Sinusitis&Rhinitis Comparison Chart - Asthma Canada

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Comparison Chart

Ah-choo! Is it a Cold, Hay Fever, Sinusitis or the Flu?

Name

Symptoms

Causes

Onset & duration of

Prevention

Treatment

symptoms

Common Cold

No fever

More than 200 different viruses,

Usually comes on gradually Frequent hand washing

Bed rest & plenty of fluids

("Head Cold")

No aches and pains

including:

Most common Sept-April

Acetaminophen or aspirin for

Still have an appetite

Rhinovirus (nose virus)

Adults will get 2-4 colds/year

headache/ fever

Sore throat

RSV (respiratory syncytial

Children will get up to 12

See a physician if cold lasts

Runny, stuffy nose

virus)

colds/year

more than 10 days

Sneezing

Corona viruses

Colds are a powerful asthma

Most prominent symptoms are in the nose

trigger Lasts about one week

Flu

Sudden fever, chills

Viruses, spread by:

Usually comes on suddenly Highly recommended to get Most people recover without

(Influenza)

Aching muscles and joints Sneezed or coughed droplets Lasts about a week

a flu shot to prevent the flu, treatment

Headache

into the air from an infected

especially if history of

Severe malaise

person

Dry cough & lack of appetite Cold & dry weather, as people

Blocked and/or runny nose

spend more time close together

Your " whole body" feels sick

indoors.

asthma, recurrent ear infections, and sinusitis. Best time for flu shot is Oct Nov

Allergic Rhinitis

No fever

Exposure to irritants/triggers:

Weeks, months or all year. Avoid triggers; for example:

Antihistamines

("Hay Fever")

Congestion

Dust mites

Symptoms last as long as

Remove carpeting to reduce Intranasal steroids

Runny or stuffy nose (clear, Animal dander

you are exposed to the

dust mites and mould

Immunotherapy may help

white thin mucus)

Pollen

allergen.

Air conditioning may help

Sneezing

Mould spores

reduce mould

Itchy nose, throat and eyes

Use mattress and pillow

Cough is rare

covers to reduce dust mites

Non-allergic Rhinitis Sneezing

Exposure to irritants/triggers:

Symptoms occur directly

Avoid triggers, especially

Tends to get better when not

("Vasomotor Rhinitis") Runny nose

Tobacco smoke

following exposure to

second-hand tobacco smoke

exposed to trigger(s)

No fever

Cold air

irritants

Alcohol

Perfume

Sinusitis

Thick yellowish/green nasal Caused by bacterial infection in Can last weeks, months or Sinus drainage medications Inhaled nasal corticosteroids

discharge

most cases

even years

(e.g. decongestants) during Decongestants

Facial tenderness Headache

Usually occurs as a late complication of a common cold

times of increased susceptibility, such as flu

Antibiotics to control a bacterial infection, if present

Congestion

Those with asthma/allergies

and cold season

Pain relievers to reduce any pain

Fatigue Fever

may also be predisposed to the development of sinusitis.

or fever Steam inhalations and/or nasal

saline washes

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