Is It a Cold Or a Sinus Infection

April 4, 2020ArticlesENT

It can be difficult to distinguish between a common cold and a sinus infection. Sinusitis is often prefaced by the common cold. This sequence is more common in some people. Allergies and narrow sinus drainage are two general factors linked with sinus infections.

What Is Sinusitis

Sinusitis, or rhinosinusitis, is an inflammation of the mucosal lining of the nose and sinuses. The infection can start with inflammation from a viral cold, which can cause the narrowing of drainage passages of the sinuses. Narrowing of the drainage passage can also be due to certain allergies as well.

Symptoms like nasal discharge, headaches, and facial stress last more than 10 days without improvement. The headaches experienced in sinusitis are generally behind or around the eyes, and they might get worse while bending over.

Sometimes, when people have colds and/or allergies, the lining of the nose will swell up, which blocks mucus from draining correctly and that can lead to sinusitis.

Differences Between Sinusitis and Cold

Although the symptoms may seem to be similar, there are remarkable differences between the two conditions that can help you determine which one you have.

The foremost difference between the symptoms of a cold and sinus infection is how long they stay. Common cold sufferers would have a runny nose for 2-3 days, followed by a stuffy nose for 2-3 days. Following that, most people begin to feel better. A sinus infection will lynch around for 7 days or more.

A fever may also indicate a bacterial infection. Sinus infections are sometimes appended by a low-grade fever, while colds usually are not.

Another significant sign is the colour of your nasal discharge. Contrary to colds, which usually produce clear mucus, bacterial infections can lead to greenish or yellow mucus.

Sinus Infections Can Be Prevented

There is no particular reason as to why some people develop sinus infections and others do not. People have nasal polyps or additional problems, including allergies, which can raise their risk of chronic sinus infections.

If you are at higher risk for sinus infections, you can take proactive steps to prevent them. Do not let allergy symptoms wind out of control.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information.