When you have a common symptom like a stuffy nose or congestion, you don't always know what condition you have. Are those symptoms part of a cold, flu, allergic rhinitis or sinusitis? It is not always easy to know. Refer to the chart below to match your symptoms with the following conditions.
| Symptom | Cold | Flu | Allergic Rhinitis | Sinusitis |
| Congestion | Yes | | Yes | Yes |
| Cough | Yes | Yes | | Yes |
| Dizziness | Yes | Yes | | Occassional |
| Sore throat | Early | Mild | Yes | Yes |
| Runny nose | Yes | | Yes | Yes |
| Stuffy nose | Yes | | Yes | Yes |
| Sneezing | Yes | | Yes | |
| Nasal discharge | May be thick and yellow | Cloudy | Thin and clear | Thick, yellow-green |
| Duration | 5-7 days | 2-3 weeks | Episodic | Perpetual if not treated |
| Generalized aches and pains | | Yes, often severe | | Mild |
| Sweating | | Yes | | |
| Extreme exhaustion | | Early and prominent | | |
| Fatigue/weakness | Mild | Pronounced | Mild | Mild |
| Fever | | High (102-104), lasts 3-4 days | | Low grade |
| Headache | Rare | Yes | | Yes |
| Itchy nose/eyes/throat | | | Yes | |
| Seasonal pattern | Yes | Yes (Winter) | Yes | Yes |
| Hoarseness | Yes | | | Yes |
| Facial pain | | | | Yes |
| Bad breath | | | | Yes |
Review Date:
4/4/2007
Reviewed By:
Alan Greene, M.D., F.A.A.P., Department of Pediatrics, Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine; Chief Medical Officer, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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