You feel tired and achy all over your body, your nose is congested, and you have a nagging headache that won’t go away. You basically feel unwell, but you’re not quite sure how to treat it since you don’t actually know for certain what you’re experiencing.
It could be a case of the flu, but then again, it might be something else entirely, such as a sinus infection. The two conditions may be challenging to tell apart, but the differences are actually easy to spot if you know what to look for. Here’s a quick guide to help you out:
What are sinuses?
The sinuses are hollow cavities in the skull that run behind the center of the face—from the forehead and beneath the cheekbones. Their job is to warm, moisturize, and filter air before we draw it into our lungs. They can also serve as a cushion in a trauma, essentially providing protection to the eyes and brain.
Understanding Sinus Infections
Sinus infections, also known as sinusitis, is an inflammation and swelling in the nose and sinus cavities. This leads to poor sinus drainage that can cause discomfort, difficulty breathing, and a runny or congested nose.
There are many causes of sinusitis, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, allergies, and other irritants. When these foreign objects enter your sinuses, they infect the surrounding tissue.
Some people believe that sinus infections are seasonal and that they only occur in the fall and winter because of the cold, dry air. The truth is that you can get a sinus infection at any time of the year. While most cases are easily treatable, it should be noted that some cases require more urgent attention. In fact, sinus infection near the brain, if left untreated, could potentially be life-threatening.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology found that the US market spends an estimated $1 billion on over-the-counter medications and $150 million on prescription drugs to treat sinus infections every year.
Flu vs. Sinus Infection
Flu symptoms are different from sinusitis. For one, a fever and body aches are common when you have the flu. It is also common for people who have the flu to feel wiped out and exhausted. There may also be coughing, a sore throat, and nasal congestion.
The considerable difference between sinusitis and the flu is how quickly the symptoms come on. With the flu, the symptoms come on suddenly, in which one minute you feel fine, and the next, all you want to do is lie down and rest.
Sinusitis is also distinguishable due to the mucus, which is usually thick and green or yellow. People with sinusitis may also experience post-nasal drip and congested noses. These can lead to facial pain and sinus headaches.
It is also possible to feel an intense pressure behind the eyes and forehead. People with sinusitis may also experience a feeling of tiredness due to a lack of sleep, but they don’t usually experience the same fatigue as they would with the flu.
Conclusion
Knowing to differentiate between the flu and sinus infection is essential as both require different types of treatments and medication. Nevertheless, if it becomes bothersome, checking with your doctor to get the right medications is necessary.
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