How do you know if you have a sinus infection or a cold? whats the difference?

Answer 1

A cold can produce a myriad of symptoms, including runny nose, stuffy nose,even dry/raw feeling nasal passages.

A sinus infection can accompany a cold, but can occur on it's own.

Just because your nose is running, doesn't indicate a sinus infection, nor does a stuffy nose. The number one best indicator (sorry to be graphic) thick, rope-y green or dark yellow mucus(snot).

If what you see, when you blow your nose is thin, runny and clear or white, you do not have a sinus infection. To keep your sinuses from becoming infected drink as much water and juice as possible; this thins the sinus discharge allowing it to drain from your body (whether out your nose or ewwww down your throat) As long as your sinuses drain, there is little danger of the mucus standing in that nice, warm, dark place growing bacteria and causing infection.

Take care!!! And keep on blowing!! :)

Answer 2

sinus infections usually are very painful, and you have a "full" feeling, and pressure on your face. A cold is more in your chest, with typical sneezing, coughing and runny nose. Also, with a sinus infection, you may blow your nose and have a little blood on the tissue...eww

Answer 3

With a cold you may have a runny/stuffy nose. With a sinus infection your snot(i know ew) will turn a different color, usually a sickly green or yellow.

Answer 4

cold and infections will have similar characteristics stuffy head runny nose. It may be apparent in the color of phlegm being secreted, green, yellow, or other shades( I once saw it turn blue) are signs that you have an infection; as well as feeling more fatigued and running a high temp.

Answer 5

I think you might have to call your doctor to distinguish the two things because they're very similar but I thought I was sick and I had a bad infection which was in my chest it sucked

Answer 6

press on your cheeks and forehead, pain is common with sinuses there. The major difference:

Cold - "I wish my nose would stop running"
Sinuses - "I wish my rose would run and releve some of this pressure"

Oh and cold usually go away on their own, most times, sinuses need help.