Key Takeaways
- Colds and sinus infections share many symptoms, but there are key differences to look out for.
- The duration of your symptoms is a major clue: colds usually get better in a week, while sinus infections can last much longer.
- Facial pressure and the color of your mucus can also help you tell the difference.
1. Understanding the Common Cold
The common cold is a viral infection of your nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). More than 200 different viruses can cause a cold, but rhinoviruses are the most common culprits [1].
Cold symptoms typically include a sore throat, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes. You may also have a low-grade fever. Colds usually last for 3 to 7 days, and most people recover on their own without any specific treatment.
2. What is a Sinus Infection?
A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. The sinuses are hollow spaces in your skull that are connected to your nasal passages. When you have a cold or allergies, the lining of your sinuses can become inflamed, which can block the drainage of mucus. This can lead to a buildup of mucus in the sinuses, which can become infected with bacteria [2].
Symptoms of a sinus infection can include:
- Thick, yellow or greenish nasal discharge
- Facial pain or pressure, especially around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead
- Headache
- Nasal congestion
- Postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the back of your throat)
- Bad breath
3. How to Tell the Difference
So, how can you tell if you have a cold or a sinus infection? Here are some key differences to look for:
| Symptom | Common Cold | Sinus Infection |
| Duration | 3-7 days | 10 days or longer |
| Mucus Color | Clear, then may turn white or yellow | Thick, yellow or green |
| Facial Pressure | Mild, general headache | Severe, localized pain and pressure |
| Fever | Usually low-grade, if any | Sometimes present |
| Bad Breath | Not usually present | Often present |
One of the biggest clues is the duration of your symptoms. If your cold symptoms last for more than 10 days without improving, or if they seem to get better and then suddenly get worse, you may have a sinus infection [1].
4. Treatment Options
Since colds are caused by viruses, antibiotics will not help. Treatment for a cold is focused on relieving your symptoms. This can include:
- Getting plenty of rest
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Using a saline nasal spray to help clear congestion
- Taking over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), to relieve pain and fever
If you have a sinus infection, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to kill the bacteria. However, many sinus infections will get better on their own without antibiotics. Your doctor may recommend waiting a few days to see if your symptoms improve before prescribing an antibiotic [2].
In addition to antibiotics, your doctor may recommend the following to help relieve your symptoms:
Nasal corticosteroid spray to reduce inflammation
Decongestants to help clear congestion
Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
5. When to See a Doctor
If you think you have a sinus infection, it is a good idea to see a doctor. This is especially true if you have a fever, severe headache, or facial pain. Your doctor can diagnose your condition and recommend the best course of treatment.
SOM Medical Practice offers comprehensive primary care services, including diagnosis and treatment of colds and sinus infections, at our locations in Niagara Falls, Lockport, Olean, Depew, and Hamburg. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
References
[1] Harvard Health Publishing. (2023). Is that winter sniffle a cold or a sinus infection?. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/is-that-winter-sniffle-a-cold-or-a-sinus-infection
[2] Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Sinus Infection vs. Cold: How To Tell the Difference. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/cold-really-sinus-infection-tell
