By 2. Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion is a common sign of rhinovirus infection. It begins when the body sends more blood and fluid to the lining of the nose as part of the immune response. This causes the nasal tissues to swell and produce extra mucus.
As the nasal tissues swell, the small drainage openings connected to nearby sinus spaces can become narrower. This may allow pressure to build inside the nasal passages. As swelling increases further, normal airflow through the nose becomes restricted. This leads to a stuffy or blocked feeling and makes nasal breathing more difficult. The blocked sensation may shift from one nostril to the other as swelling changes.
Because nasal breathing is harder, many people switch to mouth breathing, especially at night. This can disturb sleep and may lead to a dry mouth or sore throat in the morning. When congestion worsens, it can also affect sleep, focus, and daily activities.
3. Headache
A headache is a common sign of rhinovirus infection. It develops as cold symptoms affect the nasal passages and nearby sinus areas. Swelling and mucus buildup in the nose can raise pressure in the sinuses, leading to a dull, steady ache. As nasal passages become more swollen, airflow through the nose may decrease and create a heavier feeling in the face. The pain is often felt across the forehead, temples, or around the cheeks, and some people also notice pressure behind the eyes.
The discomfort may become more noticeable when bending forward or lying down because pressure inside the sinus spaces can shift with head position. Sneezing and coughing can further increase sinus pressure and make the discomfort stronger. Rhinovirus-related headaches are usually mild and improve as the infection clears. Both children and adults can experience headaches with a cold. Younger children may not describe the pain clearly but may seem tired, irritable, or less active than usual.
4. Ear Pressure
Ear pressure is a common warning sign of rhinovirus infection. It begins when the nasal passages swell as part of the body’s response to the virus. This swelling can affect the small tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat, limiting how well it opens. When this tube does not function properly, air and fluid can become trapped behind the eardrum.
This buildup creates a feeling of fullness or tightness in one or both ears. Many people describe the sensation as clogged or blocked, and it may not clear with swallowing or yawning. As pressure remains trapped, it may feel stronger during sudden changes in head position because the air cannot adjust normally.
As pressure builds further, mild hearing changes can occur. Sounds may seem dull or muffled. Some people also notice popping or crackling noises when they swallow as pressure slowly shifts. In some cases, trapped fluid can increase the risk of a middle ear infection if bacteria begin to grow.
5. Loss of Taste and Smell
Loss of taste and smell can occur during a rhinovirus infection. It usually begins when the nasal lining becomes swollen and congested as the body responds to the virus. This swelling, along with thick mucus, reduces airflow through the nasal passages.
When airflow decreases, fewer scent particles reach the smell nerves located high inside the nose. Foods with mild aromas are often harder to recognize first because fewer scent signals travel properly to the brain. As a result, the sense of smell may weaken or become temporarily lost. When smell is reduced, food can taste bland or different. True loss of taste is less common but can still occur in some cases.
As nasal swelling decreases and airflow improves, the senses of smell and taste often return within days to a few weeks. If these senses do not improve after the cold has cleared, another cause may be present.
6. Cough
A cough is a common sign of rhinovirus infection. It usually begins after the virus affects the upper airways, often a few days after a runny or blocked nose appears. At first, the cough may be mild but can become more frequent as irritation in the throat increases. As nasal mucus builds up, it can drip down the back of the throat.
This drainage stimulates the cough reflex and leads to repeated coughing. The cough often becomes more noticeable when lying down because mucus tends to collect in the throat. Cold air or talking for long periods may also trigger coughing because the irritated throat lining becomes more sensitive during infection.
Frequent coughing can disturb sleep and leave the throat sore the next day. In some cases, a cough may signal a more serious problem. Warning signs include fast breathing, chest pain, wheezing, or a cough that worsens instead of improving.
7. Posttussive Vomiting
Posttussive vomiting refers to throwing up after a strong or repeated cough. During a rhinovirus infection, throat irritation and increased mucus production can lead to frequent coughing. As coughing becomes more forceful, especially when several episodes occur in a row, pressure builds in the chest and abdomen.
This pressure can trigger the gag reflex, causing nausea and vomiting shortly after a coughing fit. Mucus that drips down the back of the throat may also upset the stomach and increase the urge to vomit. After vomiting, the throat may feel more irritated because repeated coughing and stomach contents can briefly increase throat sensitivity.
This symptom appears more often in children, but adults can experience it as well. While rhinovirus usually causes a mild illness, heavy nasal drainage and ongoing throat irritation can make coughing more intense.
8. Irritability
Irritability can appear early in a rhinovirus infection as the body begins responding to the virus. A person may seem more upset than usual and react strongly to small problems, often because they feel unwell. Symptoms such as nasal congestion or a runny nose can make breathing through the nose difficult.
