What is the difference (please list symptoms) between a Sinus Infection VS a Cold?

Answer 1

Cold Symptoms
Cold symptoms include:*
Slow onset.
No prostration.
Fever Headache is rare.
Runny nose, Sneezing.
Mild Fatigue.
Cough, chest discomfort.
Sore Throat.


Flu Symptoms
Flu symptoms include:*
Swift, severe onset.
Prominent Prostration.
Flushed, hot moist skin.
102-104 degree temp.
Chills, body aches.
Extreme fatigue,
can last 2-3 weeks.
Cough, sore throat.


Sinus Infection Symptoms
Sinus infection symptoms:*
Facial pains.
Tenderness of the sinus areas.
Headaches.
Nasal drainage that is thick and colored.
Cough (may be itchy).
Postnasal drip.
Bad breath.
Upper jaw pain.
Sore throat.
Eyes are sensitive to light.
General fatigue.
Eye lids swell.

* Source: National Institutes of Health, and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Answer 2

CB is completely right, but just to expand - usually w/ a cold mucus is clear or a little white w/ a sinus infection it will be more green.
A sinus infection is also commonly referred to as an upper respiratory infection and untreated it may turn into bronchitis.
Other than the color of the mucus, the pressure headaches are a key indicator of a sinus infection. Body (not head) aches and pains will sometimes come w/ a cold and flu, but not with a sinus infection.

Answer 3

One difference is that a sinus infection is bacterial and can be treated with antibiotics. A cold is a virus that CANNOT be treated with antibiotics. Unfortunately, the two are so similar. Normally a cold starts to clear up between 7-10 days. Sinus infection will remain long after that. Lots of pressure in your head & ears, facial pain, and sometimes the color of the mucus can be an indication of a sinus infection. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Sinus infection is an infection requiring an antibotic. Usually causes facial pain and can cause ear pain or pressure. A sinus infection will not get better without prescription medication. Sometimes start with sinus infection and it leads to bronchitis. A cold is a virus that will not be effected by antibotics. Usually headache, cough, and gets better on its own, takes about 10 days to get completely over. Both symptoms can be helped with OTC meds.
It is possible to get a secondary infection with a cold and get a sinus infection from a weak immune system.
Clear as mudd?

Answer 5

Colds are from a virus and sinus infections are from a primary or secondary bacterial infection.Symptoms are much the same,except intense localized pain around the sinuses,bloody nasal discharge,and severe headaches,and usually a higher fever,and longer duration.You should see your MD,for antibiotic therapy etc. Take care. SW RNP

Answer 6

I don't think there is a difference. I think a sinus infection is just the proper medical term for a cold. But then again, I'm no doctor.