subject: Sinus Infections And Colds Which Is Which? [print this page] Sinus infections often start out as common colds. Symptoms may begin with abrupt sneezing and nasal discharge. Then comes headache, slight fever, coughing, nasal stuffiness, fatigue, and pressure and pain associated with the locations of the sinuses. Because of the similarity in symptoms, people often pass up on treatment until the symptoms become worse enough to classify as chronic sinus infection. So where do you draw the line between common colds and sinus infections?
How Sinus Infections Differ From Colds
Many cases of sinus infections are undiagnosed every year because they are often mistaken for colds. With almost similar symptoms, this is expected. There is a huge difference between colds and sinus infections though.
Any type of cold is technically described as viral sinusitis and most forms of sinus infections root from bacterial causes. Colds linger for only around a week, with nasal discharge thickening by the third or fourth day. Most symptoms of common colds improve by the end of the week, usually without treatment. Sinus infections last far longer than that and symptoms may exacerbate as the condition develops into acute, subcutaneous, or chronic sinusitis. By this time, symptoms such as persistent headache, excessive coughing that gets worse during bedtime, nasal discharge, fever, bad breath, sore throat that is caused by postnasal drip, and even ear infections may become pronounced. Pressure and pain that builds up on the site of the sinuses will also become apparent. These symptoms may last for several weeks or months if not treated.
When To Have Your Sinus Infections Treated
Most of the abovementioned symptoms could go away even without treatment. But, when these persist for more than a week to up to eight weeks, a visit to the doctor may be a good idea where different treatments may be recommended according the symptoms present.
The first line of defense against sinus infections composes of common medications used for alleviating the symptoms of colds and bacterial infections. Antibiotics, medications which are meant to fight off bacterial infections, rank high on the list of sinusitis treatments. These usually include common antibiotics such as Klacid and Amoxicillin. When there is nasal congestion, decongestants in the form of syrups, tablets or nasal sprays may be recommended to the patient for temporary relief. Alternative methods of irrigating the nasal passages to clear out mucus build up may also come in handy. Saline-water solution with the aid of neti pots is among the most popular alternative remedies. Your physician may also recommend antihistamines if you are allergic or if the sinus infections were found to have been caused by your sensitivity to allergens. Meanwhile, pain relievers are given to those who are bothered by painful sinuses. With the progression of the disease, other treatment options like nasal endoscopy become available.
