The holiday season is already stressful, add a Christmas cold or sinus infection, and it can genuinely become intolerable. With all the family visits, planning for parties and gift shopping can all be affected when a Christmas cold is involved. Due to all the hustle and bustle, it can become impossible to properly take care of ourselves enough to prevent it. Still, it can be easy to mistake a sinus infection for a typical cold. To help you keep your holiday plans on schedule, we have gathered some of the best advice to help you get through the holiday season.
Symptoms of a Christmas Cold and a Sinus Infection
The most significant differences between a sinus infection and a cold are the symptoms’ length and severity. Otherwise, the list of symptoms reads very much the same. The most common symptoms include:
• Stuffy nose and nasal congestion lasting more than a week
• Runny nose and mucus discharge lasting more than a week
• Headaches
• Persistent cough
• Facial pressure and pain
• Post-nasal drip or mucus dripping down the throat
• Bad breath due to infected nasal discharge
• Sore throat
Treatment Options for Christmas Colds
Because it can be difficult to tell the difference between a common cold and a sinus infection, it’s best to start by treating each symptom individually with over-the-counter medicines or home remedies. Some of the most common self-treatments include:
• Over-the-counter decongestants
• Antihistamines
• Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or asprin
• Saline nasal sprays or drops
• Seeking out moist air by using a humidifier, mist vaporizer, or taking a warm shower or steam bath
• Nasal irrigation with a saline solution using an irrigator or neti pot
• Extra sleep and relaxation
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Avoid sudden changes in temperatures and stay warm
What to Do After a Week Without Relief
When eight or nine days have passed and symptoms are still present, it might be time to contact your doctor or healthcare provider. At this point, it should be clear that something more than a cold is occurring. While the chances that you do indeed have a Christmas cold or sinus infection are high, there is still a small possibility that it is something else. Only a trained medical professional can tell you what is actually going on.
Don’t let the holiday season distract you from seeking solutions. If left untreated, a sinus infection can last for months and potentially expose you to worse health conditions. Contact us today to help you get some relief this holiday season.