A stuffy nose congestion headache, sore throat, and feeling tired can all occur with both a cold and a sinus infection. Since the symptoms are similar, it may not always be clear as to what you are suffering from. Knowing what is alike and what is different may help in deciding the proper treatment and the decision to seek medical attention.
Most individuals in the United States will experience a mild cold that will simply respond to rest, hydration, and home remedies, but if the symptoms persist, worsen, or improve and then return, you may need to see a doctor. A telehealth appointment is a good place to check in with a doctor online and talk about the symptoms you are experiencing.
What Is the Difference Between a Sinus Infection and a Common Cold?
The common cold is caused by a virus that infects the upper part of your respiratory system. It is most frequently known for a runny/stuffy nose sneezing sore throat, coughing, and mild tiredness.
Infection of the sinuses, also called sinusitis, occurs when the tissues lining the sinuses become inflamed. Sinusitis may follow a viral infection like the common cold, but bacterial infections may be involved in some cases.
The symptoms can look similar, but sinus infections are more likely to cause facial pressure, facial pain, thick nasal drainage, and symptoms that persist or worsen over time.
Common Cold Symptoms
Typical common cold symptoms include:
Runny or stuffy nose
Sneezing
Sore throat
Cough
Mild headache
Mild body aches
Fatigue
Low-grade fever in some people
Most common colds are caused by viruses and improve without prescription treatment. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections.
Sinus Infection Symptoms
Sinus infection symptoms may include:
Nasal congestion
Thick or discolored nasal drainage
Facial pressure or pain
Headache
Reduced sense of smell
Postnasal drip
Cough
Sore throat
Bad breath
Fever in some cases
Tooth or facial pain
Sinus pressure may be felt around the forehead, cheeks, nose, or eyes. Some people also notice that symptoms become worse when bending forward.
Sinus Infection vs. Cold: How Can You Tell?
Another very helpful hint is the length of time your symptoms persist and how they evolve.
Coryza is usually more gradual in onset and improves within a few days. Sinusitis may last longer, mostly if the inflammation persists after the initial viral infection.
You should consider speaking with a healthcare provider if symptoms:
Last more than about 10 days without improving
Become significantly worse after initially getting better
Include severe facial pain or pressure
Include a persistent or high fever
Interfere significantly with normal daily activities
These symptoms do not automatically mean you have a bacterial sinus infection. A healthcare professional can evaluate your symptoms and medical history to determine the appropriate next step.
What Causes Sinus Infections?
Sinus infections can develop when the sinuses become blocked and inflamed. A common cold is one of the most frequent triggers.
Other factors can include:
Allergies
Nasal polyps
Structural problems inside the nose
Environmental irritants
Certain respiratory infections
When mucus cannot drain normally, it can contribute to sinus pressure and inflammation.
How Are Common Colds Treated?
There is no cure for the common cold, but treatment focuses on managing symptoms while your body recovers.
Depending on your symptoms, supportive care may include:
Drinking plenty of fluids
Getting adequate rest
Using saline nasal sprays or rinses
Using a humidifier
Taking appropriate over-the-counter medications for congestion, pain, or fever
Always follow medication labels and ask a healthcare professional or pharmacist if you are unsure whether a medication is appropriate for you.
Because most colds are viral, antibiotics generally are not useful for treating them.
How Is a Sinus Infection Treated?
Treatment of a sinus infection is decided based on the cause and severity of the infection.
Many sinus infections are viral and get better with supportive care. Also appropriate may be saline nasal rinses, fluids, and rest, and cold symptoms may be relieved with medications to address congestion or pain.
Prescription treatment may be an option if the health care professional believes that a bacterial infection is likely. Not every sinus infection warrants antibiotics, so they should only be used if a health care professional prescribes them.
Can You Treat a Sinus Infection Through Telehealth?
In many situations, a telehealth appointment can be a convenient way to discuss sinus symptoms with a healthcare provider.
During an online doctor appointment, the provider may ask about:
How long you have had symptoms
Whether symptoms are improving or getting worse
Nasal drainage
Facial pain or pressure
Fever
Cough and breathing symptoms
Previous medical conditions
Medications you are currently taking
Based on your symptoms and medical history, the provider can discuss appropriate treatment and determine whether you need an in-person evaluation.
Telemedicine is not appropriate for every situation. Severe symptoms or symptoms requiring a physical examination or testing may require in-person medical care.
When Should You See a Doctor for Sinus Symptoms?
Your general practitioner can be contacted if your symptoms are very persistent, very severe or worsening.
Get help right away if you have any of what comes next symptoms: severe headache, swelling around your eyes, vision changes, trouble breathing, confusion, or any other serious or worsening symptoms.
Do you feel like you have a cold or a sinus infection? With a virtual health appointment, you can even discuss your symptoms without having to make a trip to the doctor's office.
Get Medical Guidance From the Comfort of Home
You don't always have to go into a doctor's office to begin talking about your condition. Use online health services like Humancare Connect to communicate with a healthcare professional from the comfort of your home.
If you have stubborn congestion, face fullness, a stubborn cough or inconclusive symptoms, an online visit can be your first step to know what should be done.
Book an online doctor appointment at Humancare Connect to talk about your symptoms and get tailored medical advice.