bad dizziness, cough and headaches for two weeks, please help.

hi.
im 18 and have been experiencing bad headaches and strong dizziness for almost 2 weeks now. i have mild dizziness 24/7, but is almost  it iwen im lying down. i can only walk about 20 or so meres and i get really bad dizziness, it doesnt feel like the earth is moving it feels like if just spun around on the spot, after this the dizziness declines a bit wen i sit back down but remains stronger for the rest of the day that what it would be normally. did start of sick, i suspect a common cold, for 3 or so days, but i had no temperature, running noise, ear aches, have a cough also but that may partly be because of asthma. not coughing anything up.  always seem to have headaaches wen i wake up.
please help.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi.

This may be a case of vertigo.Vertigo may be due to an underlying inner ear condition or it could be something which may involve more central structures like the brain. I do not want to cause further worries.Sinus and ear infections may affect the inner ear. Other causes however, may be more benign .Such is the case for benign positional vertigo wherein particular head positions may aggravate the condition.

I suggest you seek consult with an ENT specialist for a complete assessment of your condition.

Do you have any problems with your vision?

[cait101]

thanks for your help, no my vision is completely fine.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi.

Thanks for the update.

Without any visual problems, then involvement of the ear needs to be ruled out. If no problem has been noted concerning the ear, then a neurologic referral may be made.

Infections of the inner ear like labyrinthitis which is "an infection or inflammation of the inner ear causing dizziness and loss of balance" and  vestibular neuritis "an infection of the vestibular nerve, generally viral. " may present with similar symptoms. A viral infection may  affect the inner ear. You have mentioned of a cold prior to your condition. This could be significant.

Source: http://seniorhealth.about.com/library/conditions/blbalance4.htm

Drink plenty of water and see your primary physician so you may be assessed early on.