Sinus Infection Symptoms vs COVID-19 Symptoms: What is The Difference?
There are several distinct ways to tell the difference between sinus infection symptoms vs COVID symptoms. In fact, it is typical for individuals to question what is causing their symptoms, especially since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you experience any symptoms, you can visit medical centers like Health on 21 in Palm Beach, QLD, to assure your condition. Nevertheless, the common cold, flu, allergies, and sinusitis share similar symptoms as the COVID-19. Keep reading to know the difference between sinus infections and coronavirus disease.
Sinus Infection vs COVID-19
Researchers and doctors keep learning about COVID-19 and the novel coronavirus. Some symptoms of sinusitis can be similar to those of COVID. However, there are some significant and recognizable differences between a sinus infection vs. coronavirus.
Sinus Infection
Within your skull, there are open areas that are loaded up with air. These are the sinuses, and they are connected to the air entries of your nose. Furthermore, your sinuses generate mucus, which assists with clearing bacteria and other microorganisms out of your nasal passage. A sinus infection, also called sinusitis, occurs when these nasal cavities become obstructed with mucus and get inflamed or infected.
Coronavirus Disease
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new infectious disease that causes flu-like symptoms, affecting the respiratory system. These common symptoms are distinctive, relying upon whether you have a sinus infection or COVID. In any case, coronavirus has signs like fever, cough, and in severe cases, trouble breathing and death.
Sinus Infection or COVID: Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of a Sinus Infection
Sinusitis can happen due to a bacterial or viral infection such as the flu or cold. It can also be because of a flare-up of environmental allergies. In any case, the usual indications of a sinus infection include:
- Nasal congestion
- Headache
- Cough with mucus
- Facial pain or tenderness
- Sore throat
- Swelling around the eyes and bridge of the nose
- Fever
- Greenish nasal discharge
- Fatigue
- Postnasal drip
- Pain in teeth
- Bad breath
Symptoms of COVID-19
Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 infection include:
- Dry cough
- fatigue
- Fever or chills
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle or body aches
- Chest pain
- Loss of taste or smell
- Runny nose or nasal congestion
- Diarrhea
- Pneumonia
- Nausea or vomiting
- Conjunctivitis
- Bluish lips or face
Furthermore, some severe manifestations can indicate a serious condition, where you need to call a doctor for emergency medical attention. These severe indications can incorporate:
- Chest pain
- Trouble staying awake
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Diagnosis
Sinus Infection
Your doctor will get information about your symptoms and whether you have recently been sick with a cold or other illness. They typically diagnose sinusitis based on your manifestations. Then, they will undoubtedly be able to determine if you have inflamed or infected sinuses. If your sinus issues are often recurring, then a doctor may perform some allergy tests to help figure out why.
Suppose your sinusitis has been continuing for quite a while, or you have frequent issues in your sinuses. In that case, your doctor may utilize other methods to evaluate the problem. Using a nasal endoscope, a long, flexible camera, your doctor may see your sinus cavities to check their condition. Also, they might suggest a computerized tomography (CT) scan so that they can evaluate the infection.
COVID-19
If you think you have coronavirus, then check local sources about testing availability and sites. You can confirm you have the infection by a viral test that informs you if you have an active disease. Or also by a test for antibodies, implying you had a previous infection.
Possible Complications and Side Effects
Complications of Sinus Infection
Though most people with sinus infections resolve without medical intervention, severe sinusitis can cause serious complications, especially if left untreated.
In addition, it is probable for an infection to spread into your skull bones, eyes, meninges, or brain. Call your doctor immediately if you encounter:
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- High fever
- Mental confusion
- Impaired vision
- Swollen, red, painful eye
- Trouble speaking, breathing or swallowing
Complications of COVID-19 Disease
Some cases of coronavirus have troublesome but moderately gentle symptoms, such as the flu. However, a few issues are more serious, requiring hospitalization, and individuals might encounter lasting effects.
Furthermore, several patients with COVID-19 recover entirely and regain their health. But some encounter long-term side effects. These include trouble breathing, fatigue, headaches, fever, and more. Since this virus is somewhat new, specialists are not sure yet about the importance these lengthy indications might have over time.
Suppose you are uncertain if your symptoms are because of a sinus infection vs. COVID-19. In that case, your doctor will be able to figure out the source of your symptoms and the ideal course of treatment.
Treatment for Sinus Infection vs COVID-19
Sinus Infection Treatment
Most patients recover from sinusitis without the utilization of prescription medications. Generally, side effects disappear within seven days to 10 days.
If your doctor confirms that your sinus infection was brought about by a bacterial infection, then taking antibiotic medications can help ease your manifestations more quickly.
If you have a chronic sinus infection, then your doctor may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist who may recommend a surgical procedure. In any case, a few groups have anatomical factors that make them more inclined to a sinus infection, and surgery can assist with making changes to forestall recurrent infections.
Moreover, here are some approaches to deal with your sinus infection symptoms at home that can bring some alleviation:
- Nasal saline washes
- Breathing warm, moist air
- Nasal decongestant sprays
- Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers or decongestants
- Warm compresses on the nose, face, and forehead
Coronavirus Treatment
In contrast to sinusitis, COVID-19 is a respiratory sickness. However, the coronavirus can enter your body through your nasal sections. There is right now no sign that it causes sinus infections. Since most coronavirus diseases do not cause a runny or stuffy nose, it is not related to sinus infection at this point.
In any case, if you think you may have COVID-19 symptoms, call your doctor immediately to know more about testing availability.
References:
Sinus Infection (Sinusitis).
https://www.medicinenet.com/sinusitis/article.htm
Coronavirus.
https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_1
What Does the Color of My Mucus Mean?
https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-does-it-mean-when-i-have-green-or-yellow-mucus-4019063
Computed Tomography (CT).
https://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/computed-tomography-ct
Symptoms of COVID-19.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
