How do you tell the difference between having a cold, having an allergy attack or having a sinus infection? I have had congesstion, severe nasal drip, sneezing and swollen glands. I am tired and can't sleep because of the discomfort. I took a decongestant an hour and a half ago and still cannot get any air through my right side of my nose. The sinus pressure is horrible and advil doesen't do anything. I would like to use saline but I can't get anything up there. Afrin is also not working the clear up the congesstion (last night I got some up there and it did not clear the congesstion)(I don't use it a lot). Should I go to the dr. for a sinus infection or do I just have a cold?

Color of the snot...green/yellow is usually infection. :-)

It's hard to tell sometimes. How long has it been going on? If it's been more than 5-7 days and doesn't seem to be improving at all, then it is not just a cold. And I agree with the snot color thing. If it is yellow/green it is an infection. White or very light yellow is probably allergy.