Sinusitis vs. Common Cold: Which is Which?

By Paul Tamens

For many people who suffer from sinusitis or the common cold it is difficult to identify the differences between the two. Both ailments have symptoms and conditions that are very similar to each other. However, the root cause between the two conditions are different and as such, treating the two conditions effectively will be different as well.

Sinusitis, which is also referred to as having the allergies has many of the same symptoms as the common cold. Both ailments can cause a runny nose. Both ailments can cause a case of constant coughing as well as sneezing. Both ailments can cause aches and pains in the body. In addition, both ailments can create tiredness and fatigue in the body.

So if both conditions have the same symptoms how can you tell the difference? The first difference comes in how the conditions develop. A common cold develops as a result of a virus that can be passed on by someone who already has it. The body?s immune system attacks the virus, which causes many of the symptoms we associate with a cold.

Sinusitis develops differently from a common cold. Sinusitis develops as a result of an outside influence inflaming the nasal cavity. This outside influence can be a number of different factors. It can be a result of too much exposure to pollen, a result of pet mites or even the accumulation of too much dust. It can also come from bacteria.

So how do you tell the difference between the two if the symptoms are the same? Well for one, you can look at the length of the symptoms. The body will usually be able to kill the viruses causing a common cold in about a week or so. If you are experiencing these symptoms for 2 weeks or more, then there is a good chance you have sinusitis and not a common cold.

Another indicator that you can use to see which one you have is to look at the eyes. A cold usually has no major reaction to the eyes. Sinusitis has a much larger reaction to the eyes. When you have sinusitis, the eyes begin to swell up and become very puffy. Your eyes will also get very watery and itchy. You may also experience some discomfort in the face, particularly underneath your eyes. These symptoms will usually get worse if you go somewhere where the trigger of the allergy is in abundance, such as a place where there is a lot of pollen or a dusty area.

Identifying the difference between sinusitis and the common cold is important if you wish to effectively treat the ailment. A common cold can only be cured by the immune system. Medication only serves to minimize the symptoms not cure the ailment. Therefore the best strategy for treating a common cold is to get plenty of rest and give yourself time to fight it off. Sinusitis continues as long as you continue to expose yourself to whatever triggers the allergic reaction. If left unattended sinusitis can morph into additional and more serious illnesses.

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