symptoms of sinus infection vs cold
Sinus Infection vs Cold
Sinus infection and common cold, although considered as similar conditions, have their own set of differences. The following article provides a comparative analysis between sinus infection vs common cold.
It is likely that most people remain dubious about differentiating between a sinus infection and common cold. This is plainly because, they exhibit symptoms that are almost the same.
Sinus Infection and Common Cold
Sinus infection refers to an inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages, and the sinuses. Also known as sinusitis, this condition can be acute or chronic. Acute sinusitis occurs suddenly, and does not last for more than about eight weeks. Chronic form is the most bothersome, as it develops gradually over time, and lasts for more than eight weeks. It is known to be the most common type of sinus infection, and in most cases, it is incurable.
Cold, one of the most common illnesses, refers to an infection of the upper respiratory tract. This condition is usually harmless, and resolves within a week or two.
Common cold is generally the result of a viral infection, while sinus infection generally occurs as a complication of common cold. It can also be caused by bacterial infection, fungal infection, allergies, tooth infection, deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps etc.
Is it A Cold or A Sinus Infection?
Symptoms of Common Cold:
The incubation period of common cold is 2-3 days, and the symptoms manifested include:
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Clear nasal discharge
- Cough, may be accompanied with sore throat
- Itchy throat
- Mild headache
- Fever (common in kids)
- Sneezing, watery eyes
- Low-grade fatigue
- Pain that can be felt originating from behind the eyes, across the forehead, behind the cheeks, and inner corner of the eye
- Tenderness around the cheeks, eyes, nose or forehead
- Pain around the upper teeth
- Post-nasal drip
- Nasal obstruction, which causes breathing difficulty
- Green or yellow nasal discharge
- Decreased sense of smell and taste
- Ear pain
- Fatigue