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Don’t Confuse Sinus Infection With Covid-19: Learn The Difference Here.

Don’t Confuse Sinus Infection With Covid-19: Learn The Difference Here.

Coronavirus, better known as COVID-19, is a respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. This virus has drastically changed the way humans used to live and work. Now, people can not step out of their house without face masks and hand sanitizers. Remote work or working from home has become a new normal. Even for going out, people need to follow several guidelines to lower the risk of infection. As the virus is transmitted through airborne particles and droplets, it is likely to cause symptoms similar to sinuses, such as a sore throat or nasal congestion. In simple terms, the signs of sinus infection and covid-19 tend to overlap. This can make it challenging for a person to get the proper treatment and make a faster recovery. 

Therefore, this article will explain the difference between sinus infection and Covid 19 and their possible treatments. So, without any further ado, let’s get started! 

What Is The Main Characteristic Of Sinus Infection?

Sinus Infection

Sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, occurs due to fluid-building in the air-filled pockets in the face (sinuses). These are generally located behind your forehead, cheekbones, nose, and along the area around the eyes. Acute sinusitis can be triggered by a cold or allergy, and it gets treated on its own. However, chronic sinusitis can last from a few weeks to months. 

Type Of Infection: 

  • Viral 
  • Bacterial 

Viral sinuses are very common, caused by germs trapped in the air-filled pockets. 

Causes Of Infection: 

  1. Viral infection such as flu or cold.
  2. Bacterial infection.
  3. Fungal infection.
  4. Allergies.
  5. Asthma.
  6. Physical irregularities in the nasal like nasal polyps. 

More often than not, sinusitis develops suddenly. Therefore, it is essential that you seek immediate treatment to tame the infection.

What Is The Main Characteristic Of Coronavirus?

As mentioned above, COVID-19 is a respiratory disease affecting the lungs and airways. However, its symptoms are in different body parts, especially the digestive system, which are not immediate. After exposure, it takes around 2 to 14 days for symptoms to appear. Therefore, it is highly recommended to get vaccinated to protect yourself from this virus. 

Also, as the virus spreads from person to person, it is wise to practice social distancing and wear masks whenever you go out. 

What Are The Symptoms Of Sinusitis?

The visible signs of sinusitis include:

  1. Nasal congestion,
  2. Sore throat,
  3. Runny nose,
  4. Headache,
  5. Postnasal drip,
  6. Fever,
  7. Coughing (with mucus),
  8. Facial pain or pressure,
  9. Swelling around the eyes, especially in the morning, and
  10. Bad breath.

What Are The Symptoms Of Coronavirus?

Corona Symptoms

The symptoms of coronavirus can vary widely. Moreover, as the new variants are coming up, protecting yourself from the following symptoms should be your top-most priority. 

  1. Fever
  2. Headache
  3. Dry cough
  4. Shortness of breath
  5. Sore throat
  6. Nasal congestion
  7. Vomiting
  8. Muscle or body ache
  9. Diarrhea
  10. Loss of taste or smell
  11. Fatigue
  12. Nausea

You might have observed that the symptoms of Covid-19 and sinus infection these health conditions are pretty similar. That’s the reason why people often get confused between the both and fail to get the right treatment. That being said, let’s learn about their treatment.

How To Treat These Infections?

Typically, Covid-19 and sinus infection, get better on their own, conditioned they are acute. 

However, if you have chronic sinusitis, you need to take antibiotics. It will help reduce bacterial infection. You need to take anti-allergic medications to avoid future triggers. Also, nasal congestion and irritation are prime signs of sinusitis, so you must treat it right away. For quick and effective relief, you can use the Neti Pot technique. Simply create a saline solution using salt and warm water and pour it into the neti pot. After that, follow the steps given below: 

Neti Pot Tehnique
  1. Position yourself over the sink, 
  2. Place the tip of the pot inside one nostril.
  3. Tilt your head slightly forward- looking down at the sink. 
  4. Lift the pot to send saline solution into your nasal passage. 
  5. Gravity will help carry the solution through your nasal cavity and out of the other nostril. 
  6. Allow the solution and mucus to drip out. 
  7. Blow your nose to clear your nasal passage. 
  8. Repeat the same procedure with the other nostril. 

Believe it or not, this treatment can help flush out mucus and infection from your body, offering immediate relief. Nevertheless, make sure to take plenty of rest and stay hydrated for faster recovery. 

On the other hand, to treat coronavirus, you need to quarantine yourself and give your body proper rest. In case you have nasal congestion, it is also recommended to use decongestants to facilitate breathing. Or you can also use the neti pot method. Bear in mind neti pot does not help with the treatment of coronavirus. Instead, it will only help soothe congestion and nasal irritation. 

Note: If you have coronavirus and your condition is not improving after quarantine and rest, you must visit the hospital. 

Can Coronavirus Cause Sinusitis?

As Covid-19 causes upper respiratory infection, it is likely to cause swelling and inflammation in the nasal cavity. This can lead to mucus trap, allowing bacteria development and infection. Theoretically speaking, the covid symptoms and the patient’s overall health condition can lead to sinusitis. However, there is no research proof about the same. 

Even so, you must take utmost precautions, especially if you have a weak immunity system or a severe condition such as diabetes. 

When To Visit A Doctor?

It is recommended to visit the doctor as soon as you experience the symptoms of either of these infections. The doctor will ask you a few questions about your health and conduct a physical exam, nasal swab test, and CT scan to diagnose your condition. 

Visiting Doctor

You must visit the doctor if your condition does not improve. Also, if you experience any of the following signs, call for emergency immediately: 

  • Difficulty staying awake,
  • Constant pressure or pain in the chest,
  • Pale, blue, or gray lips or skin,
  • Swelling around one or both eyes, and
  • Severe diarrhea.

Understand that diagnosing your condition and seeking the proper treatment will help ensure you good health. 

To Sum It All Up!

As the symptoms of Covid-19 and sinus infection these conditions tend to overlap, it is necessary to learn about the differences. It will ensure that you take the proper treatment at the right time. If it is challenging for you to distinguish between the two problems, make sure to visit the doctor immediately.