how can I tell (without going to a Dr.) whether I have a sinus infection or just a head cold?

Answer 1

From the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. See the link below for the full article:

"Headache when you wake up in the morning is typical of a sinus problem.

Pain when your forehead over the frontal sinuses is touched may mean that your frontal sinuses are inflamed.

Infection in the maxillary sinuses can cause your upper jaw and teeth to ache, and your cheeks to become tender to the touch.
The ethmoid sinuses are near the tear ducts in the corner of your eyes. Therefore, inflammation of these cavities often causes swelling of the eyelids and tissues around your eyes, and pain between your eyes. Ethmoid inflammation also can cause tenderness when you touch the sides of your nose, a loss of smell, and a stuffy nose.

Infection in the sphenoid sinuses can cause earaches, neck pain, and deep aching at the top of your head, although these sinuses are less frequently affected.

Other symptoms of sinusitis can include:

Fever
Weakness
Tiredness
A cough that may be more severe at night
Rhinitis or nasal congestion

Answer 2

Generally you will be subject to pain, swelling, and/or a tight feeling in and around your sinus'. If there is any discoloring in your mucus, like a yellow tint, or possibly a greenish color. Other than that, there honestly really isn't much of a difference in the symptoms. If it is a sinus infection, you'll probably want to go to a doctor to receieve an antibiotic. I know sometimes a sinus infection can develop into something worse if not treated properly. I hope this helps.

Answer 3

Try a nasal decognestant - such as a nasal spray - along with an pain reliever such as advil. By clearing your nasal passageways you will probably begin to feel much better. Additionally, you could also try taking Mucinex (which contains guafensin) which thins your secretions so that you can begin to "drain". If you don't feel better in a week, you should see a doctor. Head colds - even with the pain/symptoms that you are experiencing - are known to last 7-14 days. If your nasal secretions are yellow or green it does NOT mean that you have a sinus infection, contrary to popular belief. The best piece of advice is to treat your symptoms and if you don't experience relief then go to your doctor as you may need antibiotics. I hope that you feel better!

Answer 4

if u ve a sinus infections then on touching that area u will feel immense pain... so if u want to differentiate a head cold and a sinus infection just apply gentle pressure on ur cheek bones (under the orbits of the eyes).

this should most likely tell u what u ve...

Answer 5

Pain in your sinuses above and below your eyes and the mucus coming from them is dark yellow or green. That is an infection and you need antibiotics. Colds have a lot of mucus, but it's clear and thick.

Answer 6

If you have a sinus infection, your mucus will be yellowish or greenish in colour. With a head cold, it will remain clear.

Answer 7

Sorry to be gross, but what color is your snot? If it is clear or white, probably a cold. If it is yellow or green and esp. if it has an odor, it is probably a sinus infection.

Answer 8

WEll I'm going to be straight up. if your snot is greenish yellow its a sinus infection. If your snot is clear its prob just a cold.

Answer 9

If you have a sinus infection your snot will be a crazy color like yellow or lime green.

Answer 10

They feel a lot alike! Like your head is going to pop off! Do you have any blood when you blow your nose? If you do you need anti-biotics. Also, use over the counter remedies to relieve the stuffiness in your sinuses. If it doesn' t clear up in a week, go to a doctor.