When you’re dealing with a stuffy nose and uncomfortable facial pressure, it can be tricky to identify the cause. Two common culprits include colds and sinus infections.
Identifying a Cold
A cold is an infection of your nose, sinuses and throat. It’s a common winter phenomenon that can spread easily from one person to another. In the first few days of a cold, you may notice:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Fever
After about four days, you might feel body aches and fatigue in addition to the above symptoms. Your cough could persist for a few weeks or even months after a cold.
Identifying a Sinus Infection
A sinus infection is an inflammation of your sinus tissues. It usually arises after a viral or bacterial infection, like a cold or flu, or from persistent allergies. Symptoms may include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Facial pain or pressure
- Ear pain or pressure
- Pain in the upper back teeth
- Fever
- Postnasal drip
- Fatigue
- Bad breath
Most sinus infections last no more than 10 days, but chronic infections may last 12 weeks or longer.
Key Differences
There are a few key differences that will help you identify if you have a cold or a sinus infection:
- Duration of symptoms. Colds will usually resolve within seven to 10 days. If your symptoms last longer, you could have a bacterial sinus infection.
- Tooth pain. Your sinuses extend to just above the upper back teeth. If you experience pain in those teeth, you likely have a sinus infection.
- Previous illness. A cold, flu or allergies can sometimes turn into a sinus infection. If you were sick recently, it could indicate a sinus infection.
- How it spreads. Sinus infections aren’t contagious. If you meet a friend at Harbor Coffee, and you both start showing symptoms, you might have caught a cold.
Colds often go away on their own, but if you have a history of repeated sinus infections, you should see an ENT specialist to identify and treat the underlying cause. Call us at ENT of Georgia North today to make an appointment with one of our trusted specialists.
