When you have a cough, a runny nose and a rise in body temperature, how can you determine whether this is a cold or a sinus infection? You've likely heard the adage, 'a cold is common,' but you might not have heard, 'a sinus infection is common.' Colds are considered common, whereas acute bacterial infections of the sinuses are serious, and they often develop after a cold. This article highlights the difference between a common cold and a sinus infection.

For same-day sinus infection testing and treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Aberdeen. Our board-certified medical team is available 7 days a week to treat a range of conditions. Just walk-in today!

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Differences Between a Cold and a Sinus Infection

Although the common cold and a sinus infection share similar symptoms, there are a few ways to distinguish a common cold and sinus infection, including:

1. The cause: Common cold is a viral disease mostly caused by the common cold virus, but sinus can be caused by bacteria, virus, or fungus.
2. The period of illness: A cold typically lasts about a week or two in most instances, whereas inflections that are sinus in nature last beyond ten days.
3. Symptoms: Colds only cause a dripping nose and slight congestion while in the case of a sinus infection, there is face pain, pressure, and colored mucus coming out of the nose.
4. Management: Colds are usually self-limiting; in contrast, antibiotic therapy is often prescribed for sinusitis.

Signs of Sinus Infection to Look Out For

Infections of the sinuses can present symptoms quite similar to that of a cold, but these signs are more alarming because it is likely that there is something more severe:

• Pain and Pressure in Your Face: This is most commonly felt from the eyes, cheeks, or even the forehead.
• The presence of green thick nasal discharge: Mucus that is yellowish or greenish is a frequent indication.
• Having a congested nose for a long period: The nasal canal becomes hard to breathe and shows no sign of improvement even after a week.
• Headaches: The pain intensifies when you assume a forward bending position or lie down.
• Fever: A temperature that is above the normal range may suggest that there is a bacterial infection.

When To Seek Medical Care

You can maintain proper health by cleaning your hands regularly in order not to contract colds that trigger sinus infections. However, it’s best to err on the side of caution and seek a professional diagnosis. In some cases, untreated sinus infections can lead to serious complications. Visit a medical provider if you have severe or persisting symptoms, a high fever, or swelling or redness around your eyes. An urgent care clinic offers comprehensive diagnosis and also offers a different range of treatments to help you heal. For bacterial sinus infections, your provider may prescribe antibiotics and recommend supportive care remedies to reduce inflammation.

Get Same-Day Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Aberdeen in Aberdeen, NJ

If your cold symptoms aren’t improving or you notice signs of a sinus infection– don’t ignore it! Proper treatment can help you feel better faster and reduce the risk of complications. At AFC Urgent Care Aberdeen, we offer expert care for sinus infections and other illnesses to get you back to feeling your best. Visit us any day of the week for a same-day diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. No appointments are ever necessary for our services– we’re a walk-in facility! The center is conveniently located at 1140 State Route 34 in Aberdeen, NJ. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about sinus infection treatment, or other services we provide, please contact us directly at (732) 583-5100.