Sinus Infection vs Cold vs Allergies: What's the Difference?

Sinus Infection vs. Cold vs. Allergies: What's the Difference?

Sinus infections, colds, and allergies all come with similar overall symptoms - coughing, sneezing, congestion, and the general discomfort of feeling unwell. Knowing the difference between a sinus infection vs cold can help you recover and receive the proper treatment and medication, while giving you the information you need to prevent potential illnesses in the future.

Sinus Infection Symptoms vs Cold Symptoms vs Allergy Symptoms

How do you tell the difference between a cold and a sinus infection? How do you know the difference between sinus infection and allergies? Here is a table for comparison.

While sinus infections, colds, and allergies can be closely linked, let's take a closer look at their causes and treatment options.

What Causes Sinus Infections?

Sinus infections are caused by a buildup of mucus in your sinuses. Sinus blockage can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• The common cold

• Allergic rhinitis, or nasal allergies, which cause a swelling in the lining of the nose

• Environmental irritants, like tobacco smoke and pollution

• Fungi (though this is more common in those with immune deficiencies)

• Nasal polyps

• Dehydration and a lack of sufficient humidity

Sinus infections can also be caused by certain anatomical abnormalities, most commonly a deviated septum and nasal polyps. The septum is the wall dividing your nasal cavity. In some people, the septum may be skewed or displaced sideways (deviated), which causes breathing problems, snoring, and blockage of sinuses.

Sinus Infection Symptoms

While the symptoms of sinus infection vary from person to person, you can generally expect the same suite of symptoms, including:

• Aches and pains - The pressure in your sinuses can turn into pain and tenderness in your face, particularly in your forehead, between your eyes, in your teeth and upper jaw, and on either side of your nose. Toothaches, earaches, and headaches are also common.

• Congestion - Inflammation and sinus blockage causes congestion, which makes for difficult breathing. Congestion can keep you from properly smelling or tasting foods.

• Discharge - You will probably find yourself blowing your nose more often as infected sinuses create a white or greenish-yellow discharge that drains out of your nose.

• Coughing - When the nasal discharge doesn't drain out of your nose, it will drain down the back of your throat. This is known as postnasal drip and can lead to a persistent series of coughs.

• Sore throat - Postnasal drip also causes throat irritation. This can start as an annoying tickle but can progress to a raw, painful soreness and also make your voice hoarse.

Treatments for Sinus Infections

Most cases of sinusitis, particularly those caused by viruses, will go away on their own within a few weeks, and if it is caused by allergy or irritants, then these sinus infections are not contagious. Many of the treatments available are designed to better manage symptoms. Some readily available sinusitis remedies include:

• Over-the-counter painkillers, which can relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and reduce high fevers

• Nasal decongestant sprays, though be aware that prolonged use of these sprays can cause irritation and exacerbate symptoms

• Oral decongestant and antihistamines

• Neti-Pots and other forms of nasal irrigation

Do You Need Antibiotics For Sinus Infection?

The fastest way to get rid of a sinus infection is to rest, use nasal sprays, and take over-the-counter medication as needed to treat your symptoms. 

Antibiotics are only prescribed for bacterial sinus infections and chronic infections lasting longer than 12 weeks. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC), "most infections usually get better on their own without antibiotics."

Amoxicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanate are the most commonly prescribed antibiotics as they target most of the bacteria responsible for sinus infections.

Will a Sinus Infection Go Away on Its Own?

You should visit a doctor for a sinus infection if you have a fever, congestion, severe headache, facial pain, or nasal discharge that lasts longer than 10 days or if your symptoms keep coming back. 

Scheduling a doctor's appointment can help you determine whether you have a sinus infection vs cold. You may have an underlying health condition contributing to your symptoms, and your doctor may recommend special treatment.

What Causes the Common Cold?

The common cold is caused by viral strains, such as the rhinovirus, coronavirus, and adenovirus virus.

