Florida Ear Nose Throat
Facial Plastic Surgery Center
877-EAR-NOSE
www.FloridaENT.com
A cold or sinus infection - which one is it?
Distinguishing the difference between the two can be tricky for someone experiencing similar symptoms. But there significant differences between the two. Let’s find out:
What is a cold?
A cold is a virus that gets better on its own in 10 days or less. Colds vary in symptoms, but typically include the following:
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Stuffy nose
- Cough
- Mucus buildup
- Sneezing
- Fatigue
- Swollen sinuses
- Fever
The common cold can typically be treated with over-the-counter medications, as antibiotics won’t cure a virus. Getting rid of your fever can be simple, but getting rid of the rest can take time. What lingers is the thin mucus and sinus pressure.
What is a sinus infection?
A sinus infection occurs when your nasal passages become infected, which is tricky to get rid of unlike a cold. Viruses, bacteria, and allergies can often lead to sinus infections, which is why people so easily confuse the common cold for a sinus infection and vise versa. Some sinus infections include:
- Sinus pressure behind the eyes and cheeks
- Worsening headache
- Runny and stuffy nose that lasts longer than a week
- Cough
- Foul breath
- Fatigue
- Thick yellow or green mucus draining from the nose or back of the throat (post nasal drip)
Treating a sinus infection requires seeing a doctor. Most acute infections go away on their own, but many times antibiotics are needed. Steroids and decongestants can also help ease symptoms.
If you think you have a sinus infection, consult with an ENT to cure your symptoms faster. We encourage you to give our Sinus & Facial Plastics Institute a call to schedule an appointment. We offer allergy screening, allergy management and immunotherapy. To schedule an appoint, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE. For more information about our office, visit www.floridaent.com.
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