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When you’re feeling under the weather, it can be difficult to determine whether you’re dealing with a common cold or sinusitis. Both conditions share similar symptoms, but understanding the subtle differences can help you seek the right treatment. Here’s a breakdown to help you distinguish between cold and sinusitis symptoms.
Cold Symptoms: A cold typically begins with a sore throat, followed by a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and coughing. You may also experience mild fatigue or a low-grade fever, though this is less common. Cold symptoms usually last anywhere from a few days to about a week. The key here is that they tend to improve gradually over time.
Sinusitis Symptoms: Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, often starts like a cold but can quickly evolve into something more persistent. The hallmark symptoms of sinusitis include nasal congestion, thick yellow or green mucus, facial pain or pressure, and a decreased sense of smell. While a cold may improve in a few days, sinusitis symptoms can last longer—sometimes up to several weeks. You may also experience a headache, tooth pain, and a cough that worsens at night.
Key Differences: The main difference between cold and sinusitis symptoms is duration and severity. While colds are typically short-lived, sinusitis tends to linger and can cause significant discomfort due to inflammation in the sinuses. If your symptoms persist for more than 10 days, worsen after an initial improvement, or include severe pain, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider.
Understanding the differences between cold and sinusitis symptoms can help you make informed decisions about when to seek medical care. At NovaHealth Urgent Care, we’re here to help with accurate diagnoses and effective treatment options.
This post was written by a professional at NovaHealth Urgent Care of Southfield. At NovaHealth Urgent Care of Southfield, our mission is to make patients feel valued and well cared for. We provide convenient, quality, and care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Our certified providers offer best-in-class Medical clinic Southfield MI in clean, modern facilities. Located at W 10 Mile Rd. & Beech Rd., we are open 365 days a year: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 9:00 pm, and weekends, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm. NovaHealth proudly serves Southfield City, Southfield, Farmington Hills, Franklin, Beverly Hills, Farmington, Detroit, and more. Whether you need treatment for a minor injury, illness, or routine health service, we are here to help. Connect with us today!
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