea or have a warm foot bath, both of which can expel the cold from the body, promote blood circulation, and relieve cold symptoms. If it's a cold caused by wind-heat, drinking herbal teas that clear heat and detoxify can be beneficial in alleviating the condition.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
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How to reduce a fever when having a cold and headache

Symptoms of a cold such as headache and fever can be treated by applying a cool towel or ice pack to the forehead, or by taking antipyretic analgesic drugs to alleviate the fever. Options include acetaminophen, naproxen, or sodium diclofenac, all of which effectively ease symptoms caused by a cold like headaches and fever. Additionally, drinking more ginger sugar water and using warm water or alcohol to wipe down the palms, soles, neck, and chest can help reduce fever physically.

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Written by Han Shun Li
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Can a cold cause vomiting?

The common cold is caused by a viral infection, often causing symptoms in the nasopharyngeal area, such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, fever, headaches, and so on. So, can a cold cause vomiting? Yes, a cold can cause vomiting. The symptoms mentioned earlier are typical of a cold. Some people may experience gastrointestinal symptoms during a cold, often referred to as a "stomach cold," which can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Therefore, sometimes cold sufferers may experience vomiting.

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What should a pregnant woman do if she has a slight cold?

When pregnant women catch a mild cold, it is generally not recommended to take medicine for treatment. This is because some medications can have adverse effects on the growth and development of the fetus. It is advised in daily life to drink more warm water, as this can promote metabolism and eliminate some toxins from the body. It is also important to ensure sufficient sleep, avoid intense activities, maintain a pleasant mood, and fulfill the nutritional requirements of the body. It is recommended to eat fresh vegetables and fruits, and keep the diet light, avoiding spicy and stimulating foods. Also, avoid overly greasy and salty foods, and do not overwork or stay up late in daily life.