What is the Difference Between Sinus Infection and Upper Respiratory Tract Infection?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between a sinus infection and an upper respiratory tract infection is the area of the body they affect. A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, is an infection of the sinuses, which are the hollow, air-filled cavities within the skull that surround the nose. An upper respiratory tract infection, on the other hand, is a viral or bacterial infection that affects the upper respiratory system, including the nose, throat, larynx, and bronchial tubes.
Symptoms of sinus infections can include:
- Pressure or pain between or around the eyes
- Nasal congestion and a discolored discharge
Symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections can include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Coughing
- Stuffy or runny nose
In some cases, a sinus infection may follow an upper respiratory tract infection, and symptoms of both conditions can overlap. However, sinus infections typically involve the sinuses, while upper respiratory tract infections affect the throat, nose, larynx, and bronchial tubes. Treatment options for both sinus and upper respiratory tract infections may include over-the-counter pain relievers, cold medications, and at-home remedies.
Comparative Table: Sinus Infection vs Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
Sinus infection and upper respiratory tract infection share many similar symptoms, but they have distinct differences. Here is a table comparing the two:
Feature | Sinus Infection | Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URI) |
---|---|---|
Definition | Inflammation of the nasal mucosa and sinuses | Infections of the mouth, nose, throat, larynx, and trachea |
Symptoms | - Sinus pressure behind the eyes or cheeks - Thick green or yellow mucus production - Facial pain when pressure is applied to the frontal sinus - Blocked nose |
- Stuffy nose - Sore throat - Sneezing - Cough |
Duration | Symptoms do not resolve after 7-11 days | Typically lasts 7-10 days |
Contagiousness | Sinus infections caused by viruses are considered contagious | Most researchers do not consider bacterial sinus infections contagious |
Diagnosis | Distinguishing between sinus infections and URIs is often a matter of symptom duration |
It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for both sinus infections and upper respiratory tract infections.
- Bronchitis vs Upper Respiratory Infection
- Sinusitis vs Rhinosinusitis
- Sinus Infection vs Cold
- Rhinitis vs Sinusitis
- Rhinitis vs Rhinosinusitis
- Hay Fever vs Sinusitis
- Upper vs Lower Urinary Tract Infection
- Sinus vs Allergies
- Sinus vs Cold
- Coronavirus vs Rhinovirus
- Pharyngitis vs Tonsillitis
- Sore Throat vs Strep Throat
- Bronchitis vs Whooping Cough
- Asthma vs Allergic Rhinitis
- Strep Throat vs Tonsillitis
- Catarrh vs Coryza
- Pneumonia vs Chest Infection
- Viral vs Bacterial Infection
- Stomach Flu vs Flu