If your head feels full while exercising, this may signal congestion of the nasal cavity, which can result from sinusitis, an upper respiratory infection, allergies or a deviated septum. The fullness your head feels will be most obvious at times your head is moving downward, such as during deadlifts and reclined crunches. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor, who can give you a professional diagnosis and specific advice.
Identification
Sinusitis causes a pressure-like pain behind the eyes, nasal congestion and a cough that's most noticeable at night. Sinusitis may result as a secondary infection from an upper respiratory infection. A deviated septum and allergies can also make you prone to sinusitis, according to the PubMed Health website. Allergies can cause a full feeling in your head while exercising because your nose can become congested if you come in contact with your allergen. A deviated septum, meanwhile, may cause blockage of one or both nostrils. This blockage will make your head feel full while exercising because your breathing rate increases but you'll be unable to get sufficient air through your nose. If your nose is congested, the symptoms of a deviated septum will be noticeable.
Cause
Just as head pressure from a deviated septum is most noticeable while trying to breathe forcefully through your nose during exercise, sinusitis, allergies, and a respiratory infection will be just as noticeable. As mucus increases in your sinuses, the ability to breathe in air through your nose becomes restricted. The mucus also leads to a pressure-like fullness in the front portions of your face. An upper respiratory infection, or cold, is caused by a viral infection. Sinusitis is caused by the sinuses becoming inflamed by bacteria, a virus or a fungus. Allergies occur when your immune system identifies a substance as an allergen and reacts by producing immunoglobulin E antibodies, the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology explains. These antibodies release chemicals that cause the feeling of head fullness due to an allergic reaction. Common allergens are pollen and mold, so contact with these while exercising can cause your nasal cavities to become congested with mucus. In rare cases, exercise itself can cause an allergic reaction. A deviated septum, meanwhile, usually occurs from trauma to the nose that shifts the septum from the midline.
Treatment
Sinus infections caused by bacteria or fungus can be treated with antibiotics and antifungals. If a viral infection is causing sinusitis, once you get done exercising, place a warm washcloth on your face. Drink plenty of fluid to keep yourself hydrated during exercise, as this will help thin the mucus out. Nasal saline can also help treat the head fullness you feel while exercising with a sinus infection. Allergies can be treated with immunotherapy injections or antihistamines. A deviated septum is often treated with surgery to open up the nasal passages. You should only exercise with a cold if the symptoms are above your neck, but reduce the intensity and length of your workout until you feel better, Dr. Edward R. Laskowski recommends on MayoClinic.com. Drink plenty of fluid while exercising, particularly if you have a cold.
Prevention
Prevent upper respiratory infections by limiting contact with people who are sick and by frequently washing your hands. Limiting respiratory infections will lessen the severity of your symptoms if you have a sinus infection, allergies or deviated septum. Avoid having an allergic reaction by taking antihistamines before exercising. Exercise indoors and away from open windows on days when pollen and mold counts are high. Trauma to the nose is difficult to foresee, but you can minimize your risk by wearing appropriate shoes, wearing seatbelts while driving and wearing helmets during contact sports. Avoid exercises that require you to move your head below your waist while your nose is stuffy.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Is It OK to Exercise If I Have a Cold?; Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.; June 18, 2011
- PubMed Health; Sinusitis; April 18, 2010
- American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology; Tips to Remember: Outdoor Allergens; 2010
- American Academy of Otolaryngology --- Head and Neck Surgery: Fact Sheet: Deviated Septum
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