Final answer:
A cold and sinusitis cause inflammation and mucus buildup, affecting voice resonance and causing one to 'talk funny.' The common cold, often caused by a rhinovirus, triggers an immune response leading to typical symptoms which usually resolve in one to two weeks.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you have a cold, sinusitis, and your voice sounds different, it's because the infection is causing inflammation and a build-up of mucus in your nasal passages and sinuses. This congestion can block the normal airflow through your sinuses and affect the resonance of your voice, making you sound different, often referred to as talking funny.
The common cold is typically caused by a rhinovirus which leads to symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, runny nose, and fever. These symptoms are a result of your body's immune response to the virus as it tries to fight off the infection. Sinusitis can develop as a secondary infection due to the cold virus, leading to further inflammation and mucus buildup.
Environmental factors like temperature can also affect virus replication, as seen with rhinoviruses, which prefer the cooler temperatures of the nasal cavities. The viral infection, and consequently the cold, is usually self-limiting and resolves in one to two weeks, but if symptoms persist or worsen, it's important to see a healthcare provider.