Most colds
clear up without becoming a sinus infection, but if a cold
persists it may turn into one. Colds and sinus infections
share many symptoms (headaches, congestion, nasal drainage).
However, if a fever develops or symptoms worsen (lasting longer
than 7 days) you are likely to have developed a sinus infection.
This may include thick nasal mucus or dental pain.
Here are a few tips to keep infections
away.
•
Avoid contact
with those who have colds.
•
Wash your hands often.
•
Don’t smoke.
•
Avoid dust, mould and allergens
accumulating in your home.
•
Eat citrus fruit, such as
oranges.
•
Use a cool mist humidifier
during cold, dry months.
If you have
a cold, use saline nasal rinses/sprays and decongestants to
prevent it from becoming an infection. Also, get much rest
and stay hydrated. Over-the-counter treatments are useful
in treating a nasal infection. Only if an infection has been
caused by bacteria, will antibiotics be effective.
