Have you had ongoing nasal congestion or a runny nose for months? Ongoing congestion could be either allergies, a sinus infection, or even a persistent cold.
Because the symptoms for all three are similar, it can be hard to know which you have and the best way to treat it.
If the nasal congestion or post-nasal drip just won’t go away, it can be especially important to determine which of the three you have to seek appropriate treatment and avoid a bacterial or viral infection from getting worse.
How to Know if You Have a Cold
The common cold is a viral infection of your nose and throat (upper respiratory tract) and is usually harmless.
Most people recover from a common cold in 7-10 days, although symptoms might last longer in people who smoke.
Symptoms of a cold:
- Stuffy nose
- Runny, discolored mucus
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Fever
What triggers it: A virus
How long it lasts: 7-10 days
How to Know if you Have Allergies
Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to something that’s usually harmless. These triggers, known as allergens, are typically pollen, mold, animal dander, certain foods, or skin irritants.
You may experience some nasal congestion with allergies, but it’s usually accompanied by a runny nose (clear, watery discharge), sneezing, and itchy nose and eyes. Allergies never cause a fever.
Symptoms:
- Runny nose and sneezing
- Watery or itchy eyes
- Wheezing
- Sneezing
What triggers it: Allergens
How long it lasts: If you have seasonal allergies, you may struggle with allergy symptoms throughout an entire season, usually spring and fall. If you’re allergic to indoor allergens, like mold or pets, you may experience symptoms year-round.
How to Know if you Have a Sinus Infection
Sinuses are the empty cavities that are filled with air in the face. There are actually four pairs of sinuses, and they’re responsible for circulating air while lubricating the nose.
Colds, allergies, infections or other obstructions of the sinuses (i.e., deviated septum) can cause inflammation of the mucosa and block the drainage of the sinus cavities. If the sinuses become inflamed, then a sinus infection can occur.
A sinus infection can cause an aching sensation or tenderness in the middle of your face. It also has some symptoms that you won’t typically experience with allergies or a cold, like green or yellow nasal discharge, aching in your teeth, bad breath, and sinus pressure or a headache that gets worse when you lean forward or lie down.
Symptoms of a sinus infection:
- Thick, colored mucus
- Painful, swollen feeling around your forehead, eyes, and cheeks
- Headache or pain in your teeth
- Post-nasal drip (mucus that moves from the back of your nose into your throat)
- Bad breath
- Cough and sore throat
- Fatigue
- Light fever
What triggers it: Bacterial, viral or (rarely) fungal infections.
How long it lasts: Sinus infections may clear up on their own without treatment, but some might require medication. If your symptoms continue for longer than 7 to 10 days, your doctor may consider prescribing antibiotics.
A Side-By-Side Comparison of the Symptoms of Sinusitis, Allergies, and Colds
Do you Have Recurring Sinus Infections?
If you get more than 3 sinus infections a year or they typically last longer than 4 weeks, you may have chronic sinusitis, a condition where sinus infections continue to come back despite treatment.
Chronic sinusitis is caused by a blockage in the nasal cavity that prevents the sinuses from draining properly.
Sinus Surgery May Be a Good Option for Your Recurring Sinus Infections
If you’ve already been prescribed one of the typical treatment options for sinus infections, including, antibiotics, nasal decongestant sprays, antihistamines, or topical nasal corticosteroids, and the infection continues to persist after 4 weeks or has recurred multiple times, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor about sinus surgery.
Booking an Evaluation
If you have recurring sinus infections and are interested in learning more about our simple sinus procedure, book a free consultation at our office in [city].
Our doctors will determine if you have sinusitis during your exam and propose the best treatment option based on the cause.
Next Steps
To book an evaluation, give us a call at [phone] or email us at [email]. You can also contact us with any questions you have.