The sinus cavity is a large empty space located directly behind the eyes and above the mouth that helps to filter impurities from the air a person breathes in, according to the Ear, Nose and Throat Associates of Corpus Christi. The sinuses are sensitive and can easily become inflamed and irritated. A common symptom of irritated sinuses is sinus pain accompanied with cold symptoms. This is due to the fact that allergies, the common cold and a sinus infection all share the common symptom of sinus pain due to enlarged sinuses. If a person is experiencing sinus pain with cold-like symptoms, she should talk with her doctor for proper assessment.
Allergies
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, an allergic reaction is an over-reaction of the immune system to a particular substance such as mold, a food or pet dander. This reaction in the body leads to allergy symptoms, such as nasal congestion, sinus pressure pain and constant sneezing. Common allergy conditions are allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, urticaria and asthma, according to the academy. Allergic rhinitis can be year-round and directly affects the sinus cavity. Allergic conjunctivitis is a reaction that occurs in the eyes or the skin such as eczema. Uticaria is a condition where hives, small red bumps, appear throughout the body. Asthma is a condition linked to allergies that affects a person's ability to breathe.
Common Cold
The common cold can be mistaken for allergies or a sinus infection, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The common cold is the result of a person acquiring one of more than 200 different viruses. The common cold symptoms are similar to allergies and a sinus infection with a runny nose, stuffy nose, postnasal drip and sinus pressure pain. The common cold causes the sinus cavity to become inflamed, leading to excessive pressure throughout the head.
Sinus Infection
A sinus infection is when the sinus cavity becomes inflamed due to a bacteria or virus, according to the Mayo Clinic. One of the most common symptoms of a sinus infection is sinus pain throughout the head. A sinus infection will cause severe nasal obstruction, trapping fluid throughout the head. A sinus infection headache will be felt in the eyes, upper-teeth and the inner ear. The Mayo Clinic states that most sinus infections clear up on their own, but in some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed.
