Do I have a sinus infection?
Sneezes, coughs, stuffy nose and fever. Yep, it’s that time of year again when “something” is going around. You figure it's just another cold, right? Maybe not. The problem could be in your sinuses.
Acute sinusitis, also known as a good old sinus infection, often accompanies or follows a viral cold. And a lot of the symptoms you may experience with a cold, including nasal congestion, sinus pressure and postnasal drip, are also common sinus infection symptoms.
Because cold symptoms and sinusitis symptoms often overlap, it can be hard to figure out the cause of your discomfort. Here’s a quick visual guide to help you determine if you have a cold or if it’s turned into a sinus infection.
| Sinus Infection | Cold | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 9 - 14 days | 5 - 7 days |
| Congestion | In nose | In nose or chest |
| Coughing | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Facial pressure | Usually - especially when bending over | Not likely |
| Fever | First 1-2 days | Sometimes |
| Loss of smell | Usually | Not likely |
| Nasal discharge | Thick | Runny |
| Sore throat | Not likely | Sometimes |
| Stuffy / Runny nose | Usually | Usually |
| Tooth pain | Sometimes | Not likely |
Symptom Myth
Colored mucus – whether green, yellow, or something in between – doesn’t tell us if a sinus infection is viral or bacterial. It does indicate that your body’s immune system is fighting something.
When symptoms point to a sinus infection
Common symptoms of a sinus infection include a stuffy nose, nasal drainage, head and sinus pressure and feeling tired and run down. When treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, sinus infection symptoms should start to improve in seven to 10 days.
In some cases, the congestion that occurs from a viral sinus infection can lead to a bacterial sinus infection. Signs that a viral sinus infection has developed into a bacterial sinus infection include:
- Symptoms that were improving with (OTC) medications, then significantly worsened
- Untreated symptoms that didn’t improve and that persisted for two to three weeks
When a viral sinus infection develops into a bacterial sinus infection, antibiotics can be prescribed to combat the bacteria.
Relief from uncomfortable sinus symptoms
OTC medications can help relieve sinus infection symptoms while your immune system fights the virus. Sinus pressure and discomfort can be managed with OTC medications like ibuprofen to help reduce inflammation and swelling. OTC decongestants, expectorants and nasal sprays can help thin mucus and clear sinus passages. Additionally, home remedies like steam therapy, saline rinses and plenty of clear non-caffeinated fluids to drink can help ease congestion.
When a viral sinus infection evolves into a bacterial infection, OTC medications can help ease symptoms. But antibiotics can be prescribed to kill the bacteria and clear up the infection.
Sometimes it’s hard to know if you have a sinus infection, cold or allergies. And if sinus symptoms persist, it’s important to determine whether a sinus infection is viral or bacterial. We can help you get to the bottom of what’s causing your symptoms. Visit our online clinic today to get the right diagnosis and treatment.
