Cold and flu season often brings nasal congestion, pressure, and fatigue, making it difficult to know whether you’re dealing with a common cold or a sinus infection. While the symptoms can overlap, understanding the differences can help you seek the right treatment and avoid unnecessary discomfort.
Common Cold Symptoms
The common cold is caused by a viral infection and usually develops quickly. Symptoms typically peak within a few days and begin to improve within 7–10 days.
Common cold symptoms include:
Runny or stuffy nose
Sneezing
Sore throat
Mild headache
Low-grade fever (occasionally)
Clear or watery nasal discharge
Colds usually resolve on their own with rest, hydration, and supportive care.
Sinus Infection (Sinusitis) Symptoms
A sinus infection occurs when the sinuses become inflamed and blocked, often following a cold or allergy flare-up. When mucus becomes trapped, bacteria can grow, leading to infection.
Signs you may have a sinus infection include:
Facial pressure or pain around the cheeks, eyes, or forehead
Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
Postnasal drip
Persistent congestion lasting longer than 10 days
Headache that worsens when bending forward
Tooth pain or jaw pressure
Reduced sense of smell
Fatigue
Unlike a cold, sinus infection symptoms tend to persist or worsen rather than gradually improve.
Key Differences to Watch For
Duration: Cold symptoms usually improve within a week. Sinus infections often last longer than 10 days.
Mucus color and thickness: Thick, discolored mucus is more common with sinus infections.
Facial pain: Significant sinus pressure or pain is a hallmark of sinusitis.
Symptom progression: Getting worse after initially improving may signal a sinus infection.
When to See a Sinus Specialist
If your symptoms last more than 10 days, keep returning, or significantly impact your daily life, it may be time to see a sinus specialist. Chronic or recurrent sinus infections may indicate underlying issues such as nasal polyps, a deviated septum, or inflamed turbinates.
At NY Sinus Center, we specialize in diagnosing and treating sinus conditions using advanced, minimally invasive techniques tailored to each patient’s needs.
Find Relief This Winter
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are from a cold or a sinus infection, an evaluation can provide clarity and relief. Early diagnosis helps prevent complications and ensures you receive the most effective treatment.
Contact NY Sinus Center to schedule a consultation and breathe easier this winter.