For people who often contract the sinusitis, it is sometimes difficult to differentiate between the symptoms of a blocked nose and sinusitis. Both these conditions have widely similar symptoms, and sometimes they even overlap.
Blocked nose and sinusitis are frequent symptoms of a common cold. Viruses are the most common cause of a cold. During a cold, the delicate inner lining of airways swells. When this happens in the nose, it results in a blocked nose and you may perceive a feeling of a stuffy nose or have difficulty in breathing. When the lining of the sinuses (air-filled pockets in the skull) swell, it results in sinusitis. Typically, sinusitis can result in a headache, pain at the cheekbones or in and around the eyes. Nasal congestion generally disappears very quickly, however, symptoms of sinusitis can linger on for a few days.
Now, what are some of the symptoms that will tell the difference between a cold and sinusitis?
If you have contracted a cold from someone or somewhere, you will most definitely suffer from a blocked nose and an irritating runny nose. You may also have sneezing, a general headache, a throat that is sore and itchy, slight body temperature and a feeling of tiredness and fatigue.
On the other hand, if you have sinusitis, the symptoms may appear to be more specific if you observe. Untreated sinusitis may lead to bacterial infection. Some of the common symptoms of bacterial sinusitis are headache and pain at the cheekbones or in and around the eyes that persist for more than 7-10 days. This headache may worsen as days go by and you may develop a fever.
Once you do differentiate between the two conditions, seek appropriate treatment. You may be able to treat a common cold by yourself by using some over the counter medications and a few home remedies. Doctors suggest good sleep, steam inhalation, ample rest, nutritious food and plenty of fluids fight a cold. For sinusitis, you may need medical intervention
Using a nasal decongestant such as Naselin Spray as an adjuvant therapy for relieving congestion due to cold and sinusitis is advisable. Naselin Spray contains oxymetazoline that helps clear the swelling of the lining of the respiratory passages. So it relieves you of blocked nose as well as sinusitis. Thus allowing you to rest easy. If the symptoms persist for more than 7 days consult your doctor.