Is it normal to have sinus pain with a cold?
Table of Contents
On top of the congestion, your sinuses feel like they’re under pressure. Blame the cold virus. It has attacked the membranes of your nasal passages and your sinuses, which makes them swell up and sends mucus production into overdrive. That clogs up your sinuses, which causes sinus pain and pressure.
Does Covid feel like sinus infection?
“COVID-19 causes more of a dry cough, loss of taste and smell, and, typically, more respiratory symptoms,” Melinda said. “Sinusitis causes more discomfort in the face, congestion, nasal drip, and facial pressure.”
What helps sinus pain from a cold?
Whether your sinus pain is caused by a cold or a bacterial infection, here’s how you can relieve it:
- Try a saline nose spray. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to suggest a plain saline spray.
- Use a humidifier.
- Apply a warm compress.
- Use an over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant nose spray.
- Take OTC pain relievers.
Can sinus make you feel like you have a cold?
Sinus infection symptoms are similar to those of a common cold, though there are some subtle differences. A sinus infection can cause sinus pain and pressure. Your sinuses are air-filled cavities located behind your cheekbones and around the eyes and forehead. When they become inflamed, that can lead to facial pain.
How do I know if I have a sinus infection or a cold?
If you have persistent facial pain, pressure or tenderness, you may have a sinus infection. What color is your discharge? If you have clear mucous, you probably have a cold. If you have yellow or green mucous, it’s probably a sinus infection.
How do you tell the difference between a cold and a sinus infection?
How long have you had symptoms? Cold symptoms typically peak after three to five days and then improve over the next week. A sinus infection can stick around longer, though. If you have a runny nose, stuffy nose or sinus pressure that lasts for more than 10 days, suspect an infection.
How do you know it’s a sinus infection?
Sinus Infection Symptoms
- Sinus pressure behind the eyes and the cheeks.
- A runny, stuffy nose that lasts more than a week.
- A worsening headache.
- A fever.
- Cough.
- Bad breath.
- Thick yellow or green mucus draining from your nose or down the back of your throat (postnasal drip)
- Fatigue.