I have a cough, cold, and headache, and I have a history of migraines. Are these symptoms related, and how should I manage them?
Your symptoms are often related, as a viral cold can lead to a cough, a blocked nose, and a headache, and may also trigger migraines in people who have a history of them. The headache may be part of the infection itself or a migraine flare-up caused by congestion, physical stress, and dehydration. You can manage these symptoms by resting, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, if suitable. Continue your usual migraine treatment if it has been prescribed, and seek medical advice if your symptoms worsen or last more than a week.