âItâs important to remember that with colds and other viruses, taking an antibiotic wonât help you feel better any faster,â says Dr. Woodard. If you are at higher risk for sinus infections, you can take steps to prevent them. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. When Colds and Allergies Cause Sinus Infections. So how can you tell whether the culprit is a sinus infection, a common cold, or allergies when the symptoms of these three conditions are so similar? Fitness, health and wellness tips sent to you weekly. Get to know more about the symptoms of these three conditions to help you pinpoint the cause of your sinus congestion: Because sinus infections, colds, and allergies share some similar symptoms, including congestion, medications like nasal sprays, oral antihistamines, and eye drops can help minimize your discomfort. Taking an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as Claritin®, Zyrtec®, or their generic equivalents, can help to control the allergic response and relieve the symptoms you are experiencing. Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention. A typical cold will last on average 7 to 10 days. An infection or common cold is not the same as allergies. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Sinus infections (aka, sinusitis) are inflammation in the sinus cavities that can be caused by illness, allergies, or other factors. Bacteria and even allergies also can cause sinus infections. Allergies can play an important role in chronic (long-lasting) or seasonal rhinitis episodes. Sinus headache symptoms and signs are head pain, post-nasal drip, and a persistent cough. The symptoms of allergies and sinus infections can be very similar. However, allergy symptoms tend to persist for more than the … Immunodeficiencies (conditions that impact how well your immune system works). Sinus infection (sinusitis) is often confused with rhinitis, a medical term used to describe the symptoms that accompany nasal inflammation and irritation. It could be caused by a cold or allergies. Contact us at 480-210-1089 or visit us at 8573 E Princess Drive, Suite B111, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Don't let allergy symptoms spiral out of control. FDA Watch: J&J Vaccine Okay Expected, COVID Spread Not Tied to Food, Multistate Listeria Outbreak Traced to Cheese, Tippi Coronavirus: Tips for Living With COVID-19. But there are some key differences that can give you some clues. Everything You Need to Know About Running in Cold Weather. 6 Sinus Infection Self-Treatment Mistakes to Avoid. You donât have to keep living with the symptoms of a sinus infection. Sinusitis. All Rights Reserved. Allergies are the most common cause of chronic sinusitis. Dr. Woodard suggests that you consider these questions to tell the difference between the two: Other symptoms of a sinus infection may include loss of smell and taste, cough, congestion, fever, headache, fatigue or aches in your upper jaw and teeth. A stuffy nose and headache are common symptoms of many illnesses. A sinus is a sac or cavity in any organ or tissue, or an abnormal cavity or passage caused by the destruction of tissue.In common usage, "sinus" usually refers to the paranasal sinuses, which are air cavities in the cranial bones, especially those near the nose and connecting to it. Coronavirus: Now scheduling COVID-19 vaccine appointments. Learn more about vaccine availability. Nasal irrigation can relieve sinus symptoms associated with colds and allergies.... Picture of Nickel Contact Dermatitis from Necklace Allergy to nickel is one of the most common causes of contact dermatitis in children. The overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, which can make subsequent infections more difficult to treat. Most cold viruses will go away if we’re patient and give our bodies time to fight them. Your immune system is the greatest defense against the common cold. Medically known as rhinosinusitis, a sinus infection occurs when your nasal cavities become infected, swollen, and inflamed. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Here are eight smart tips from both experts and readers thatâll help get you breathing... Colds, flu, allergens, and pollutants are the most common causes of sinus pain. A cold is an infection caused by a virus. Trusted Otolaryngology serving Scottsdale, AZ. Sometimes neither do, depending on the dynamics of the infection. Allergies are your immune system's reaction to a substance like pollen or pet dander. Advil Cold & Sinus combines the relief of a strong decongestant to open your airways with the power of Advil to relieve the pain commonly associated with sinus … Conditions that may make you more likely to get a sinus infection include: When it comes to the battle between a sinus infection vs. cold, knowing which one you have is tricky. Should You Wear Two Masks to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19? Most individuals have four paired cavities located in the cranial bone or skull. Your nose is stuffed and your head is pounding. Trying to decide if you have a cold or a sinus infection can be tricky. A cold is a virus at work in your upper respiratory system (nose, mouth, throat and lungs). How to Tell If Your Cold is Actually a Sinus Infection. Policy. Is It a Sinus Infection, a Cold, or Allergies? In fact, when people have colds or allergies, the lining of the nose will swell up, which prevents mucus from draining properly â and that can then lead to sinusitis, says Goldsobel. A sinus infection, or sinusitis, occurs when your nasal passages get infected. Even if your sinus congestion is being caused by allergies or a cold, it doesn’t mean you won’t develop a sinus infection later on. Sinusitis is usually caused by a … Home remedies and OTC medicine can relieve head pain, and prescription medication can treat and cure a sinus headache. Rhinologist Troy Woodard, MD, describes these illnesses and shares four questions you should ask yourself to decide which you have, plus tips for treating your symptoms. How to Tell If Yours Is Viral or Bacterial, How Good Bacteria in Your Nose Fights Infections, What to Know About Losing Your Sense of Smell and How It Relates to COVID-19, 6 Steps to Take to Stop Suffering From Sinusitis. Killer Sinus Infection? You feel miserable but still have to go on with your daily responsibilities, even when you know the cold isnât serious. