Sinusitis

How can you tell the difference between a cold and sinusitis?

A 'cold' from a simple viral infection is usually self-limiting and resolves within a week. Sinusitis symptoms, while they may be similar to a cold in some aspects such as having running nose and nasal congestion, may last for four weeks or more.

Is it possible for sinusitis to clear up without treatment?

Most cases of sinusitis can be treated with nasal sprays, rinses and supportive care. However, if symptoms worsen or do not resolve, further medical treatment and tests may be warranted.

References

1. Sinus infection: Causes, symptoms & treatment: Acaai Public Website. ACAAI Patient. (2022a, November 7). https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/sinus-infection/

2. Battisti, A. S. (2023, March 2). Sinusitis. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470383/

3. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Sinusitis: Medlineplus medical encyclopedia. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000647.htm

4. Mitchell, M. B., Workman, A. D., Lu, R., & Bhattacharyya, N. (2024). Contemporary update on the microbiology of Paranasal Sinusitis. Sinusitis, 8(2), 13–19. https://doi.org/10.3390/sinusitis8020003

5. Fokkens WJ, Lund VJ, Hopkins C,  Wang DY, Zwetsloot CP et al. European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2020. Rhinology. 2020 Feb 20;58(Suppl S29):1-464. doi: 10.4193/Rhin20.600. PMID: 32077450.