One of the most common questions you can ask when you have congestion, sneezing and low on energy is whether you have a sinus infection or cold.
Many symptoms either overlap or are similar, but understanding the difference can help you choose the best treatment and know when to seek medical help.
If you’re still unsure if you have a sinus infection or cold, make an appointment with your primary care provider. If you need to be seen when your provider’s office isn’t open, head to your nearest urgent care.
Do you have a cold?
The common cold is caused by a virus, most often rhinovirus, and affects the upper respiratory tract. It usually starts gradually, with mild symptoms that peak within a few days and resolve within a week to 10 days.
Common cold symptoms include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Mild fatigue
- Low-grade fever (occasionally)
- Mild headache
Colds are self-limiting, which means they tend to go away on their own. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults typically develop two to three colds each year, and most people recover without needing medical treatment.
Do you have a sinus infection?
A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, happens when the tissue lining your sinuses becomes inflamed and swollen. This inflammation can trap mucus and lead to an infection – either viral, bacterial or, less commonly, fungal.
Most sinus infections start as a viral illness, such as a cold. But when symptoms last longer or worsen over time, bacteria may be to blame.
Symptoms of a sinus infection include:
- Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
- Facial pain or pressure (especially around the cheeks, eyes, or forehead)
- Nasal congestion
- Headache
- Postnasal drip (mucus draining down your throat)
- Reduced sense of smell or taste
- Fatigue
- Bad breath
- Tooth pain (especially upper molars)
Acute sinus infections usually last less than four weeks, while chronic cases can persist for 12 weeks or more.
Key differences between a sinus infection or cold
So how do you tell the difference between a sinus infection or cold? Here are some clues:
| Symptom | Cold | Sinus infection |
| Nasal discharge | Clear or watery | Thick, yellow or green |
| Duration | Seven to 10 days | More than 10 days or worsens |
| Facial pain or pressure | Rare | Common |
| Fever | Rare in adults | Possible |
| Bad breath | Rare | More likely |
| Tooth pain | No | Possible |
| Symptom onset | Gradual | Can follow a cold or worsen |
A major red flag for sinus infection is when cold symptoms get better, then suddenly worsen – a pattern known as “double worsening.” If that happens, you should make an appointment with your primary care provider.
When to see your doctor
You don’t always need to see a doctor right away for either a cold or sinus infection, especially if symptoms are mild. However, you should see a provider if you experience:
- Symptoms lasting longer than 10 days without improvement
- Symptoms that worsen after initially improving
- High fever (over 101°F)
- Severe facial pain or swelling
- Vision changes or confusion
- Multiple sinus infections in one year
In some cases, especially when bacterial sinusitis is suspected, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. But many sinus infections are viral and don’t require antibiotics, so it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment at home
Whether you’re dealing with a sinus infection or cold, there are things you can do at home to ease your symptoms:
- Drink plenty of fluids to help thin mucus
- Use a humidifier to keep your nasal passages moist
- Apply warm compresses to the face for sinus pressure
- Use saline nasal sprays or rinses to clear out mucus
- Get enough rest to support your immune system
- Try over-the-counter medications like decongestants or pain relievers (ask your doctor if you’re unsure which is right for you)
How we can help
Telling the difference between a sinus infection or cold isn’t always easy, especially since both conditions can share overlapping symptoms. But paying attention to how long your symptoms last and whether they improve or worsen can give you helpful clues.
If you’re unsure, making an appointment with your primary care provider can help you get the right treatment. If your symptoms are severe enough and you can’t see your primary care doctor, visit your nearest urgent care.
Learn about the primary care as well as urgent care services we offer at Bon Secours.
