Can a Cold Turn Into a Sinus Infection?

When you have a cold, it’s normal to feel stuffy, tired, and maybe even have a headache. But sometimes, what starts as a simple cold can turn into something more — like a sinus infection. 

It can be confusing to know whether your cold is lingering or if you’ve developed an infection that needs more attention. How do you know when it’s time to get care. And when can you just treat your symptoms at home? 

Here’s how you can tell if your cold has turned into a sinus infection and what to do next.

What’s the difference between a cold and a sinus infection?

The common cold is a term people use to describe an upper respiratory tract infection that usually affects the nose and throat. 

There are hundreds of viruses that can lead to the common cold. A cold usually lasts about 7 to 10 days and causes symptoms like:

• Runny nose

• Nasal congestion

• Cough 

• Sneezing

• Headache

• Sore throat 

A sinus infection is another type of upper respiratory tract infection. A sinus infection develops when your sinuses get infected and inflamed. 

Sinus infections are usually caused by viruses. But bacteria — and rarely fungi — can also cause sinus infections. 

Sinus infections can last longer than a cold and cause different symptoms. Common sinus infection symptoms include:

• Facial pain and tenderness

• Sinus pressure

• Dental pain

• Headache

• Fever

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• How long will your cold last? Find out the typical timeline of a cold, stages of symptoms, and when to expect relief — plus what might help you feel better along the way.

• You’re most contagious in the early days. Find out when you’re most likely to pass a cold, how long you’re contagious, and when it’s OK to be around others again.

• Could it be a sinus infection? Learn more about the difference between a cold and a sinus infection, and when to get help.

Can a cold cause a sinus infection?

The short answer is that a cold won’t cause a sinus infection. A cold can’t turn into a sinus infection either. But the real answer is a little more complex.

Dual infections

The same viruses that cause the common cold can also cause sinus infections. So if you get sick with one of these viruses, you can develop a cold and a sinus infection at the same time. You might develop symptoms of a cold first and then also develop sinus infection symptoms after a few days. Both sets of symptoms gradually get better on their own over 7 to 10 days.

Secondary bacterial infection

You can also develop a bacterial sinus infection on top of the common cold. This is called a secondary (or superimposed) bacterial infection. This is usually what people mean when they wonder if their cold has turned into a sinus infection. 

Being sick with a cold puts stress on your immune system. This makes it easier for bacteria to invade your sinuses and cause an infection. In this case, you start off with cold symptoms and then develop sinus infection symptoms after a few days. Your sinus infection symptoms may be more severe, and they won’t go away even as your cold symptoms get better. These types of sinus infections need to be treated with antibiotics.  

How can you tell if you’re developing a sinus infection from a cold?

It can be difficult to tell if you have a lingering cold or a bacterial sinus infection. Some clues that you might have a bacterial sinus infection include:

• Symptoms that last longer than 10 days

• Symptoms that start to improve and then suddenly get worse (called double sickening)

• Intense headache, facial or dental pain (particularly on just one side of the face)

• Fever 

You should get medical care if you develop any of these symptoms. Bacterial sinus infections should be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics can help you feel better faster. They can also prevent more serious complications from sinus infections. 

Quiz: Is it a cold or sinus infection?

When should you seek care for a cold?

Most of the time you can manage cold symptoms with a mix of over-the-counter (OTC) medications, self-care, and home remedies, such as:

• Warm fluids

• Humidified air

• Saltwater gargles

• Nutritious foods

• Rest

• OTC pain and fever reducers

• OTC decongestants

• Nasal saline rinses

But you should get medical care for a cold if:

• Your symptoms don’t get better after 10 days. 

• Your symptoms were getting better but suddenly worsened.

• You have trouble breathing or rapid breathing.

• You develop a fever.

• You aren’t able to eat or drink normally.

• You’re urinating less often.

• You feel sleepy or confused.

How do you treat a sinus infection vs. a cold?

Most sinus infections are caused by viruses. That means they’ll go away on their own within 7 to 10 days. So you can manage your symptoms at home with a combination of home remedies, self-care, and OTC medications:

• Fluids

• Rest

• Sleep position changes

• Nutritious foods

• Humidified air

• Pressure point massage

• OTC pain relievers

• Nasal saline rinses

• Steroid nasal sprays

• Decongestant nasal sprays

But you’ll need antibiotic treatment if you have a bacterial sinus infection. It’s hard to tell if a bacteria or virus is causing your sinus infection based on just your symptoms. So get medical care if:

• Your symptoms don’t get better after 10 days. 

• Your symptoms were getting better but suddenly worsened.

• You develop intense headache, facial or dental pain.

• You have a fever.

How do you stop a cold from turning into a sinus infection?

The same steps that can keep you from getting a cold can also help you avoid a sinus infection. These include:

• Washing your hands often

• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick with respiratory infections

• Staying up to date with vaccinations

If you’re already sick with a cold, some steps you can take to lower your chances of developing a secondary bacterial sinus infection include: 

• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to help keep mucus thin so it’s easier to pass.

• Use nasal saline rinses. Daily saline rinses help keep your nasal passages clear so your sinuses can drain. 

• Change your sleep positions. Sleeping with your head elevated can help your sinuses drain at night. 

• Use a humidifier. Humidified air is easier to breathe. You can run a humidifier during the day or at night. 

• Avoid irritants. Avoid things that can irritate your airway and cause more inflammation, such as fumes and smoke, including cigarette smoke.  

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Written by:

Christine Giordano, MD

Christine Giordano, MD, is board-certified in general internal medicine. She received her medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and completed residency at Thomas Jefferson University.

Edited by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

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