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms donât subside within 10 days or if you have persistent fevers, facial swelling or neck stiffness. Consider these questions. The result is a shrinking of your airways. Advil Multi-Symptom Cold & Flu ; Advil Sinus Congestion & Pain ; Advil Allergy Sinus ; Advil Cold & Sinus Caplets ; Advil Allergy & Congestion Relief ; Advil Cold & Sinus Liqui Gels ; Relief Center . And, Baroody says, be on the lookout "for the symptoms of sinus infections, and treat them promptly.". Most sinus infections start with a cold. Both issues can cause sinus pain and pressure, a runny nose, congestion, and sneezing. Trying to decide if you have a cold or a sinus infection can be tricky. Allergies occur as a result of your immune system’s reaction to certain allergens, such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. Without fail, that pesky cold hits you out of nowhere again. Here's how to tell if a cold, allergies, or a sinus infection is to blame. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. While many symptoms overlap, there are ways to tell the difference. Acute sinusitis can be caused by many things, but viral infection is the most common cause (90-98% of cases). You may get acute sinusitis after having a cold. Acute sinusitis due to a viral infection will usually improve within 7-14 days. "It can sometimes be difficult even for doctors to differentiate," says Alan B. Goldsobel, MD, an allergist at Allergy and Asthma Associates of Northern California and an adjunct associate professor at Stanford University Medical Center in Stanford, California. 10 Steps to Avoid Sinus Pain and Congestion, Study Links Higher Meat Consumption With Increased Risk of Childhood Asthma, What Is Tonsillitis? And allergies, of course, are notorious for causing watery eyes. Sign up for our Healthy Living Newsletter! âThe trapped mucous becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to a sinus infection.â. Policy. While itâs true that many of the symptoms of both illnesses overlap, there are clues to help you tell the difference. Even if your sinus congestion is being caused by allergies or a cold, it doesnât mean you wonât develop a sinus infection later on. Take an oral antihistamine product if your sinus pressure is caused by allergies. How Do Influenza Antivirals Help Ease Flu Symptoms? Sinusitis, or sinus pressure and congestion, can be caused by allergies. While many symptoms overlap, there are ways to tell the difference. Since viruses canât be cured, treating colds is primarily aimed at improving symptoms. Young children are more prone to infections of the nose, sinus, and ears, especially in the first several years of life. Viruses, allergies, or bacteria usually cause sinusitis. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Sinus congestion can also be associated with the swelling of the tissues in the nose known as inflammation. Long-term treatments like immunotherapy (allergy shots) can help desensitize you to allergens and improve symptoms over time. Experts say the data shouldnât cause anyone to change their diet yet, but itâs a promising avenue for more research. Some common home remedies should be avoided, while others should be used with care. âA sinus infection occurs when the sinus lining becomes inflamed, preventing the sinuses from draining,â he says. Rhinitis only involves the nasal passages. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. As with colds, make sure you hit the sheets and get enough rest and drink your H2O. Typically, adults get between two and four colds per year with symptoms like: Colds can progress to become sinus infections, but not all sinus infections are viral. Colds are caused by a virus, which can make nasal tissue swell, blocking the holes that normally drain sinuses. If allergies are to blame, do your best to avoid your known triggers and steer clear of any other potential irritants, such as smoke or air pollution. Cleveland Clinic © 1995-2021. When Colds and Allergies Cause Sinus Infections. âGet plenty of rest, stay hydrated and rinse out your sinuses with saline irrigation, which can help thin mucous and flush it from your nasal cavity,â he says. People with allergies and asthma may be more vulnerable to sinusitis, though it's not proven, Baroody says. âIn fact, taking an antibiotic unnecessarily can do more harm than good.â. About our nasal congestion, cold, and allergy relief products including nasal sprays, quick-dissolve tablets, oral mist, lozenges, kids soft chews, and more. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Many people mistake the symptoms of allergies for the onset of a cold, flu, or sinus infection. Sinuses and Congestion ; Common cold and Flu ; Allergies ; Treatment options ; Relief Finder ; Face Masks for Illness ; The Right Relief ; FAQS While itâs true that sinus infections sometimes clear on their own, antibiotics can sometimes shorten their duration. But how do you know if your runny nose, headache and nagging cough are actually signs of a sinus infection? Everyday Health is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Proper hydration and nasal irrigation can ease sinus infection symptoms. Acute viral sinusitis is likely if your child has been sick for less than 10 days and is not getting worse. Get powerful relief from head congestion, sinus pain and pressure, and common cold symptoms with SUDAFED® so you can breathe easier and feel better faster. It can also happen because of something called a deviated septum, which refers to a shift in your nasal cavity. Sinus headaches usually are caused by sinus infections (sinusitis) and/or inflammation, allergies, colds, or upper respiratory infections. When a person has a sinus cold, both eyes don’t necessarily become watery. The majority of the symptoms are actually not caused by the infection itself, but rather our body’s immune system trying get rid of it. A sinus infection may start after a cold. © 1996-2021 Everyday Health, Inc. Zicam® Cold Remedy RapidMelts, ULTRA RapidMelts, Oral Mist, and Nasal Spray are clinically proven to shorten colds when taken at the onset, and the #1 pharmacist-recommended cold remedy. Advertising on our site helps support our mission.