What are the differences between a cold and a sinus infection?
The common cold is a viral infection which can trigger symptoms such as nasal congestion, increased nasal mucus production, fever, cough and throat pain. The most common cause of acute bacterial sinusitis is viral cold or URTI. Bacterial growth follows obstruction of the sinus opening, impaired mucus clearance and local mucosal injury. While the symptoms of a sinus infection may initially mimic a viral cold or URTI, their persistence for more than 5-7 days suggests a bacterial infection. While about 40% of acute sinus infections resolve without treatment, antibiotics are recommended to facilitate recovery, prevent complications, and prevent progressive inflammatory changes that lead to chronic sinusitis.
