Cold vs. Sinus Infection
Lindsay Knake
| 3 min read
Lindsay Knake is a brand journalist for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
Congestion, a runny nose and malaise is a miserable affair, and one that’s common in the winter.
But how do you know if it’s a cold or a sinus infection? These two illnesses have many of the same symptoms, and one can even lead to the other. However, they are not the same. Let’s take a look at colds versus sinus infections and your options for treatment.
Cold symptoms
The common cold is caused by one of more than 200 viruses, particularly a rhinovirus, according to the Cleveland Clinic. This illness affects the upper respiratory system, which is comprised of the nose, mouth, throat and lungs.
Cold symptoms include:
- Sore throat
- Nasal and sinus congestion
- Runny nose and nasal discharge
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Body aches
- Fatigue
A cold is a minor illness, but the congestion and cough can linger. Sometimes, a common cold can lead to other illnesses such as bronchitis, pneumonia or a sinus infection.
Sinus infection symptoms
A sinus infection occurs when congestion and fluid build up in the four sinus cavities in your head and cause inflammation.
There are two types of sinus infections: viral and bacterial. An upper respiratory infection can cause viral sinus infections that will clear up with the illness. But without adequate drainage, the fluid in the sinus cavities can grow bacteria and cause a bacterial infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Symptoms of a sinus infection, per the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, include:
- Facial pressure or pain
- Headache
- Nasal congestion
- Thick, discolored nasal discharge
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Fatigue and malaise
- Body aches
Upper respiratory infections such as a cold or the flu are the most common causes of sinus infections, according to Harvard Health. People with allergies are more likely to develop sinus infections.
Cold vs. sinus infection
The main way to tell the difference between a cold and sinus infection is the length of your illness. A cold typically lasts for three to five days, while a bacterial sinus infection can last 10 days or longer. A cold may also improve after a handful of days but then worsen and lead to a bacterial sinus infection.
Colds are infectious, but a bacterial sinus infection is not.
For both illnesses, over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, cough medications, decongestants and nasal irrigation can help you manage mild symptoms. Eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water or broth and rest to recover.
If you show symptoms of a bacterial sinus infection, talk to your primary care provider (PCP). Most sinus infections improve with time and over-the-counter treatments, but some may require antibiotics.
To prevent viral illnesses and lessen your chance of developing a sinus infection, try these tips:
- Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water, and use hand sanitizer when you don’t have access to a sink.
- Receive recommended vaccines, such as the flu vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine.
- Avoid close contact with people who have upper respiratory infections.
- Don't smoke and avoid secondhand smoke.
- Use a clean humidifier to moisten the air at home.
- Manage sinus congestion and talk to your PCP if you have chronic congestion.
Image: Getty Images
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