Often when I get a cold it starts as a head cold and ends up in my chest. Why is that?

@Mama_Cakes I don’t get that ill often, but when I do it’s a doozy. It almost always starts as you describe, first with a little sniffle, then runny nose, then stuffy. Just as I think it’s about to end, post nasal drip is sure to produce a sore throat. Meanwhile, the congestion seems to move down from my sinus area to the chest, and I get bronchitis.

From personal experience and observation, I think it might be that the infection that causes the sinusitis in the first place gradually moves down the throat, carried post-nasally.

I might be wrong!

One of two things I think. Either the viruses/bacterias you’re prone to catching have that standard course, or you lungs simply are more susceptible than the average person.

My suggestion would be to use decongestants and antihistamines at night when you have a cold to keep the mucous from going into your lungs. Also, try to sleep as upright as possible or on your stomach. Whatever positions helps the mucous not drain from your sinuses right down into your lungs. During waking hours we naturally help prevent it by blowing our nose and coughing. Even swallowing to bring it into our stomach rather than our lungs.

Sorry so gross. Yuck.

If you have signs of bacterial infection I would go for the antibiotics sooner rather than later in your case. Colds, actual virus caused colds, very often start with a sore throat for 48 hours, have a lull for 10–12 hours where you might think you are getting over it, and then the congestion starts. This pattern almost never is a bacteria and antibiotics do nothing.

However, very blocked sinuses, bad taste, bad cough, and especially if you have a slight fever, but you might not have the fever, usually is bacterial. Don’t confuse this with the flu. The flu rarely has congestion, and has a very high fever, often a dry cough, and you can not move out of bed. Literally, it is an incredible effort just to go pee.

Another thing to know is colds and bacterial infections with a cough take about three weeks to get completely rid of the cough once you are already in the mend from antibiotics or the virus being done. This is a very common length of time even for people not to prone these illnesses. Over the course the coughing gets less and less. Usually the last week is coughing just in the middle if night or morning, but can still be severe like a coughing jag.

How are your lungs, and where you exposed to second hand smoke or have allergies? My mother smoked, has allergies and was exposed to a lot of second hand smoke. If she gets a cold it’s probably going to bronchittis shortly. her lungs aren’t that strong, and she never excercises. They’re vulnerable. I have my own way of dealing with a cold, but it’s not for everybody, especially if you have other health issues. When I feel the cold starting, I’ll do the strairs here hard, with a bucket. I may cough and hack, but my lungs will stay clear. Oh oh yeas, damn nice to see you again. :)

Viruses migrate around and it is not unusual for a head cold to morph into a chest cold, infection. Symptoms continue to unfold over a few days period and then linger in their final resting place. lol

The same thing happens to me. In my case, I think I suffer from a genetic chest weakness. My mother and sister both had asthma.

Asthma? That always happens to me. I’ve had bronchitis 3 times this year.

No, asthma. It’s not bad this time around. I slept/rested when I could, so I’m getting better rather quickly.

Viruses that are generally responsible for the cold often will start in the sinuses and breed there and in the back of your throat. That nasal drip that is trying to wash out the virus is then brought down into your chest area where it will develop into the chest cold.

When ever I get a cold I gargle with warm water blended 50/50 with vinegar or apple cider vinegar 3 times in a row at least twice a day. The vinegar will change the PH in your throat that the virus will have a much harder time growing in. In 10 years I have not had a cold longer than 48 hours.

Hope you feel better soon!

Same happens to me. It’s like sneezing, sore throat, runny and stuffy nose last a few days but the coughing sucks! I’ve had my cough for almost 3 weeks now….