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Is It a Cold or a Sinus Infection?

Runny nose, sneezing, congestion, watery eyes, coughis it a cold or a sinusinfections? Many times it is hard to distinguish the difference between the twosince for many individuals the symptoms seem to crossover. One thing that is not

up for debateboth can mae you feel miserable. !eing familiar with thecharacteristics of both may help you better distinguish which may be affectingyou. "f you are in doubt, it is always wise to visit a doctor.

Colds

!ecause colds are caused by viruses, the #common cold$ suffer is usually toldthey have to %ust let it run its course before feeling any relief. &he following aresymptoms that may be e'perienced, depending on the severity(

&he duration is usually )*+ days.

-asal discharges are generally clear and watery but may become thicer

and change color to white, green or yellow. Over time, the discharge will

go away. re/uent coughs that often becomes more pronounced at night.

0 low grade fever may be e'perienced for +*1 days at the beginning of the

cold.

Other symptoms can include stuffy nose, lethargy, headache, sneezing,

and sore throat.

2old suffers will usually e'perience their most severe symptoms within the first 3*) days. 0fterwards symptoms begin to go away as the person starts to feelbetter. Of the two, colds are generally the least complicated. Most people %ust leta cold run its course4 and, if relief is needed from some of the symptoms, over*

the*counter cold medications may be used.

Sinus Infections

5inus infectionoften referred to as sinusitisis an inflammation of the sinusesand lining of the nasal passages. "t can be caused by either viruses, bacteria, orallergies. 5ymptoms of sinusitis may include the following(

5ymptoms similar to those of the common cold 6coughing, runny nose

etc.7but generally of longer duration than + days. 5ymptoms often donot show signs of improvement over time.

0 headache in the area of the nasal passages or eyes. 8ain is usually

more pronounced when bending over.

-asal drainage characterized by thic yellow or greenish mucous.

9rainage may be from the nose or down the bac of the throat.

0 fever that may last 3*: days.

!ad breath that accompanies cold symptoms.

acial swelling, especially around the eyes and accompanied by dar

circles. Often e'perienced in the morning.

Other symptoms may include a decreased sense of smell, ear infections,

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and fatigue.

;pon e'amination, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics.