Few things are more frustrating than dealing with congestion, pressure, or a runny nose that just won’t quit. In South Florida, where seasonal allergens, year-round humidity, and viral infections can all overlap, it’s not always easy to tell what’s causing your symptoms. Is it just a cold? Are allergies the real culprit? Or could it be sinusitis — a more serious condition that requires professional care?
At South Florida ENT Associates (SFENTA), our board-certified specialists help patients every day untangle these questions and find real relief. Here are six clues to help you tell the difference between sinusitis, allergies, and the common cold in 2025.
1. How Long Have Your Symptoms Lasted?
- Colds typically last about 7–10 days. Symptoms often improve on their own with rest and fluids.
- Allergies can linger for weeks or months, especially when pollen or mold levels remain high.
- Sinusitis usually persists longer than a cold and may even become chronic, lasting 12 weeks or more.
If your symptoms have stretched beyond two weeks without relief, it’s worth scheduling an ENT evaluation.
2. Do You Have a Fever?
- Colds may cause a mild fever, particularly in children.
- Allergies almost never cause a fever.
- Sinusitis can bring a higher fever along with facial pain and pressure, especially if an infection is present.
Fever combined with worsening sinus pain may be a sign that professional treatment is needed.
3. What Does Your Mucus Look Like?
- Colds often cause clear or white nasal discharge.
- Allergies typically produce clear, watery mucus.
- Sinusitis may result in thicker yellow or green mucus due to infection.
While color alone isn’t always diagnostic, it can be an important clue when paired with other symptoms.
4. Are Your Eyes, Nose, or Throat Itchy?
- Allergies commonly cause itchiness in the eyes, nose, or throat.
- Colds and sinusitis rarely cause itching — these conditions are more about congestion and pressure.
If itchy eyes are your most bothersome symptom, allergies are the likely culprit.
5. How Severe Is the Facial Pressure?
- Colds may cause mild sinus pressure.
- Allergies can sometimes lead to swelling and discomfort.
- Sinusitis is marked by significant pressure and pain in the cheeks, forehead, or around the eyes, often worsening when you bend forward.
Severe, lingering pressure is one of the biggest red flags for sinusitis.
6. Do Symptoms Respond to Medications?
- Colds generally improve with time, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies.
- Allergies usually respond to antihistamines, nasal sprays, or allergy-specific treatments.
- Sinusitis often requires more targeted treatment, such as prescription medications, in-office procedures, or surgery if it becomes chronic.
If standard allergy or cold remedies aren’t working, sinusitis may be the underlying cause.
Why Getting the Right Diagnosis Matters
Although colds and allergies can be uncomfortable, sinusitis poses greater risks if left untreated. Chronic sinus infections can affect breathing, sleep, and overall quality of life. Fortunately, options like Balloon Sinuplasty, advanced medical therapies, and long-term allergy management are available at SFENTA to provide lasting relief.
How SFENTA Can Help
With more than 50 board-certified ENT doctors and convenient locations across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, South Florida ENT Associates is the largest ENT group in the region. Our team uses advanced diagnostic tools and years of expertise to pinpoint the root cause of your symptoms — whether it’s allergies, a cold, or sinusitis — and design a personalized treatment plan that works for you.
The Takeaway
When congestion, pressure, or fatigue keep dragging on, guessing the cause isn’t enough. Knowing whether you’re dealing with allergies, a cold, or sinusitis is the first step to real relief. At SFENTA, we’re here to give you clear answers and proven solutions.
Schedule your consultation today and take control of your sinus health in 2025.
Sources Cited
- Mayo Clinic – Sinusitis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Common Colds
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology – Rhinitis Overview
