The common cold

More than 200 different types of viruses can

cause a cold. The three most frequent symptoms

nose. Throat irritation is also often involved.

Adults and older children with colds generally

have minimal or no fever. Infants and toddlers

often run a fever in the 100 to 102 degree range.

Depending on which virus is the culprit, the virus

might also produce a headache, cough, postnasal

drip, burning eyes, muscle aches, or a decreased

are in the nose.

Once you have “caught” a cold, the symptoms

begin in one to five days. Usually irritation in

the nose or a scratchy feeling in the throat is the

first sign, followed within hours by sneezing and

a watery nasal discharge.

The entire cold is usually over all by itself in

about seven days, with perhaps a few lingering

symptoms (cough) for another week. If it lasts

longer, consider another problem, such as a

sinus infection or allergies.

Sinusitis

Acute bacterial sinusitis is an infection of the

sinus cavities caused by bacteria. It usually is

preceded by a cold, allergy attack, or irritation

by environmental pollutants. Unlike a cold or

allergy, bacterial sinusitis requires a physician’s

diagnosis and may require treatment with an antibiotic

to cure the infection and prevent future

complications.

Normally, mucus collecting in the sinuses drains

into the nasal passages. When you have a cold

or allergy attack, your sinuses become inflamed

and are unable to drain. This can lead to congestion

and infection. Diagnosis of acute sinusitis

usually is based on a physical examination and a

discussion of your symptoms.

When you have frequent sinusitis, or the infection

lasts three months or more, it could be

chronic sinusitis. Symptoms of chronic sinusitis

may be less severe than those of acute, however,

untreated chronic sinusitis can cause damage

to the sinuses and cheekbones that sometimes

requires surgery to repair.

Ask your otolaryngologist if you believe you

have a sinus infection (see sidebar at right). For

more information on ear, nose, and throat winter

health, visit www.entnet.org.

Allergies

Allergy symptoms appear when the immune

system reacts to an allergic substance that has

entered the body as though it was an unwelcome

invader. Many common substances can be

allergens—pollens, food, mold, dust, feathers,

animal dander, and chemicals

When an allergen reenters the body, the immune

system rapidly recognizes it, causing a series of

reactions. It also causes the production of many

inflammatory substances including histamine.

Histamine produces common allergy symptoms

such as itchy, watery eyes, nasal and sinus congestion,

headaches, sneezing, scratchy throat,

hives, or shortness of breath. Other less common

symptoms are balance disturbances, skin

irritations such as eczema, and even respiratory

problems like asthma. For some allergy sufferers,

symptoms may be seasonal, but for others it

is a year-round discomfort.

SIGN/ SYMPTOM SINUSITIS ALLERGY COLD

Nasal Discharge Cloudy or colored Clear, thin, watery Thick, whitish or thin

Nasal Congestion Often Sometimes Yes

Facial Pressure/

Pain / Fullness

Often Sometimes Sometimes

Duration of Illness 10 days or longer Varies Under 10 days

Double-worsening* Sometimes No No

Fever Sometimes No Sometimes

Pain in Upper Teeth Sometimes No No

Bad Breath Sometimes No No

Coughing Sometimes Sometimes Yes

Sneezing No Sometimes Yes

1. Facial pressure/pain/fullness?

2. Nasal congestion or stuffiness?

3. Cloudy or colored nasal discharge?

4. Postnasal drip?

5. Illness lasting 10 days or longer?

6. Improvement followed by worsening?

❏ yes ❏ no

Is it a sinus infection?

Over-the-counter medications

and sinus pain: Know the facts!

Drugs for stuffy nose, sinus trouble, congestion

and drainage, and the common cold constitute

a large segment of the over-the-counter market

for America’s pharmaceutical industry. Even

though they do not cure allergies, sinusitis,

colds, or the flu, they provide welcome relief

for at least some of the discomforts of seasonal

allergies and upper respiratory infections. However,

it’s essential for consumers to read the

ingredient labels, evaluate their symptoms, and

choose the most appropriate remedy.

and relieve sneezing. Avoid them during the

congested phase of your cold because they

can make mucus thicker and more difficult to

drain. They are most helpful when symptoms

are caused by an allergy. Some older brands

may cause you to be sleepy.

and a stuffy nose, making it easier for you to

breathe. These will also dehydrate you! Take

lots of fluids. Avoid at bedtime, since they are

stimulants.

with a sore throat, and headache, and can

reduce a fever. These include acetaminophen

(Tylenol), aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

and Naproxen (Aleve).

Always make sure to consult with your doctor

about your prescription medications before

you start taking an O-T-C product, as some can

cause drug interactions.

*note – Information is for adults only.

Symptoms of sinusitis:

• symptoms of upper respiratory infection

lasting 10 days or more

• improvement followed by worsening

within 10 days

• facial pain, pressure, or fullness

• nasal discharge that is cloudy or colored

• nasal congestion or stuffiness

• post-nasal drip

• cough

At-home treatments for

sinusitis:

• nasal sprays that moisturize the nasal

cavity, reduce dryness, and help clear

thick or crusty mucus

• humidification (moisturizing the air)

of living spaces in dry climates will aid

the movement of mucus through the

sinuses

An otolaryngologist can:

• determine if you have an infection

requiring an appropriate antibiotic

• discover if you require intensive medical

treatment for a condition such as

nasal obstructions, necessitating sinus

surgery

• Make treatment recommendations and

discuss long-term outcomes

Maintaining sinus health

Maintaining sinus health during the cold and flu season can help

prevent a case of sinusitis. The American Academy of Otolaryngology—

Head and Neck Surgery suggests the following ways to keep

your sinuses clear:

• Drink plenty of fluids to keep nasal discharge thin and keep your

body hydrated.

• You may get some relief from your symptoms with a humidifier, particularly

if air in your home is heated by a forced-air system.

• If you are going to fly during the holiday seasons, use a nasal spray

decongestant before take-off to prevent blockage of the sinuses, allowing

mucus to drain.

• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, as both can irritate your nasal

passages.

• If you have allergies, try to avoid contact with things that trigger

attacks. If you cannot, use over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines

and/or a prescription nasal spray to control allergy attacks.