Q. Frequent sneezing with running nose, mild joint and headache.

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Your symptoms - frequent sneezing, runny nose, mild joint aches, and headache - could point to several possibilities. Here's a breakdown of the most common culprits:

1. Common Cold: This is the most likely culprit, especially if your symptoms started recently. Colds are caused by viruses and typically last 7-10 days. Other cold symptoms may include:

2. Allergies: If you have allergies to pollen, dust, pet dander, or other allergens, your symptoms might be triggered by exposure. Unlike colds, allergies tend to persist as long as you're exposed to the allergen. Additional allergy symptoms may include:

  • Itchy eyes
  • Stuffy nose
  • Sinus pressure
  • Difficulty breathing (in severe cases)

3. Sinus Infection: This occurs when the sinuses become inflamed, often due to a viral or bacterial infection. Symptoms can overlap with a cold but may be more severe and persistent. Additional sinus infection symptoms may include:

  • Facial pressure or pain
  • Thick, yellow or green mucus
  • Fever (more common with bacterial infections)
  • Bad breath

4. Other Less Likely Causes: In some cases, your symptoms could be caused by less common conditions like:

  • Flu: Flu symptoms are typically more intense than a cold, often including high fever, chills, muscle aches, and extreme fatigue.
  • Dental Infection: If the source of the infection is close to your sinuses, it can cause facial pain, headaches, and runny nose.
  • Environmental Irritants: Smoke, dust, or strong chemicals can irritate the nose and throat, causing similar symptoms.

Here are some steps you can take to manage your symptoms:

  • Rest: Get plenty of sleep to allow your body to recover.
  • Hydrate: Drink plenty of fluids to loosen mucus and soothe a sore throat.
  • Over-the-counter medications: Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help with headache and joint aches. Decongestants can help clear congestion.
  • Saline nasal spray: This can help moisten nasal passages and clear mucus.
  • Warm compress: Apply a warm compress to your forehead or face for sinus pressure relief.
  • Air humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can help soothe a sore throat and ease congestion.

If your symptoms:

  • Worsen significantly
  • Don't improve within a week
  • Include high fever (over 103°F)
  • Cause severe facial pain or difficulty breathing

Consult doctor to get a diagnosis and discuss treatment options. They can perform a physical examination and possibly recommend additional tests to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms.

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Q. Hello Doctor, from past 3 weeks I have too much dandruff problem and it cause hair loss will you suggest any best solution for this?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Dealing with excessive dandruff leading to hair loss can be frustrating, but there are effective ways to address this issue. Here's what you can do:

1. Switch to a Gentle Shampoo: Opt for shampoos specifically designed for dandruff, containing ingredients like ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, coal tar, or selenium sulfide. Use these shampoos regularly to reduce dandruff buildup.

2. Scalp Massage: Gently massage your scalp while shampooing to help remove flakes and improve blood circulation, which can promote healthier hair growth.

3. Avoid Hot Water: Wash your hair with lukewarm water instead of hot water, as hot water can dry out your scalp and worsen dandruff.

4. Balanced Diet: Ensure you're eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals essential for healthy hair and scalp, such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and B vitamins.

5. Manage Stress: Stress can exacerbate dandruff problems. Practice stress-relief techniques like meditation, yoga, or regular exercise to help manage stress levels.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse: Consider using diluted apple cider vinegar as a rinse after shampooing. It can help restore the scalp's pH balance and reduce dandruff.

7. Consult a Dermatologist: If the issue persists despite trying home remedies or over-the-counter solutions, seek advice from a dermatologist. They can provide a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific scalp condition.

Remember, consistency is key when dealing with dandruff. Give these remedies some time to work, as immediate results might not always occur. It's essential to find what works best for your scalp, so don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate improvements.

Taking care of your scalp health not only addresses dandruff but also aids in reducing hair loss associated with this issue. Feel free to incorporate these tips into your routine and observe how your scalp responds. If the problem persists or worsens, seeking professional guidance is always recommended.

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