This article is about, The 5 Major Differences Between Colds and Sinus Infections, let’s get started.
5 Differences Between Colds and Sinus Infections
Getting sick sucks! Whether you have a cold or sinus infection, it’s hard to feel like yourself when you’re sneezing, sniffling, and coughing all the time.
And while many people don’t know the differences between Colds and Sinus Infections, it’s important to know what makes each one different so you can find relief faster.
The following are five major differences between colds and sinus infections so you can get better sooner and make sure your doctor gives you the right diagnosis.
1. What is the cold?
The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. The cold itself isn’t a single virus it’s caused by at least 200 different kinds of them, including rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, adenoviruses, enteroviruses, and more.
While the symptoms may be similar for all varieties of the virus, there are some major differences between a cold and a sinus infection.
2. what is sinus infection?
Sinus infections are caused by inflammation or infection of the sinuses. The sinuses are air-filled cavities in the skull around the nose.
The main symptoms of a sinus infection include facial pain, facial pressure, headache, stuffy nose, fever and facial congestion.
The severity of these symptoms depends on whether the patient has just a minor sinus infection or an advanced disease such as chronic rhinosinusitis.
3. Symptoms of a Cold vs Sinus Infection
Many people do not realize that colds and sinus infections are actually very different conditions. Even though they both cause congestion, a runny nose, sore throat, coughing, etc.
the symptoms associated with each ailment can vary greatly. In fact, there are five major differences between a cold and a sinus infection (listed below).
If you aren’t sure whether you have a cold or sinus infection, keep reading to find out how you can tell the difference. You may just want to pick up some anti-bacterial gel before heading to bed.
(By the way: if your condition persists for more than two weeks or becomes particularly severe in any way, it is wise to consult your physician.)
4. How do you get them?
The main difference between a cold and a sinus infection is how they’re caused. Cold viruses spread through the air, while sinus infections are typically caused by bacteria.
If you think you might have an infection in your sinuses, it’s important to see a doctor to get tested because it can mean that there are other parts of your body that are infected as well, such as your ears or teeth.
Symptoms for the two ailments differ, but if you know the difference between colds and sinuses infections, you should be able to tell which one is affecting you at any given time.
5. How to treat them?
If you are suffering from a cold, there is not much to do besides waiting it out. If you are suffering from sinus infection, there are a few things you can do.
Treatments such as the use of decongestants, antibiotics, or even an irrigation system will help you get rid of your infection.
No matter what kind of infection you may have going on in your sinuses, the best thing to do is always consult with your doctor first.
5 Differences Between Colds and Flu.
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5 Major Differences Between Colds and Sinus Infections
The common cold vs sinus infections is a debate that’s been around for years. Let’s see if we can settle it here once and for all by taking a look at the difference between colds and sinus infections step by step.
1) Location
A huge factor in the difference between colds and sinus infections is where the symptoms are located. People with sinus infections usually experience pain around their nose, eyes, cheeks, forehead, or face. Cold sufferers tend to feel congestion around their nostrils and eyes but don’t normally experience the pain that accompanies a sinus infection.
2) Duration
Cold symptoms usually last between 7-10 days while sinus infections can persist for several weeks. It’s important to note that both colds and sinus infections are contagious, however, the common cold is considered a virus that causes the same symptoms for most people (coughing, sneezing, runny nose) while a sinus infection is caused by bacteria. The presence of a fever in conjunction with yellow or green mucous makes it likely that you have an infection.
3) Severity
With sinus infections, symptoms tend to be more severe than those caused by a cold. A cold might last for just two weeks, but a sinus infection can linger for three or four weeks or longer. Symptoms may include runny nose, nasal congestion, facial pain and headaches.
4) Treatment
While there are many similarities between colds and sinus infections, treatment often differs greatly. A doctor can prescribe antibiotics for a sinus infection to clear up the infection, whereas there is no such thing as an antibiotic for a cold.
5) Prevention
If you know what to look for, you can tell the difference between a cold and a sinus infection, and prevent one from becoming the other. While treating each infection differently, both involve symptoms such as fever, congestion, coughing, headaches, and pain in the upper body or face.
Conclusion
The major differences between colds and sinus infections are that the symptoms of a cold are caused by the common cold virus,.
while the symptoms of a sinus infection are caused by bacteria.
Although it may be difficult to differentiate between the two types of infections early on, learning how to spot some of their main characteristics will allow you to get help from your doctor if necessary.