Coughing, congestion, mild fever, headache, and body aches increase physical discomfort and can disrupt sleep. Poor sleep and ongoing discomfort can lower patience and affect mood. Reduced appetite may also contribute because discomfort and congestion can make eating less appealing, especially during the first few days of illness.
Fatigue can make it harder to handle everyday stress. Children often show irritability more clearly than adults. They may cry more, refuse food, or cling to a caregiver. Infants may have trouble settling down or wake often during the night. Adults may feel short-tempered, have trouble focusing, or become easily annoyed during daily activities.
9. Dehydration
Dehydration can develop during a rhinovirus infection when fluid loss increases and intake drops. Fever, a runny nose, and faster breathing can cause the body to lose more water than usual. At the same time, a sore throat, nausea, or tiredness may make drinking less likely.
As fluid levels fall, early signs may appear. Infants may have fewer wet diapers or cry without tears. Children and adults may feel thirsty, have a dry mouth, or feel more tired than usual. Urine may also become darker because the kidneys conserve water when fluid intake is low. Young children and older adults are at higher risk because they can lose fluids more quickly or may not replace them enough.
If dehydration worsens, symptoms can become more serious. A person may feel weak, lightheaded when standing, or confused. The heart may beat faster than normal, and severe cases can lead to fainting.
10. Loss of Appetite
Loss of appetite can occur during a rhinovirus infection as the body shifts energy toward fighting the virus. This immune response can reduce normal hunger signals for several days. Physical symptoms often contribute to this change.
Nasal congestion and a sore throat can make eating uncomfortable. When the nose is blocked, the sense of smell and taste decreases, causing food to seem bland and less appealing. Fever, fatigue, and body aches can further reduce interest in meals. Mild nausea can also suppress appetite, even without vomiting.
Feeling tired or unwell may lower motivation to prepare food or eat regular portions. Coughing spells may interrupt meals, and dry mouth from mouth breathing can increase discomfort while eating. Warm foods may sometimes feel easier to tolerate because they release more aroma and are gentler on an irritated throat.
11. Fever and Chills
Fever can occur during a rhinovirus infection, though it is usually mild. When it appears, the fever often stays low-grade and may rise and fall during the day, with some people feeling warmer in the evening than earlier in the day. It develops as the body raises its temperature to help fight the infection, which can cause a person to feel warm, tired, or sweaty.
As body temperature rises, chills may occur. A person may feel cold and begin to shiver even when the surrounding room feels normal. This shivering response helps generate heat and supports the increase in body temperature. Some people notice chills most clearly at the beginning of a fever, before the body fully adjusts to the higher temperature.
Children are more likely than adults to develop fever with rhinovirus, especially during the first few days of illness. In many cases, fever improves within a few days as nasal and throat symptoms begin to ease.
12. Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is a lung infection that affects the small airways, most often in babies and children under 2 years old. The infection causes these tiny airways to swell and produce excess mucus. As the airways become inflamed and narrowed, airflow is reduced and breathing becomes more difficult.
Infants are at higher risk because their airways are already small. Early symptoms often resemble a common cold. A child may develop a runny nose, a mild cough, or a low fever. As the infection progresses over several days, breathing may become faster, more labored, or noisy. Feeding may also become difficult because breathing and swallowing require more effort at the same time. Some children may appear tired or less active than usual. In more serious cases, signs of low oxygen can appear. The lips or fingertips may look pale or bluish, which signals the need for medical attention.
13. Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a lung infection that can develop after a rhinovirus infection when the infection spreads deeper into the lungs. This process causes the air sacs to become inflamed and fill with fluid or pus, which reduces oxygen exchange and makes breathing more difficult. As oxygen levels fall, breathing often becomes fast or labored. A person may feel chest pain that worsens with deep breaths or coughing. A deep cough may develop and produce mucus that appears yellow, green, or rust-colored.
Systemic symptoms often follow as the body responds to the infection. These may include fever, chills, and heavy sweating. Some people, especially older adults, may feel extremely tired or confused rather than developing a high fever. Children may show different signs. They may breathe rapidly, make grunting sounds, or have trouble feeding. In severe cases, the skin around the lips or fingertips may turn bluish, signaling low oxygen levels.
14. Risk Factors
Rhinovirus spreads easily through respiratory droplets and close contact. Infection can occur after touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the nose, mouth, or eyes. Poor hand hygiene increases the chance of exposure.
Crowded indoor settings can also increase exposure because the virus spreads more easily when people stay close together for long periods. Anyone can get infected, but some people face a higher risk of more severe illness. Infants and young children are affected more often because their immune systems are still developing.
Older adults also face higher risk, especially if they have other health problems. People with asthma or chronic lung diseases, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, often experience worse symptoms because the virus can irritate sensitive airways and trigger wheezing, shortness of breath, or asthma attacks.
