Seasonal Cold or Sinus Infection? How to Know When to Seek Help

cold vs sinus infection

Summary 

Not sure if it’s a simple cold or a sinus infection? The symptoms can feel similar, but knowing the difference helps you get the right care sooner. In this guide we explain how to tell them apart, when to seek help, and provide some home treatment options for relief. 

As the seasons change and the air turns crisp, it’s not uncommon to catch the occasional sniffle. 

But how can you tell if it’s just a seasonal cold or something more serious like a sinus infection? Knowing the difference can help you manage your symptoms and get the right care when you need it.

Understanding the Common Cold

A common cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms usually develop gradually and can include:

  • Runny or blocked nose
  • Sneezing
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Mild headache
  • Fatigue

Colds usually peak within a few days and start to improve on their own within 7 to 10 days. Most people recover without the need for medical treatment.

Recognising a Sinus Infection (Sinusitis)

Sinus infections occur when the sinuses become inflamed, often due to a viral or bacterial infection. While some symptoms are similar to a cold, sinus infections are usually more intense and longer-lasting. Look out for:

  • Facial pain or pressure around the nose, eyes, or forehead
  • Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
  • Reduced sense of smell
  • Persistent cough
  • Fever
  • Fatigue

If symptoms last more than 10 days without improvement, or if they worsen after initially getting better, it could be a bacterial sinus infection that warrants medical attention.

When to Seek Medical Help

Most colds resolve on their own, but you should consult a healthcare professional if you notice:

  • Symptoms persisting beyond 10 days without improvement
  • Severe facial pain or swelling
  • High fever lasting more than 3–4 days
  • Thick yellow or green nasal discharge with fever
  • Sudden worsening of symptoms after initially improving

At The Oving Medical Clinic, our GP and ear, nose and throat specialist, Dr. Greg Wang, provides expert assessment and management for nasal congestion, chronic sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis. With over 25 years of ENT experience, Dr. Wang offers personalised care to help you breathe more comfortably and recover more quickly.

Tips for Easing Symptoms at Home

While recovering, you can try these simple measures to ease discomfort:

  • Stay well hydrated to help thin mucus
  • Use steam inhalation to ease nasal congestion
  • Saline nasal sprays to clear nasal passages
  • Apply a warm compress to the face to relieve sinus pressure
  • Make sure to rest and support your immune system

Sinusitis Relief in Chichester from Our Ear, Nose and Throat Doctor

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are due to a seasonal cold or a sinus infection, or if your discomfort persists, The Oving Medical Clinic is here to help. 

Click here or call 01243 773167 to book a consultation with Dr. Greg Wang for personalised ENT care, including advanced examination including flexible nasendoscopy, in a private, comfortable setting.