Tiredness, fever and constant sniffles can leave you wondering whether you have a cold or sinusitis. Most of the symptoms are the same and the two conditions are often confused. The only way to know the difference is to educate yourself on the causes and symptoms of each. Although many symptoms seem to overlap, some are distinguishable enough to let you know which is which.

Cold Infection

The common cold is an upper respiratory infection that stems from a virus. Symptoms usually progress after the first two days and start to decline after the third. Most colds only last seven days and require no medical treatment unless they are complicated with branch-off infections such as strep throat and sinusitis, for which antibiotics may be given. The most common symptoms of a common cold are the same as those for sinusitis, and include nasal congestion, feeling unwell, sore throat and postnasal drip. The most distinguishable symptoms of a cold besides the duration are sneezing and runny nose (with clear discharge).

Sinus Infection

Sinus infections, known as "sinusitis," comes from inflammation of the sinuses. This inflammation develops from bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. The sinuses (located in the skull behind the nasal bones, cheeks, eyes, and forehead) are air-filled spaces lined with mucous membranes. Normally these sinuses have no bacteria, or foreign germs, so the mucus is able to drain out so that the air within can circulate freely. When they become obstructed by the mucus building up, bacteria is able to grow and spread without restriction. Symptoms of sinusitis may be synonymous with cold symptoms, although they are two separate infections. Colds can often cause sinusitis by blocking the opening of the sinuses. Symptoms include bad breath, fever, headache, fatigue, feeling generally unwell, nasal congestion, discharge and sore throat, along with postnasal drip and loss of smell. These symptoms will last for the duration of the infection. The length will depend on whether you have acute or chronic sinusitis. If you have acute sinusitis it may last from two to eight weeks, and if you have chronic sinusitis it can last for several months. In order to diagnose sinusitis, your physician will have to look into the nose for signs of polyps and use transillumination (shining of a lighted instrument) to see if the sinuses are inflamed, and he may tap over the sinuses to find the infection. Antibiotics are not used in the treatment of sinusitis, as simple home remedies such as inhaling steam, drinking plenty of water and using a humidifier may help. Most sinusitis infections clear up on their own without treatment, although you may take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief.

Source:

Health.com:Sinus Infection or Cold

Medline Plus: Sinusitis

Medline Plus: Common Cold