Anyone can get the common cold, and almost all of us experience it at least once a year. It is a viral infection that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract, including the nose and throat. Typical symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, and mild body aches. Colds are usually self-limiting and tend to resolve within a week to ten days. However, in some cases, they can turn into more serious infections like sinusitis. We spoke to Dr Manjunath MK, Senior Consultant - ENT Surgeon, Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Kengeri, Bengaluru, who explained ways to determine if your cold has become a sinus infection.
"A sinus infection occurs when the sinuses, air-filled spaces behind the forehead, nose, and cheek, become inflamed and infected. These air-filled pockets get filled up with infected mucus and cause various symptoms," said Dr Manjunath. The risk of developing sinus infection increases if you have a weak immune system or are dealing with health issues, such as allergies, asthma, or structural blockages in the nose or sinuses.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), a sinus infection disrupts the usual movement of mucus from the sinuses to the throat. When infections or allergies lead to swelling in the small nasal tissues, the tiny hair-like structures that help sweep mucus become blocked. This swelling causes mucus to become trapped in the sinuses.
Also Read: Can Allergies Make You More Prone To Common Cold? Expert Insights
Signs That Your Common Cold Has Become Sinus Infection
According to Harvard Publishing Health, when the virus from the common cold infects the sinuses and causes inflammation in the sinus membranes, it leads to viral sinusitis. Additionally, the sinuses can also be infected by the bacteria. Here are some signs listed by Dr Manjunath that may indicate your common cold has advanced into a sinus infection:
- Nasal discharge: When you have a cold, your nasal discharge is usually watery, whereas it is thick, yellowish, and green when you have sinusitis.
- Facial pain and headache: People also start experiencing pain over the cheek and over the forehead. This pain may be more severe when one tries to bend forward. Sometimes, it is more pronounced in the morning and gets slightly better as the day progresses.
- Congestion: Nasal congestion increases and makes it difficult to breathe through the nose
- Fever: It may be present even during a common cold, however, it becomes more pronounced if you have sinusitis.
- Bad breath: You may experience bad breath due to infected mucus in the nose and sinuses.
- Post nasal drip: Thick nasal mucous can also drip behind the nose and into the throat, causing throat irritation and cough.
- Duration of symptoms: Though most common cold subsides in a week or so, sinusitis may be prolonged to more than 10 days.
How To Manage Sinus Infection?
If the common cold turns into sinusitis, it is better to seek medical advice. Meanwhile, for symptomatic relief, one can try home remedies, such as:
- Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to thin mucus.
- Steam inhalation: Inhale steam to keep the nasal passages moist.
- Warm Compress: Apply warm compresses to your face to reduce pressure and pain.
- Saline Nasal Spray: Use saline sprays to rinse the nasal passages.
- Rest: Ensure adequate rest to support the immune system.
If symptoms persist and these remedies do not work, consult your doctor immediately. According to the ACAAI, antibiotics, nasal decongestant sprays, antihistamines, nasal decongestants, and surgery are some measures used to treat sinus infections.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]