Facial pressure, congestion, thick mucus, and headaches can make a simple cold feel like a sinus infection. Many people worry they need antibiotics right away- but in most cases, sinus symptoms are caused by viruses and improve on their own within the first week. Knowing what’s normal and what’s not can help you avoid unnecessary medication and get the right care at the right time.
A common cold typically starts with congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and sometimes a cough. Symptoms often peak over the first few days and then gradually improve. Viral sinus congestion can cause pressure around the cheeks, eyes, or forehead, but this doesn’t automatically mean a bacterial infection is present.
True bacterial sinus infections are less common and usually follow a specific pattern. Symptoms often last more than 7–10 days without improvement, become suddenly worse after you seemed to be getting better, or are severe from the start– such as high fever, significant facial pain, or swelling around the eyes. In these cases, antibiotics may be appropriate.
Starting antibiotics too early doesn’t make viral infections resolve faster and can lead to side effects, allergic reactions, and antibiotic resistance. Supportive care such as hydration, nasal saline, decongestants, and pain relief often helps symptoms improve while your body fights off the virus.
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are still within the normal range or may be turning into a bacterial infection, a medical evaluation can help clarify things. Our clinic can assess your symptoms, rule out concerning signs, and guide you toward the best treatment- whether that includes antibiotics or not.
