Colds and Sinus Infections
Colds and sinus infections are two things that can have you wishing for a new nose, hot tea, and a never-ending box of tissues. Some illness symptoms are a runny nose, headache, and sore throat. These can be signals of an impending cold or flu. They share symptoms, so it is difficult to determine which illness you are experiencing. Let’s look at the differences between all of them so you know what you are dealing with.
Common Cold
Colds can be caused by various viruses. The symptoms include sneezing, a runny nose, a sore throat, a stuffy nose, mild fever, coughing, watery eyes, and mild aches in the body. It is so common that it affects millions of individuals in the United States each and every year. Symptoms of a cold are gradual, but Altus Emergency Center in Waxahachie recommends some ways to relieve uncomfortable symptoms.
- Get plenty of rest
- Drinks enough fluids to stay hydrated and thin mucus
- Gargle with warm salt water
- Use nasal rinses or nasal sprays
- Use a humidifier or vaporizer
- Take immune-boosting supplements
- Take antibiotics to reduce fever and ease aches and pains
Sinus Infection
A lingering cold can cause further issues, such as a sinus infection. Almost 90 percent of individuals with a common cold incur some level of sinusitis. When mucus gets backed up it can cause an infection to develop in the cavities behind your eyes, cheekbones, and forehead. These go along with your cold and add more discomfort.
A headache, runny and stuffy nose, loss of smell, post-nasal drip, coughing, pain or pressure in the face, fatigue, a sore throat, and bad breath can all be symptoms of a sinus infection. Some tips for at-home relief include:
- Using a warm compress to relieve pressure in the sinuses
- Breathe steam from a shower, bowl of hot water, or use a humidifier
- Use a nasal rinse to relieve congestion and pressure
- Use a saline spray or decongestant
- Use aspirin or acetaminophen to for relief of pain associated with a sinus infection
If your cold is lingering and you feel as though you may develop a sinus infection, visit Altus Emergency Care in Waxahachie.