Dizziness with a cold

What is dizziness in a cold?

A cold or flu can lead to a variety of symptoms. This often includes dizziness, which in the case of a cold is directly related to the stress on the body caused by the cold. The cause is probably a combination of various factors and also depends on the type of underlying infectious agent and the extent of the cold.
The dizziness associated with a cold is usually rather diffuse and often occurs in combination with exhaustion, headache and tiredness. If dizziness occurs with a cold, this symptom will usually improve once the cold has subsided.

causes

The causes of dizziness with a cold depend on the type and severity of the cold. Mostly it is a mild cold, which leads to a general weakening of the immune system and the entire body. As a result, the nervous system can no longer work as effectively, which can lead to dizziness.
In addition, there is the dehydration usually associated with a cold, i.e. the lack of fluids. This leads to a more unstable circulation, the brain reacts with dizziness. The vessels also contract more frequently when there is a lack of fluid. This leads to a circulatory disorder in the brain, which can make people dizzy.

For more information, see: Causes of a cold

Disturbance of the organ of equilibrium

In many cases, the occurrence of dizziness is based on a disturbance of the organ of equilibrium.Even with a cold, a problem with the organ of equilibrium can be the cause. This is because if your nose and sinuses are blocked, the pressure on the ear increases. This also increases the pressure on the inner ear when you have a severe cold.
The organ of equilibrium is also located in this area. The pressure increase can lead to complaints here as well. This is often accompanied by pain in the nose area. There may also be a slight temporary hearing loss.

Read more on the topic: Balance disorder and dizziness

diagnosis

The diagnosis of dizziness with a cold is primarily made on the basis of the anamnesis, i.e. the doctor-patient conversation. Here, the exact symptoms present, including the type of dizziness, as well as the temporal connection with the common cold can be clarified. It is also important that any other causes are clarified. Depending on the suspicion, differential diagnoses, such as a disease of the balance organ or a more serious infection, must be clarified through further examinations.

Find out more about the topic: When do I have to see a doctor with a cold?

Concomitant symptoms

In addition to dizziness with a cold, depending on the severity of the cold and the infectious agents that cause the cold, various accompanying symptoms can be added. The vertigo itself is mostly of a diffuse character.
If dizziness is caused by a blocked nose and sinuses, dizziness may also be made worse depending on changes in body position. This is often accompanied by pain in the nose area. Usually the symptoms improve immediately after blowing your nose. In addition, the pressure on the inner ear can cause minor temporary hearing impairments.

Find out more about the topic: Symptoms of a cold

In most cases, dizziness with a cold is accompanied by headaches, as the brain is temporarily impaired by lack of fluids and / or circulatory disorders. The weakening of the immune system usually leads to additional symptoms such as tiredness and a feeling of exhaustion. If the infections are more severe, a fever may occur. Coughing, difficulty breathing or a hotter voice can also occur.

Read more on the topic: Fever, dizziness and headache

Otitis media

An otitis media can result from a cold. It occurs mainly in small children and is triggered by the common cold, as the pathogens from the ear, nose and throat area can reach the middle ear via a connection. This connection is also known as the Eustachian tube.
The otitis media increases the pressure on the inner ear and the organ of equilibrium, which can trigger dizziness or exacerbate existing dizziness. In addition, there is temporary impairment of hearing and severe pain. An otitis media must be treated promptly by a doctor.

This article might also interest you: Signs of otitis media

Treatment / therapy

The treatment of dizziness in a cold depends on the severity of the symptoms and the nature of the underlying infection. In most cases, the colds are only mild, which, if you take appropriate care, will subside by themselves after a few days and thus also include the disappearance of the dizzy spells. The priority here is to protect the battered immune system. It is therefore advisable to stay in bed for a few days or at least to refrain from physically demanding activities such as sports.
Adequate intake of fluids is also very important. In addition to water, drinking tea is particularly suitable for this, as many types of tea can alleviate cold symptoms. In the event of an acute attack of dizziness, the affected person should sit or lie down and try to regain their sense of balance. If necessary, rapid changes in body position should be avoided in order to avoid rapid changes in blood pressure.

If, in addition to the other typical cold symptoms, other symptoms occur, such as long-term coughing with sputum or severe pain in the throat or ears, a doctor should be consulted promptly for further clarification.

For more information, see: Therapy for a cold

homeopathy

There are various homeopathic remedies that can help with a cold and dizziness. This includes, for example, phosphorus, which can generally help with cold symptoms and also relieve dizziness. In addition, sun hat can help to boost the immune system again. This will also alleviate the accompanying cold symptoms and reduce dizziness. Gelsemium can also be used as a homeopathic remedy, as it specifically fights headaches and also reduces dizziness and circulatory problems.

Find out more about the topic: Homeopathy for a cold

Home remedies

In the case of a cold that is accompanied by dizziness, simple home remedies are usually sufficient to relieve the symptoms. This primarily includes physical restraint and avoiding too rapid changes in body position. This relieves the circulation. The immune system can also be strengthened with various types of tea, such as ginger tea. Drinking enough water is also very important in order to sufficiently moisturize the mucous membranes.

Read more on the topic: Home remedies for a cold

Course of disease

The course of dizziness in a cold depends on the severity of the cold. In most cases it is a harmless cold that will go away after a few days. This also reduces the dizziness and there are usually no consequences. Therefore, the course of dizziness with a cold is very mild in most cases.
Especially in smaller children, however, the common cold can cause the pathogens to migrate to the middle ear and lead to otitis media. With this illness, the dizziness persists and medical treatment should take place promptly.

Read more on the subject at: Course of a cold

Duration / forecast

The duration of dizziness in a cold depends on how severe the cold is. The duration of dizziness varies widely and can range from a few seconds to several minutes. If the nose and sinuses are blocked, dizziness can also occur depending on the body position. The prognosis of dizziness in a cold is very good in most cases, as the symptom usually disappears when the cold ends. If complications arise, such as an otitis media, therapy should be initiated promptly.

Further information can also be found at: Duration of a cold