Any kind of illness can be an uncomfortable experience. With sniffling, sneezing and coughing, the cause can be any number of things. Knowing what kind of illness you have is essential in knowing how to treat it. Because of this, learning the difference between a cold and a sinus infection is important.

Symptom overview

Colds are viral infections within your body that can cause sneezing, a sore throat and a stuffy nose. You may also cough a lot when you have a cold or experience a low-grade fever with your cold. Most colds last for about a week, though occasionally you may have a cold that lasts for two weeks. With a cold, your nasal discharge is usually cloudy or white. Sinus infections, or sinusitis, are caused by bacterial infections within your sinus cavity. If you have a sinus infection, you may experience fever, congestion, sinus pressure or pressure behind your eyes, nighttime coughing, fatigue, and a sore throat. Your mucus will be dark yellow or green and thick.

Other important differences

One of the main differences aside from those already mentioned is the length of time the symptoms stick around. Colds rarely last longer than two weeks, whereas a sinus infection can last for longer periods of time, some for a month or more. Sometimes, a cold is a precursor to a sinus infection. After recovering from your cold, your nasal cavity is more susceptible to a bacterial infection because of the remaining excess moisture. Sinus infections are also accompanied by fever more often than a simple cold is, and the fever experienced is higher than that of a cold. Colds usually don't have much pain associated with them, especially not head pain. Sinus infections, on the other hand, are characterized by head pain in the form of headaches or lots of pressure in your face.

Treatments

The treatments for the two infections are different as well. The cold has no cure, since it is caused by a virus. Many people simply take over-the-counter medicines for the symptoms and try to ride the cold out. Sinus infections, however, can be cleared up with a round of antibiotics. You can also take over-the-counter medicines for the symptoms of a sinus infection.

Source:

Health.com: Is It a Cold of Sinus Infection?

CBSNews.com: Tell-Tale Symptoms of Sinusitis

AllergyNursing.com: Cold, Flu, Sinusitis, or Allergies?