The Common Cold Or A Sinus Infection | Health Plus

Is that sniffle more than it seems?

Dr David Chin, ENT surgeon at Parkway East Hospital, explains the differences between the common cold and a sinus infection.

The symptoms do cross over

• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Runny nose
• Headache
• Cough

But here's how they differ:

Colds	Sinus infections
• Symptoms only last a few days	• Usually last more than 10 days without improving
• Symptoms build, peak and disappear	• Cause pain and pressure in the face
• Tend to produce clear or light-coloured mucus	• Tend to produce thick yellow or green mucus
• Usually don't cause a fever	• Often cause a fever
• Often have other symptoms like fever, body aches and sore throat
• Can lead to sinus infections

What causes them?

Colds	Sinus infections
• The common cold is a virus	• Sinuses are air-filled spaces in your skull
• There are more than 200 types	• When your sinuses are inflamed, bacteria breeds
• The rhinovirus causes 50% of colds	• This can lead to bacterial sinusitis
• Your body's immune response triggers your symptoms	• A cold or allergy can cause a sinus infection

Preventive measures to take

• Avoid triggers like dust and pollen where possible
• Wash and sanitise your hands regularly
• Avoid touching your face
• Quit smoking

Treating a cold or a sinus infection starts the same

• Get plenty of rest
• Drink extra fluids
• Inhale steam
• Use a nasal rinse

But if you have a fever, or if your symptoms are unmanageable or last longer than a few days, consult a doctor.

 

Infographic reviewed by Dr David Chin, ENT surgeon at Parkway East Hospital

References

DerSarkissian, C. (2013, July 30) When A Cold Becomes A Sinus Infection. Retrieved December 7, 2018 from https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/cold-becomes-sinus-infection#2

Martin, L.J. (2018, July 9) What Is Sinusitis? Retrieved December 7 2018 from https://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinusitis-and-sinus-infection#2

Ratini, M (2015, July 1) Is It A Cold Or A Sinus Infection? Retrieved December 7 2018 from https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/cold-sinus-infections#2

Ratini, M (2017, March 22) What Causes Cold Symptoms? Retrieved December 7 2018 from https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/qa/what-causes-cold-symptoms