Is it a Cold or Sinusitis?

Ivanhoe Newswire
Wednesday, December 27, 2006; 12:00 AM

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- The winter time can bring about a lot of sick days. But is that stuffy nose, headache and tired feeling a cold? Doctors say that it could be something more serious called sinusitis.

Sinusitis is the inflammation of one or more nasal sinuses. The symptoms are similar to a cold and include nasal congestion, green or gray nasal discharge, postnasal drip, pressure in the face, headache and chronic cough. About 31 million American develop sinusitis each year.

Brian Smart, M.D., Chair of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports, "Millions of Americans think they're suffering from a cold when they're actually experiencing sinusitis. People should remember that colds are the most common cause of acute sinusitis, and people with allergies are more likely to develop sinusitis."

If sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection, it is often treated with antibiotics. Other medications such as decongestants and antihistamines may also be prescribed to reduce blockage and keep sinus passages open. If the problem persists, it may be time to see an allergist or immunologist.

SOURCE: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology