Is It a Cold, the Flu, or a Sinus Infection? How to Tell and When to Seek Help
As the temperatures start to cool in Tampa Bay, we’re getting closer to the holiday season and all the festivities that come with it. With the holidays approaching, more people are getting into the festive spirit—but you’ll also start to hear more people sniffling and sneezing their way into the new year.
For those with sensitive sinuses, the cooler weather often signals the arrival of cold season, flu, and sinus infections.
These three respiratory conditions share many similar symptoms, which can make it difficult to tell them apart. Knowing how to differentiate between them is key to finding the right relief and getting back to enjoying the season.
The Cold
The common cold is a widespread respiratory condition. About 200 viruses can cause someone to contract the infection. The common cold is contagious, especially in the first few days of the infection. People with the common cold will typically recover within 7 to 10 days.
Common cold symptoms include:
- Congestion, causing difficulty in breathing through the nose
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Coughing
- Irritated throat
- Watery eyes
- Headaches
- Fatigue
Children who contract the common cold are more likely to develop a fever than adults, although adults may still experience a mild fever at some point.
The best way to help the body recover from the common cold is plenty of rest, sleep, and fluids. Some over-the-counter medication can also help alleviate and manage some symptoms like congestion and headaches.
The Flu
The flu, or influenza, is a contagious infection that develops from a virus. It affects the respiratory system and shares many similar symptoms with the common cold. Flu symptoms, however, are more severe than those of the common cold. Flu symptoms come fast and with more intensity, as compared to cold symptoms which come gradually.
Common flu symptoms include:
- High fever lasting for several days
- Body aches
- Body chills
- Headache
- Congestion, causing difficulty in breathing through the nose
- Runny nose
- Coughing
- Fatigue
Flu symptoms typically last for 1 to 2 weeks. If you think you have the flu, it would be best to seek immediate medical attention. With the right medication and medical intervention, you can reduce the severity of the symptoms and duration of the infection.
If left untreated, flu can lead to serious complications – and even death – especially in vulnerable people like children, the elderly, and pregnant women.
Sinus Infections
A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, is a common respiratory condition. It’s characterized by the irritation and inflammation of the sinus cavities. When there is sinus inflammation, it prevents proper mucus drainage. When there is mucus buildup, it becomes the perfect breeding ground for viruses and bacteria to cause an infection.
Sinusitis can develop on its own, but there are cases where sinusitis comes after a common cold or an allergic reaction.
Common sinusitis symptoms include:
- Congestion, causing difficulty in breathing through the nose
- Postnasal drip
- Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
- Headache
- Facial pain or pressure
- Toothache
- Pain in the ears
- Fever
- Cough
- Reduced sense of smell or taste
- Fatigue
- Bad breath
Sinusitis can be one of two things: acute or chronic. Acute sinusitis is a short-term inflammation of the sinuses and symptoms will typically go away on their own within 10 days. Chronic sinusitis is a long-term infection and could persist longer than 12 weeks.
A sinus infection can often be mistaken for just a common cold. A consultation with your physician will help you differentiate between the two – especially if you haven’t been diagnosed with a sinus infection before.
There are several ways to relieve symptoms including pain relievers, decongestants, nasal sprays, and antibiotics. A surgical procedure called balloon sinuplasty may also be recommended if all other treatment options have been exhausted to no avail.
Know When to Seek Help: Get in Touch With Tampa Bay Breathe Free
Our experts at Tampa Bay Breathe Free want nothing more than to help our patients achieve long-awaited relief from common respiratory conditions like the common cold, flu, and sinus infections. If you’re ready to breathe freely again, request an appointment and let us be part of your journey!