Over 200 viral strains are known to cause the cold, though the most common is rhinovirus, which is responsible for up to 40 percent of cases. Coronavirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus are also very common.

You can catch this virus by being around someone infected with the virus. You may also breathe in the virus from the air after someone has coughed or sneezed.

Common Cold Symptoms

Common cold symptoms may include:

• A sore, scratchy throat

• Stuffy nose

• Watery, sensitive eyes

• Sneezing

• Coughing from postnasal drip

• A mild headache

• Congestion

If you exhibit more severe symptoms, such as muscle aches and a high fever, you may actually be dealing with the flu, which comes with its own set of problems.

Treatments for the Common Cold

Though there is no cure for the common cold, available treatments aim at relieving symptoms and improving your personal comfort. These include:

• Pain relievers such as Ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can help reduce the pain that comes with headaches and sore throats while bringing down fevers.

• Decongestant sprays and tablets can help clear congestion.

• Cough syrup designed to suppress coughing, or expectorants, can help loosen mucus in the throat. 

What Causes Allergies?

Allergies are caused by an overactive immune system. The most common allergens include:

• Pollen and plants

• Animal dander

• Dust mites

• Mold

• Bee stings

• Food (eggs, dairy products, peanuts, shellfish)

When your body comes into contact with an allergen, it releases antibodies that warn the rest of your body to neutralize the allergen. The cells then send out histamines and a variety of other chemicals, all of which lead to an allergic reaction.

Allergy Symptoms

The symptoms of an allergic reaction depend on the type of allergy. The most common symptoms of nasal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, include:

• Sneezing

• Itching, watery eyes

• A runny nose

• Generally feeling tired or ill

The severity of these symptoms depends on the person and the exposure to the allergen. Meanwhile, more moderate symptoms can resemble the cold or flu. 

Treatments for Allergies

Some over-the-counter treatments you should look into include:

• Antihistamines - Antihistamines are specifically good for reducing itching and sneezing, though some may cause drowsiness.

• Steroid nasal sprays - These can reduce swelling in your nasal passage and are recommended by doctors as your first line of defense.

• Decongestants - Decongestants open up your nasal passages by reducing swelling. As always, avoid using decongestant sprays for longer than a few days. If possible, stick with oral decongestants, most popularly pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine.

• Eye drops - Eye drops containing the antihistamine ketotifen can relieve itchy eyes, while eye drops with tetrahydrozoline or naphazoline can soothe red eyes.

If you are not finding much relief from over-the-counter drugs, it is a good idea to see your doctor, who may be able to prescribe you more powerful medications if you qualify, such as:

• Prescription steroid nasal spray

• Prescription antihistamines and decongestants

These prescriptions are often used for immediate, temporary care, but immunotherapy can act as an actual cure for nasal allergies. Administered in the form of oral tablets, drops, or shots, immunotherapy works by exposing your body to small amounts of an allergen.

Over time, your body adjusts and becomes used to the allergen, to the point where even large amounts of the allergen do not trigger a reaction. In pill form, immunotherapy is taken at home over the long term.

Get Sinus Infection and Cold Treatment Online

How do I know if I have COVID or a sinus infection? If you are not sure whether you are suffering from sinus infection symptoms vs cold symptoms vs allergies, it is a good idea to see your doctor or visit an urgent care center. It is important to get a COVID-19 test to confirm diagnosis. Along with diagnosing your condition, your doctor can provide treatments or medications to get you back to feeling 100 percent.

Fortunately, you don't have to leave your home to visit your doctor's office. When you schedule an online video or phone appointment with PlushCare, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history to determine whether you have a sinus infection vs cold.

One of our trusted doctors will help you get the right treatment and prescription for your symptoms - all from the comfort of your own home

Sources

• American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. Allergies. Accessed on March 7, 2021 at https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/allergies   

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sinus Infection Basics. Accessed on June 19, 2024 at https://www.cdc.gov/sinus-infection/about/index.html

• Mayo Clinic. Common cold. Accessed on March 7, 2021 at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351611