Is it a cold or sinusitis? Learn to spot the symptoms. Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe How do I know if I have a cold or sinusitis Medically reviewed by Megan Soliman, MD — By Stephanie Watson — Updated on September 13, 2022Sinusitis is a complication of a viral cold. For this reason, their symptoms can overlap. The main difference between them is the duration of the symptoms. A person usually recovers quickly from a cold, whereas a sinus infection can last much longer. Rhinitis is the term for the common cold. Sinusitis, or sinus infection, is inflammation in the space behind the nose. It is a complication that may result from a viral or bacterial infection. More than 200 different viruses cause a cold, a type of viral infection of the respiratory system. More than 50% of colds occur from a type of rhinovirus. Colds spread when someone who has the virus coughs or sneezes droplets containing the virus into the air. They can also transmit when a person with a cold sneezes on or touches a surface, leaving the virus behind to infect a new host. The air-filled sacs behind the nose are called the sinuses. 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. A sinus infection most often develops after a viral cold. In rarer cases, a person can also get bacterial sinusitis after a viral cold, which is known as a superimposed infection. Most people recover from a cold in 5-7 days. Sinusitis can remain in the body for 4 weeks or for over 3 months in people with a chronic case of the condition. Common cold symptoms Share on PinterestFG Trade/Getty ImagesCold symptoms typically include:a stuffed and runny nosesneezinga coughlow fevermild body aches These symptoms usually peak in the first 3-4 days and then improve gradually. Most people do not have symptoms past 10 days to 3 weeks. Sinus infection symptoms Symptoms of a sinus infection may be more severe and can last for 4 weeks or longer. They include:stuffed nosethick yellow or green nasal dischargepain in the face – especially around the eyes, nose, cheeks, and foreheada headache behind the eyesa coughpain in the upper jaw and teethfeverfatiguebad breath Sinusitis may clear up without treatment but is more likely to need medical intervention than a cold. Sinus infection symptoms in children As with adults, sinus infection symptoms in children are easy to confuse with those of a cold. Young children are most likely to have cold-like symptoms, including a stuffed nose with yellow-green discharge and a slight fever that persists beyond 10 days. They may also be more irritable than usual. In addition to congestion, older children and teens can have:a cough that does not resolvebad breathtooth painear painpain in the facea headacheswelling around the eyes If a child is still sick after 14 days, or if the temperature rises further or continues for more than 3 days despite treatment with acetaminophen, they should see a pediatrician. A child might have chronic sinusitis if symptoms continue for longer than months. Children with chronic sinusitis should visit a pediatric ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor to find out about other treatment options. Common cold treatment Treatment for the common cold can include:Over-the-counter pain medications: These include acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil) to reduce fever or relieve associated headaches. A person should avoid giving aspirin products to infants, children, and teenagers, as these increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome.Decongestants: These help shrink swollen blood vessels in the nose to ease breathing. They come in the form of a pill or nasal spray. A person should not use these for longer than 3 days because repeated use can cause congestion to come back. A doctor should monitor decongestant use in children. They may also raise blood pressure, so a person with high blood pressure should first speak to their doctor.Corticosteroid nasal sprays: These can help shrink swelling in the nasal passages. Some steroid sprays are available over the counter. Others require a prescription from a doctor. In some people, steroid sprays can slightly improve congestion but are not effective for everyone. Steroid sprays can also cause side effects, such as headaches and nosebleeds. Natural and home remedies These natural and home remedies might also help ease cold symptoms:Rest: Staying home and resting until you feel better will help your body fight the infection.Fluids: Water, clear broth, and other fluids can help flush mucus from the system and prevent dehydration.Nasal saline: A nasal spray made from saltwater solution is a more natural approach to clearing out clogged nasal passages. It will help remove the mucus, relieving congestion. Saline solution can sometimes be applied using a neti pot. Humidifier: Turning on a cold steam humidifier at night prevents the sinuses from drying out. A wide range is available to purchase online. Sinus infection treatment If a cold progresses to a sinus infection, the symptoms will often get better without treatment. However, a person can continue their preferred cold treatments to get relief while their body recovers. In case of a bacterial infection, however, a person will need antibiotics. A doctor can prescribe a course of antibiotics lasting between a week and as long as 6 weeks, depending on the type of antibiotic and whether the sinusitis is acute or chronic. A person should always complete a course of antibiotics. Stopping antibiotics too soon can make bacteria resistant to the effects of antibiotics in the future and may interfere with recovery. If sinusitis symptoms remain after a few months, doctors may use surgery to open up the sinuses or remove any growths that are causing a blockage. Summary Viruses usually cause the common cold. In some cases, a viral cold can progress to a sinus infection, which is the inflammation of the nasal passages also known as sinusitis. Sinusitis can also have other causes, such as a bacterial infection or an allergy. The treatment for sinusitis can be similar to that of a cold. However, if the cause is bacterial, a person will need antibiotics. Whatever the cause, people should call a doctor if they develop a fever over 102.2°F (39°C), a rash, a persistent cough, shortness of breath, or vomiting. A parent or caregiver should call a doctor if an infant younger than three months has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C). A person should also see their doctor if their sinus infection does not improve in several weeks. Last medically reviewed on September 13, 2022Ear, Nose, and ThroatFlu / Cold / SARSInfectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses 7 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Battisti, A. S., et al. (2022). Sinusitis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470383/Degeorge, K. C., et al. (2019). Treatment of the common cold.https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2019/0901/p281.htmlFacts about the common cold. (2020).https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/influenza/facts-about-the-common-coldFever in children: Overview. (2019).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279455/Leung, A. KC., et al. (2020). Acute bacterial sinusitis in children: An updated review.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7685231/Pappas, D. E. (2018). The common cold.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7152197/Thomas, M., et al. (2022). Upper respiratory tract infection.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532961/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Megan Soliman, MD — By Stephanie Watson — Updated on September 13, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related Coverage10 of the best medications for sinus pressureMedically reviewed by Alan Carter, PharmD Sinus pressure can feel like a pain or tightness around the eyes, nose, and forehead. Learn more about the best medications for sinus pressure. READ MOREWhat to know about antibiotics for sinus infectionMedically reviewed by Emelia Arquilla, DO People do not always need antibiotics to treat sinus infection, but in some cases, doctors may still prescribe them. Learn more.READ MORE