Difference Between Sinus Infection and Cold

Colds can lead to sinus infections when the sinuses swell up. Air, mucus, and bacteria can become trapped in the swollen sinuses and cause further infection. The main difference between a cold and a sinus infection is the duration of symptoms. Most people recover from a cold in 5 to 10 days.

1. How do you know if you have a sinus infection or a cold?
2. What is the fastest way to get rid of a sinus infection?
3. Do sinus infections go away on their own?
4. How do you know if my sinuses are infected?
5. Is mucinex good for sinus infection?
6. What is the best medicine for sinus cold?
7. Is VapoRub good for sinus infection?
8. How do I know if my sinus infection is bacterial or viral?
9. Why won't my sinus infection go away with antibiotics?
10. What color snot indicates a sinus infection?
11. When should I go to the doctor for a sinus infection?
12. What is the drug of choice for sinusitis?

How do you know if you have a sinus infection or a cold?

If you have persistent facial pain, pressure or tenderness, you may have a sinus infection. What color is your discharge? If you have clear mucous, you probably have a cold. If you have yellow or green mucous, it's probably a sinus infection.

What is the fastest way to get rid of a sinus infection?

Here are the top 10 at-home treatments to help ease your sinus pain and inflammation to get rid of your sinus infection faster.

1. Flush. Use a Neti pot, a therapy that uses a salt and water solution, to flush your nasal passages. ...
2. Spray. ...
3. Hydrate. ...
4. Rest. ...
5. Steam. ...
6. Spice. ...
7. Add humidity. ...
8. OTC medication.

Do sinus infections go away on their own?

About 70 percent of sinus infections go away within two weeks without antibiotics. Consider these other forms of treatments instead of antibiotics: Decongestants. These medications are available for over-the-counter purchase.

How do you know if my sinuses are infected?

Common symptoms of sinus infection include:

1. Postnasal drip.
2. Discolored nasal discharge (greenish in color)
3. Nasal stuffiness or congestion.
4. Tenderness of the face (particularly under the eyes or at the bridge of the nose)
5. Frontal headaches.
6. Pain in the teeth.
7. Coughing.
8. Fever.

Is mucinex good for sinus infection?

Nasal irrigation and decongestants can help in the treatment of chronic sinusitis by keeping mucus loose and nasal passages clear. The mucus-thinning agent guaifenesin (Mucinex) is another option. (Be sure to drink a full glass of water when you take it.)

What is the best medicine for sinus cold?

Best cold medicine for sinus headache

Ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) can reduce your pain. A decongestant like pseudoephedrine can thin out your congestion, but it might take a few doses before your sinus pressure goes away.

Is VapoRub good for sinus infection?

Vicks VapoRub — a topical ointment made of ingredients including camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol that you rub on your throat and chest — doesn't relieve nasal congestion. But the strong menthol odor of VapoRub may trick your brain, so you feel like you're breathing through an unclogged nose.

How do I know if my sinus infection is bacterial or viral?

Usually, the symptoms of a sinus infection are the same or very similar whether it's caused by bacteria or a virus. Common symptoms of either a viral or bacterial sinus infection include green or yellow mucous/discharge, bad breath, headache, and fever.

Why won't my sinus infection go away with antibiotics?

A bacterial or viral infection can also trigger the condition. The infection is often low grade. The bacteria confine themselves in stubborn “biofilms,” making it difficult for your immune system or antibiotics to find and attack them.

What color snot indicates a sinus infection?

If your snot turns green, it means your immune system is working very hard to fight the infection. This is often accompanied by snot becoming very thick. It can be a sign of a sinus infection or more serious bacterial infection. Pink/Red: Pink or red snot usually points to some sort of injury or nasal trauma.

When should I go to the doctor for a sinus infection?

When to see your doctor for sinus infection

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have a fever, nasal discharge, congestion, or facial pain that lasts longer than ten days or keeps coming back.

What is the drug of choice for sinusitis?

Antimicrobial therapy is the mainstay of medical treatment in sinusitis. The choice of antibiotics depends on whether the sinusitis is acute, chronic, or recurrent. Antibiotic efficacy rates are as follows : Levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and amoxicillin/clavulanate - Greater than 90%