What Is the Difference Between Acute Sinusitis & the Common Cold?
A stopped-up nose and thick, yellow nasal discharge--at one time or another, you've probably experienced these symptoms. But are they caused by acute sinusitis or just the common cold? Understanding the differences between these two common ailments can help you decide if a visit to the doctor is in order.
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Causes
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A viral infection, the common cold results when a virus invades your body through your mouth or nose; acute sinusitis, on the other hand, is a secondary infection that develops as a result of other health conditions, such as the common cold and allergies.
Symptoms
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Although the common cold and acute sinusitis share many symptoms, you can distinguish acute sinusitis by the presence of swelling, pain and unusual pressure around your eyes, nose and cheeks or forehead.
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Pain Location
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Acute sinusitis often affects sinuses on one side of your face, producing pain and congestion on just one side of your nose, unlike the common cold which typically produces pain and congestion on both sides of your nose.
Time Frame
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A common cold without complications typically lasts 1 to 2 weeks before you start to feel better; acute sinusitis may lasts up to 4 weeks, depending upon its cause, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institute of Health.
Treatment
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Since the common cold is caused by a virus, your only options for treatment are remedies that minimize your symptoms, such as pain relievers and cough syrups. If bacteria caused your acute sinusitis, your doctor may recommend antibiotics such as amoxicillin.
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