Many people can’t differentiate between a cold and a sinus infection. Are you one of them? While both common colds and sinus infections cause somewhat similar symptoms, they are different. Learn what is the difference between the common cold and sinus infection and when you should seek medical help in this article. Log on to www.doralhw.org for a consultation.
Differences between a sinus infection and a cold
Finding a difference between a sinus infection and a cold is difficult for many people because their symptoms are almost identical. However, major differences exist between these conditions’ symptoms and treatment options.
Cold symptoms
During a cold, you may experience symptoms like:
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Sinus pressure
- Sneezing
- Mucus running down the back of your throat
- Headaches
- Body aches
- Low-grade fever in adults or high in small children.
Usually, common cold symptoms are seen within 1 to 2 days of infection and get better within 7 to 10 days (about 1 and a half weeks). Some people feel better in a couple of days. If your symptoms last longer than 10 days (about 1 and a half weeks), then the cold may have progressed to a complication like a sinus infection or another illness.
Sinus infection symptoms
Sinus infection causes similar symptoms but is severe with some additional symptoms, including:
- Bad breath
- Facial pain or pressure
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Decreased sense of smell
In most cases, a sinus infection gets better on its own. But in the case of children or severe cases, medical intervention is needed.
Cold treatment
Most people don’t require treatment for the common cold, and there’s no direct treatment for the common cold. However, some home remedies and treatment options can be used to treat the symptoms you’re experiencing. Here are some home remedies you can find effective:
- Get enough rest and sleep.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Quit or stop smoking.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
- Avoid going out for work or school
- Use a humidifier
Some medications can help to improve your symptoms:
- Pain relievers
- Decongestants
- Cough suppressants
- Antihistamines
- Expectorants
Sinus infection treatment
In most cases, a sinus infection gets better on its own if it’s mild. If you are diagnosed with a bacterial sinus infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help you recover faster. A person needs to take antibiotics for between a week to 6 weeks (about 1 and a half months) depending on the severity of the infection. In viral sinus infections, treatment focuses on managing symptoms until your immune system creates antibodies to remove the virus from your body.
For mild cases, treatment includes over-the-counter medications and at-home treatments, including:
- Pain relievers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen.
- Allergy medications like antihistamines and Benadryl.
- Cough suppressants.
- Mucus-thinning drugs like Mucinex.
- Plenty of rest and staying hydrated.
- Nasal saline rinse.
- Using a humidifier.
If symptoms persist or get worse, doctors may prescribe:
- Stronger topical or oral decongestants.
- Antiviral medications
In very rare cases, chronic sinus infections need additional treatment to manage the symptoms like leukotriene antagonist drugs, which treat inflammation-related breathing difficulties may be prescribed. In case of a deviated septum, surgery is recommended.
So, you see cold, or sinus infection might seem similar, but they are different. The Sinus infection is a complication of a cold that is severe, lasts longer than a cold and requires medical attention sometimes.
When to see a doctor?
In most of the time, colds and sinus infections heal on their own, however, you should know when you should seek medical help. If you’re having any of the following, then you should see a doctor:
- Symptoms persist or worsen after 10 days (about 1 and a half weeks).
- Your pain and discomfort get worse.
- Having a stiff neck or swelling around the
- Experience vision or mental function changes.
- Your symptoms go away then come back again.
- You have a fever (over 100.4 degrees) that lasts more than a few days.
If you know your symptoms are more than a cold, and can be of sinus infection, it can help you manage the condition. So, your doctor needs to find out whether you have a viral or bacterial infection to give you the right treatment to improve your condition.
Finding the difference between the common cold and sinus infection can be difficult for patients and even doctors. However, colds are mild and get better without the intervention of medications, but this is not always the case with sinus infections. It lasts longer and causes severe symptoms such as facial pain and pressure, fatigue, bad breath, high fever, and aches in the body. Luckily, it is treatable with home remedies and medications. Doctors need to diagnose your infection to determine whether it is bacterial or viral to give the right treatment.
If you are experiencing severe sinus infection symptoms, visit our infectious specialist in Brooklyn to get professional medical help. Call us to get your appointment now!!!!
Doral Health and Wellness has several urgent care clinics around New York that can cater to your family’s medical needs. We also have the best medical providers, physicians and staff that are highly trained in their respective specialties. To know more about the locations of our urgent care clinics, you can visit us at Doral Health and Wellness. If you are looking for urgent care near you, you can visit Doral Health and Wellness Urgent Care. We provide urgent care for common illnesses and injuries. Additionally, we also provide comprehensive care for any related injuries and health problems. We also offer other services, such as vaccinations, immunizations, and blood testing. For more info, visit us or call 1-347-384-5690.
