Is It a Cold, Sinusitis, or Allergic Rhinitis?

Coping with a stuffy nose, congestion, and a constant drip is no fun. Over 100 viruses are known to cause the common cold, which spreads through airborne droplets from coughs and sneezes, or by touching contaminated surfaces. But how can you determine if your symptoms are due to a common cold, sinusitis, or allergic rhinitis? The symptoms often overlap, making it difficult to distinguish between these conditions.

Understanding your upper respiratory symptoms

It's common for symptoms associated with a cold to resemble those of sinusitis or allergic rhinitis. Pinpointing the exact cause of your discomfort is crucial for effective management.

Srinagesh Paluvoi, MD, FAAP, FACAAI, and the team at Allergy & Asthma Affiliates in Landsdowne and Gainesville, Virginia, have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating all respiratory illnesses. In this blog, Dr. Paluvoi breaks down the difference between the common cold, chronic sinusitis, and allergies.

The common cold

A common cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract, affecting the nose and throat. Most people recover within 7 to 10 days. However, symptoms might persist a little longer for those with a weakened immune system or lifestyle factors such as smoking.

Typically, a cold presents with thick, discolored nasal discharge, sneezing, and a runny nose. While you might feel unwell and experience fatigue, body aches, and a general lack of energy, it's usually benign. Medical attention is generally not required for a common cold, unless you develop a high fever or your symptoms become severe.

Sinusitis: When your sinuses become inflamed

Your sinuses are air-filled cavities behind your nose, cheeks, and forehead. Their primary function is to filter germs and pollutants, preventing them from reaching sensitive areas like your lungs.

When you have sinusitis, a bacterial or viral infection causes inflammation within these sinus cavities. The lining of your sinuses swells, impeding proper drainage. You will likely experience pressure, pain, and nasal congestion. Similar to the common cold, sinus infections can also produce discolored nasal discharge.

Sinus infections are typically temporary, but some are prone to recurrent episodes. If your symptoms last for at least 12 weeks and you experience multiple occurrences, you might be dealing with chronic sinusitis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sinusitis affects approximately 28.9 million adults in the United States annually; that’s about 11% of the adult population. 

Differentiating between a cold and sinusitis

While the symptoms of a cold and sinusitis can be similar, the duration of your symptoms often provides a key indicator. Your body's immune system is highly effective at combating a common cold, leading to symptom improvement within 3 to 5 days. Sinusitis, on the other hand, typically lingers for a longer period.

If your symptoms persist for more than 10 days without any signs of improvement, you likely have sinusitis.

Allergic rhinitis: When allergies mimic other ailments

Many who think they are suffering repeated bouts of sinusitis are surprised to learn they actually have an allergy. This common misdiagnosis occurs for two reasons: allergic rhinitis can predispose you to sinus infections, and its symptoms closely resemble those of sinusitis.

Allergic rhinitis develops when you inhale an allergen, a substance your body identifies as harmful. The most frequent triggers include plant pollens. Other common allergens include dust mites, pet dander, and mold. Here's what allergic rhinitis often looks like:

• Sneezing
• Stuffy nose
• Itchy nose
• Watery eyes
• Coughing
• Sore throat

Allergy testing is the most effective way to identify the root cause of your symptoms. Skin prick testing involves introducing a small amount of different allergens into your skin and observing for a reaction. If you are diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, various effective treatment options are available to help manage your symptoms. Allergic rhinitis affects between 10% and 30% of the global population. 

The importance of professional diagnosis

If you suspect you have a cold and take over-the-counter cold remedies when you have an allergy, you are likely not getting effective treatment.

The same goes for sinusitis. It is always best to consult a qualified healthcare professional, such as Dr. Paluvoi, for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. He is dedicated to uncovering the cause of your symptoms. 

If Dr. Paluvoi confirms an allergy, we will develop a personalized treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms and achieve lasting relief.

Don’t suffer from congestion, get a proper diagnosis, and seek relief by booking a consultation at Allergy & Asthma Affiliates. Call our use the online booking tool to request an appointment at the location closest to you. We have offices in