Individuals afflicted with sinus or cold often wrongly consider both to be the same. Though there are similarities in terms of symptoms, the conditions are actually different from each other and are attributed to different factors. Following subsections offer a detailed look at both the conditions, highlighting the difference between the two to answer the question – Sinus Infection vs Cold – What’s the difference between them? Information also includes details of treatment and symptoms.
What is a sinus infection?
Also known as sinusitis, sinus infection refers to an inflammation or infection of the sinuses. The sinuses are air-filled cavities located in the bones of the face and skull, connected to the nasal passages. When the sinuses become infected or inflamed, it results in a range of symptoms. Causes are attributed to different factors, including viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, as well as allergies or other underlying conditions.
Types of sinusitis: Sinus infections can be classified into acute sinusitis, referring to short-term infections, typically caused by a viral infection and lasts less than four weeks, subacute sinusitis that last between four and 12 weeks, recurrent acute sinusitis wherein several episodes of acute sinusitis are experienced within a year, and chronic sinusitis that is long-lasting, lasting 12 weeks or more.
Diagnosis: Diagnosis of a sinus infection is typically based on the patient’s symptoms, a physical examination, and sometimes imaging tests such as a CT scan or X-ray. In some cases, a sample of nasal discharge may be collected for further analysis.
Treatment: Treatment for a sinus infection depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, acute sinusitis caused by a viral infection will resolve on its own without specific medical treatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers, nasal decongestants, and saline nasal irrigation can help manage symptoms. For bacterial sinusitis, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection. Chronic or recurrent sinusitis may require more extensive treatment, including prolonged antibiotic courses, nasal corticosteroids, or in some cases, surgery to remove obstructions or correct structural issues.
Symptoms of a Sinus Infection
The symptoms of a sinus infection, can vary depending on the severity and duration of the infection. Common symptoms associated with sinusitis include:
- Facial pain or pressure: This is one of the hallmark symptoms of a sinus infection. The pain or pressure is typically felt in the cheeks, forehead, or around the eyes. It may worsen with bending forward or lying down.
- Nasal congestion: Sinusitis often leads to nasal congestion or blockage. Individuals may feel that the nose is stuffy, and breathing through nostrils becomes difficult. This congestion can contribute to a reduced sense of smell.
- Thick nasal discharge: Sinus infections are often accompanied by the production of thick nasal discharge, which may be yellow or green in color. This discharge can drain down the back of the throat, leading to a feeling of postnasal drip.
- Loss of smell or reduced sense of taste: Due to nasal congestion and inflammation, sinusitis can cause a temporary loss of smell or a reduced sense of taste.
- Headache: Sinus headaches are common with sinus infections. The pain is typically localized in the frontal or maxillary sinuses and can be throbbing or constant.
- Cough: A cough may develop, especially if postnasal drip irritates the throat.
- Sore throat: Sinusitis can cause a sore or irritated throat, particularly if there is excessive postnasal drip.
- Fatigue or feeling unwell: Sinus infections can make one feel generally unwell, fatigued, or low in energy.
Treatment options for Sinus Infection
The treatment options for a sinus infection, or sinusitis, depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the symptoms. Common treatment options include:
Self-care measures: For mild cases of sinusitis, self-care measures can often help alleviate symptoms and promote healing:
- Rest and intake of plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
- Application of warm compresses to the face to help relieve facial pain or pressure
- Use of over-the-counter saline nasal sprays or rinses to clear nasal passages
- Use of over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation
- Avoiding irritants such as cigarette smoke and strong odors
- Use of a humidifier to add moisture to the air and help relieve congestion
Medications: This includes the following:
- Decongestants: Over-the-counter decongestant nasal sprays or oral decongestants can help reduce nasal congestion, but they should only be used for a short period as prolonged use can lead to rebound congestion.
- Nasal corticosteroids: Prescription-strength nasal corticosteroid sprays can help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and alleviate symptoms.
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help alleviate facial pain or headaches associated with sinusitis.
- Antibiotics: If the sinus infection is caused by bacteria or if it persists for a longer duration, a healthcare professional may prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections and are not necessary for viral sinusitis, which is more common.
- Allergy treatment: If the sinus infection is caused or worsened by allergies, allergy management strategies such as antihistamines or allergy shots may be recommended.
- Surgery: In cases of chronic or recurrent sinusitis that does not respond to other treatments, or if there are structural abnormalities obstructing sinus drainage, surgery may be considered. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is a common surgical procedure that aims to improve sinus drainage and reduce the frequency and severity of sinus infections.
What is a Cold?
Also known as the common cold, this is a viral infection that primarily affects the upper respiratory system. It is one of the most common illnesses, and most people experience multiple colds throughout their lifetime.
Sinus Infection vs Cold – What’s the difference between them?
Sinus infections and colds share some similarities in terms of symptoms, but are caused by different factors and affect different parts of the body. Here are the key differences between sinus infections and colds:
#1 Cause: Sinus infections are typically caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, as well as other factors such as allergies or structural issues in the sinuses. Colds are primarily caused by viral infections, most commonly by rhinoviruses.
#2 Location of symptoms: Sinus infections primarily affect the sinuses, which are air-filled cavities located in the bones of the face and skull. The symptoms of a sinus infection are focused around the face, such as facial pain or pressure, nasal congestion, and thick nasal discharge. Colds affect the upper respiratory system more broadly, including the nose, throat, and lungs. Symptoms of a cold may include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, coughing, and general malaise.
#3 Duration: Sinus infections can be acute, subacute, recurrent acute, or chronic, depending on their duration. Acute sinusitis typically lasts less than four weeks, subacute sinusitis lasts between four and 12 weeks, recurrent acute sinusitis involves several episodes of acute sinusitis within a year, and chronic sinusitis lasts for 12 weeks or more. Colds are usually self-limiting and resolve within a week to 10 days.
#4 Treatment: The treatment approach differs for sinus infections and colds. Sinus infections caused by bacteria may require antibiotics, while viral sinusitis usually resolves on its own without specific medical treatment. Cold treatment focuses on symptom relief and supportive measures, such as rest, hydration, over-the-counter medications for pain and congestion, and home remedies to alleviate discomfort.
#5 Severity of symptoms: Sinus infections often present with more intense symptoms localized in the face, such as severe facial pain or pressure, while colds generally have milder symptoms that affect the overall respiratory system.