Which symptom duration is more indicative of acute sinusitis than a common cold?

• A. Nasal congestion lasting more than 7 days
• B. Sore throat for 2 days
• C. Sneezing only
• D. Itchy eyes

Answer: (A)

The main idea is using how long the symptoms last to tell apart a cold from acute sinusitis. A common cold usually improves within about a week. If nasal congestion persists for more than seven days, it suggests that the sinuses may be involved rather than a simple viral URI, making acute sinusitis more likely. Sore throat for a couple of days, sneezing alone, or itchy eyes can occur with colds or allergies and aren’t as strong a duration-based clue for sinusitis. If symptoms continue beyond about ten days or worsen after an initial improvement, that further raises suspicion for sinusitis and may prompt further evaluation.