Diagnosis | Dizziness with a cold

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of dizziness with a cold is primarily made on the basis of the medical history, i.e. the doctor-patient consultation. The exact symptoms present, including the type of vertigo, as well as the temporal connection with the cold that has occurred 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 vestibular organ or a more serious infection, must be clarified by further examinations.

Associated symptoms

Dizziness in a cold can be accompanied by various accompanying symptoms, depending on the severity of the cold and the infectious agents that cause the cold. The dizziness itself is usually of a diffuse character. If the dizziness is caused by a stuffy nose and blocked sinuses, the dizziness can also be increased depending on changes in body position.

This is often accompanied by pain in the nose area. In most cases, the symptoms improve immediately after cleaning the nose. In addition, the pressure on the inner ear can cause temporary minor restrictions in hearing.

In most cases, dizziness in the case of a cold is accompanied by headaches, as the brain is temporarily impaired by a lack of fluid or/and circulatory problems. The weakening of the immune system usually leads to further symptoms such as tiredness and the feeling of exhaustion. In the case of more severe infections, fever can also occur.

Coughing, difficulty breathing or a hotter voice can also occur. An inflammation of the middle ear can be the result of a cold. It occurs mainly in small children and is triggered by the cold, as the pathogens can reach the middle ear from the ear, nose and throat area via a connection.

This connection is also called the Eustachian tube. Inflammation of the middle ear increases the pressure on the inner ear and the organ of balance, which can cause dizziness or further increase already existing dizziness. It also leads to temporary hearing loss and severe pain. Otitis media must be treated by a doctor as soon as possible.