Is it sinusitis …… or a cold?

Sometimes it can be hard to tell because the symptoms are often so similar, but here are some general distinctions that can help tell the difference. People with either sinusitis or colds can experience nasal congestion, discolored nasal secretions and facial pressure. Usually, though, with a cold those symptoms will get better after a few days of conservative management with fluids, steam/humidity, and, if necessary, decongestants. If the symptoms are getting worse rather than better, with facial pain or redness and swelling over the sinuses, or are lasting more than seven to ten days, then sinusitis is probably present and more aggressive treatment, which may include antibiotics, is appropriate.

X-rays may not be helpful – a cold with nasal congestion and mucus in the sinuses can look just like sinusitis. In fact, studies have shown that most patients with nasal congestion and cold symptoms, who have abnormal x-rays initially, will have subsequent normal x-rays without treatment.

So, here are some common sense things to do:

• drink lots of liquids
  
• run a humidifier or breath some warm steam (turn on the shower and steam up the bathroom)
  
• use decongestants (e.g. Sudafed) or decongestant nasal sprays if you need to. If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disease, glaucoma or prostate enlargement you should avoid these medicines.
  
  

If you feel that things are not getting better, if they are progressively getting worse or if you develop facial pain, swelling or redness, of if you are otherwise concerned, you should then contact your doctor.

For more information about sinusitis, you can click on the links to other web sites.