Sinus Infection vs. Cold: How To Tell the Difference and Easy Ways To Speed Recovery
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
With so many overlapping symptoms, it makes sense to wonder what the key differences are between a sinus infection vs. a cold. Keep reading for a leading doctor’s take on how to tell them apart, the main risk factors for developing an upper respiratory infection and simple remedies to help you feel better fast—whether it’s a cold or a sinus infection.
Sinus infection vs. cold: The key difference
Generally speaking, when we talk about a cold, we’re referring to a viral upper respiratory infection, says Mohamad Chaaban, MD, otolaryngologist at Cleveland Clinic and associate professor, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University. “In contrast, when we say sinus infection, we’re usually referring to acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, which is a bacterial infection of the sinuses.”
Though their root causes are different—a cold is viral while a sinus infection bacterial—it’s important to note that nearly 80 percent of bacterial sinus infections begin with a viral infection, Dr. Chaaban points out. This is largely because once a cold weakens the immune system’s defenses, the body becomes more susceptible to a bacterial infection.
When you have a cold or sinus infection, which remedies do you usually turn to?
Nasal saline rinses
Over-the-counter medications
Home remedies (rest, hot tea, etc.)
Antibiotics (for sinus infections)
I usually just wait it out
How to tell cold and sinus infection symptoms apart
While the symptoms of a cold and a sinus infection often overlap, Dr. Chaaban says a key difference is the duration. “A cold typically lasts three to four days and gradually improves. But a sinus infection can follow a pattern of ‘double sickening,’ where people initially seem to be recovering, but their symptoms then rebound or worsen as the body’s defenses weaken. In these cases, a sinus infection can last longer than 10 days.
Here, Dr. Chaaban shares the symptoms colds and sinus infections typically have in common—and one that might be a sign of the latter:
Nasal blockage
Runny nose
Discolored drainage, typically yellow (See surprising health clues in your mucus color)
Facial pain in the cheeks or under the eyes
Fever (Important: A high fever at the onset may suggest a sinus infection, while a typical cold usually doesn’t start with a high fever, Dr. Chaaban notes.)
4 common risk factors for sinus infections
If you fall within the age bracket of 45 to 74, you may be more likely to develop upper respiratory infections (URIs), as our immune systems weaken with age, explains Dr. Chaaban. He also notes a few other factors that can increase your risk of infections:
Certain medications (such as some asthma treatments, NSAIDs, immunosuppressants or overuse of nasal decongestants)
Pregnancy (While studies are somewhat mixed, pregnant women do appear to be more prone to URIs, largely because the immune system is naturally suppressed during this time, Dr. Chaaban explains.)
How to speed recovery from a cold or sinus infection
Beyond nasal saline rinses, there isn’t much evidence supporting the use of other treatments for a cold, Dr. Chaaban points out. “Guidelines don’t clearly recommend medications like decongestants or antihistamines for routine viral colds, either.”
In other words, your best defense is good old-fashioned hygiene: washing your hands and avoiding close contact with others. Staying well hydrated and giving the cold time to run its course are also tried-and-true ways to speed recovery.
Of course, since a sinus infection is bacterial, antibiotics are the go-to treatment, particularly amoxicillin or augmentin. “We’ll then watch for the next three days for signs of improvement,” he adds.
Do you get 4 or more sinus infections a year?
This condition is called recurrent acute sinusitis, and in severe cases, patients may benefit from surgery, explains Dr. Chaaban. “Opening the sinuses can help reduce the mucus buildup that often follows a viral infection, like a cold, which in turn lowers the risk of developing a bacterial sinus infection,” he says, adding that it’s important to know you don’t have to live with recurring infections—you do have treatment options.
More strategies to help you sail through sick season:
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