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If battling the sniffles and coughs of a common cold wasn’t taxing enough, add a headache to the list of symptoms.

As a working mom with two energetic kids (ages 6 and 2), my days are full of playful chaos. Juggling gym sessions for self-care, shift work, church duties, and keeping the spark in my romantic life, it’s no surprise that dealing with some pain comes with the territory.

But when a cold recently hit me, the headaches that came with it were a whole new level of challenge, far outdoing the usual sniffles and coughs. It got me thinking: why do colds bring on stubborn headaches?

 

Sinus Congestion

Turns out sinuses are often to blame for cold-related headaches. Sinuses are air-filled spaces located between your eyes and behind your nose, cheeks, and forehead.1a They produce mucus to trap germs, but when you catch a cold, this system can get blocked.1b This blockage, known as sinusitis, can be due to a virus or bacteria.1c Both viral and bacterial sinusitis can lead to symptoms like facial pressure, pain in the teeth of the upper jaw, and – you guessed it – headaches1d.

Inflammation

At times, your body’s battle against a cold can trigger headaches or intensify existing ones.2a When a virus targets your respiratory system, your immune system responds by inflaming the area to fend off the virus, which can cause your nose to become swollen and congested.2b This immune response leads to the expansion of your blood vessels to increase blood and fluid circulation.2c For some individuals, this expansion can result in headaches.

Dehydration

When we’re battling a cold, we might not drink as much fluid as we usually do, especially if you have an irritated or sore throat.3a Headaches often happen when you’re dehydrated, meaning your body is losing more water than it’s getting.3b Even a slight drop in hydration levels, especially when you have a cold, can spark a headache or amplify one that’s linked to your cold.3c

Poor Sleep

It can be hard getting a good night’s sleep when you’re a mum, but even harder to catch some zzzs when you’re battling a cold. Symptoms like a stuffy nose and coughing can make it harder to fall asleep – and stay asleep.3d Not getting enough good-quality sleep can lead to tension headaches or migraines, or make any headaches you already have feel even worse.3e Tension headaches feel like a tight band is squeezing both sides of your head.3f

Beat the Ache with Fast & Targeted Pain Relief From Compral®

Don’t let pain hold you back this, winter! Turn to Compral® for targeted4 and fast5 pain relief. Available in both tablet and powder form, Compral® powder is ready to work in just 10 seconds.6

Compral® tablets are used for fast and targeted relief from pain, fever, and inflammation. Or choose Compral® powders designed to tackle muscle and joint pain, body aches, period discomfort, toothache, and headaches, assisting in your specific pain needs.

Embrace the Winter Warrior within with the Adcock Ingram Range, featuring brands Panado®, Cepacol®, Compral®, and ViralGuard™, available from Pick n Pay, Checkers including Hypers, Shoprite, Clicks, Dis-Chem, and Independent Pharmacies. For more information about Adcock Ingram Winter Warriors, visit  https://adcockwinterwarriors.co.za/. For more information about Compral®, https://compral.co.za/ and join the conversation on Facebook.

 

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References:

  1. Harvard Health Publishing. Is that winter sniffle a cold or sinus infection? Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/is-that-winter-sniffle-a-cold-or-a-sinus-infection. Last accessed February 2024.
  2. Ivestrong.com. What Causes a Cold Headache and How to Treat It. Available from: https://www.livestrong.com/article/4655729-a-common-cold-with-a-severe-headache/. Last accessed February 2024.
  3. Verywellhealth. Why Do Colds Cause Headaches? Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/why-do-colds-cause-headaches-770450. Last accessed February 2024.
  1. Diener HC, Pfaffenrath V, Pageler L, et al. The fixed combination of acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol and caffeine is more effective than single substances and dual combination for the treatment of headache: a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, single-dose, placebo-controlled parallel group study. Cephalalgia 2005;25:776–787. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2982.2005.00948.
  2. Weiser T, Weigmann H. Effect of Caffeine on the Bioavailability and Pharmacokinetics of an Acetylsalicylic Acid-Paracetamol Combination: Results of a Phase I Study. Adv Ther 2019;36:597-607. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-019-0891-5.
  3. Compral pain powder dissolution evaluation. Document no. 23/AD/063 (on file).