5 Ways to Tell Whether It’s a Cold or a Sinus Infection

Colds and sinus infections affect the upper respiratory system and share similar symptoms. However, they are not the same and may require different treatment approaches.

Diagnosing and treating sinus infections is one of our specialties here at Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center in Los Gatos, California. Our team, led by board-certified ENT specialist and surgeon Dr. Philip T. Ho, can help clear the confusion about colds versus sinus infections.

Here are five signs that may indicate you’re dealing with a sinus issue that needs a specialist’s care.

1. Length of symptoms

One of the easiest ways to tell the difference is symptom duration. A common cold typically lasts 7 to 10 days and gradually improves on its own. You may feel worse during the first few days, but cold symptoms usually taper off with rest, over-the-counter medications, and other home remedies.

A sinus infection, on the other hand, often lasts 10 days or longer. Symptoms may linger, worsen over time, or even improve briefly before coming back stronger. If you’ve been sick for more than a week with no improvement, a sinus infection may be the cause.

2. Type and color of nasal discharge

Pay attention to your nasal discharge. With a cold, drainage usually starts clear and may turn slightly yellow or cloudy, then clears as you recover.

With a sinus infection, the drainage is often thick, yellow, or green and may be foul-smelling. It may persist for days to weeks.

Postnasal drip that causes a bad taste in your mouth or a sore throat is also more common with sinus infections.

3. Facial pain and pressure

Facial discomfort is another key difference between colds and sinus infections. A cold may cause mild pressure or congestion, but it’s usually manageable and short-lived.

A sinus infection often causes intense facial pain or pressure, especially around the cheeks, eyes, forehead, or nose. The pain may worsen when bending forward or lying down and can feel deep and persistent.

4. Fever

Fever patterns can also provide clues. A cold rarely causes a fever in adults, although children may experience a mild one.

A sinus infection is more likely to cause a fever, particularly if it’s bacterial. A temperature above 100.4°F (38°C), especially when accompanied by facial pain and thick mucus, may indicate a sinus infection rather than a simple cold.

5. Response to home remedies

How your body responds to home treatment matters. Colds usually improve with rest, fluids, steam, and over-the-counter medications like decongestants or pain relievers.

If these remedies provide little to no relief after several days, or symptoms worsen, you may have a sinus infection.

When to call the doctor

We recommend scheduling a visit if:

• Your symptoms last longer than 10 days
• You develop a high fever
• Your symptoms become severe or prevent you from resting
• You develop swelling or redness around the eyes
• You have intense facial pain

We also recommend checking in with a specialist if you frequently experience nasal drainage, congestion, or other sinus symptoms, since these could indicate an underlying problem.

What causes sinus infections?

Sinus infections may be bacterial or viral and are often linked to underlying issues that prevent the paranasal sinuses from draining properly.

These could include a deviated septum, polyps, other structural issues, or allergies. If your sinuses aren’t draining correctly, even a cold can lead to an infection that requires treatment.

For an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, schedule an evaluation at Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center. Call the office or request an appointment online today.