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Can you tell the difference between a Sinus Infection and a Cold?

The common cold is considered a viral upper respiratory tract infection. Old and new viruses which cause the common cold constantly attack our body and it is near impossible for it to build resistance against all of them.

Common Cold Symptoms

The most common symptoms of the cold would include clogged nasal passages which affect mucus drainage, sore throat, hoarseness, sneezing, cough, abnormal amounts of post-nasal drip and sometimes a fever or headache. Such cold symptoms would present themselves for a period between 3 to 9 days from the onset.

Common Cold Treatment

Being a viral infection, there is no quick fix for the common cold. Antibiotics should not be prescribed since they only work against bacteria. In fact, due to the many cases of antibiotic-resistant bacteria reported, doctors have been cautioned against prescribing antibiotics indiscriminately. You could consider adopting some home remedies since they have been proven to alleviate cold symptoms, though not completely eradicating them.

Unless there is a fever which may indicate a bacterial infection, most people should visit a pharmacy for some over-the-counter medications. Lozenges can be an effective relief for sore throat. If you have a cough, cough mixtures can help thin the mucus produced for ease of drainage. Sudafed, a decongestant, and antihistamines can help to unblock clogged nasal passages. Paracetamol is usually effective for a headache or fever. Ibuprofen is another good alternative if the pain becomes too intense.

Sinusitis

A sinus infection, medically known as sinusitis, is a condition where the air-filled cavities, or sinuses, become inflamed and swollen. In addition to the above cold symptoms, other sinus infection symptoms would include:

1. Pain in the molars of the upper jaw

2. Pressure and puffiness around and between the eyes.

3. Frontal headaches

If cold symptoms last less than seven days, the likely culprit is a cold caused by a virus, and antibiotics are not needed.

If cold symptoms last longer than seven days or get worse and with pain mentioned above, the patient most likely has Acute Sinusitis and will likely need antibiotic treatment.

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