Sinusitis or the common cold: making the difference

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Extract from the article: The symptoms of a sinus infection and a viral cold can be confused. However, while antibiotics are sometimes useful depending on the cause of sinusitis to avoid complications, they are not immediately indicated in the case of a cold. Here's how to av

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The symptoms of a sinus infection and a viral cold can be confused. However, while antibiotics are sometimes useful depending on the cause of sinusitis to avoid complications, they are not immediately indicated in the case of a cold. Here's how to avoid self-diagnosis errors.

Every year, millions of people suffer from sinus infections. Often caused by bacteria growing in the sinuses, the bony cavities at the back of the nose, eyes, eyebrows and cheekbones, these infections are painful to the head and face. Usually, it's a cold or allergy that causes the mucous membranes of the sinuses to swell, slowing down their ability to drain, and eventually developing into sinusitis.

On the other hand, people with viral colds may mistakenly think they have sinusitis. While antibiotics may be useful for some people with sinus infections, they are useless when it comes to fighting cold viruses. So how can you tell the difference? Often, it's in the intensity of symptoms or their evolution.

Duration of symptoms

The main difference lies in the duration of the condition. Cold sufferers generally have a runny nose for two or three days, followed by a blocked nose for the same length of time. A sinus infection, on the other hand, can last several weeks. Sinusitis is sometimes accompanied by a low-to-moderate fever.

Some people are more prone to sinusitis than others, especially those with nasal polyps, a deviated septum or allergy problems. For most, preventive measures can help limit the number of infections, or relieve symptoms.

Rest, drinking plenty of fluids, inhalations and cleaning the nose with salt water are all useful remedies in the treatment of sinusitis.  Certain medications can be prescribed to reduce inflammation. When sinusitis is bacterial in origin, antibiotics are used to combat the infection. Left untreated, sinusitis can damage the sinuses.

In all cases, it is advisable to consult a health care professional if symptoms persist for more than a week or become very disabling.

William O.

Article validated by Dr Jean-Claude Bakpatina, General Practitioner Lomé-Togo