Is It a Cold or a Sinus Infection?

By this time of year, most of us have already suffered through our first colds of the season, or we're surrounded by people who are in the midst of them. But how do you know whether it's a cold or a sinus infection? Health.com lists the following as 10 signs that you might be suffering from something more than a cold:

1. You have pain and pressure in your face (the sinus cavities are located behind the forehead, nasal bones, cheeks and eyes).
2. You feel facial pain and pressure when you lean forward or move your head.
3. Your head aches.
4. Your mucus is green or yellow (this is a sign that your immune system is already fighting an infection).
5. You have a stuffy nose that lasts longer than it usually does with a cold.
6. You have bad breath (this is a byproduct of the green or yellow mucus that collects in your sinus and nose and drips down the back of your throat).
7. You cough up phlegm and your cough is usually worse at night and in the morning, a result of the sinuses draining down the back of your throat while you're lying down.
8. You're running a fever.
9. Your teeth hurt because of all the pressure building up in your head.
10. Your sense of smell or taste is off.

Sinus infections typically go away with time, but more persistent cases might require antibiotics from your doctor.
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