Symptoms of Sinusitis
Symptoms of sinus infection are very similar to those of the common cold. However, when due to a cold virus, such symptoms typically improve after a few days. If you continue to have nasal symptoms 10-14 days after having a cold, then you may have developed a sinus infection.
Blockage of Sinuses
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Symptoms of sinus infection may include:
- Nasal congestion
-
Nasal discharge that may be
- Thick
- Greenish
- Yellowish
- Headache (in acute sinusitis)
- Ear pain
- Toothache (dental pain)
- Facial pain and pressure that increases when you lie down or lean over
- Facial fullness or congestion
- Nagging cough that may get worse when lying down
- Fever
- Decreased energy or fatigue
- Bad breath
- Unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Decreased sense of smell
- Fever, especially in children
Most experts believe that sinus infection does not cause chronic headaches. However alteration in sinus pressure associated with weather changes might provoke headaches in susceptible people.
REFERENCES:
Bhattacharyya N. Clinical and symptom criteria for the accurate diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis. Laryngoscope. 2006;116:1-22.
Rakel RE, Bope ET. Conn’s Current Therapy. 54th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2002.
Sinus infection (sinusitis). National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases website. Available at: http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/sinusitis/ . Accessed September 12, 2008.
Last reviewed October 2012 by Brian Randall, MD
Last Updated: 10/11/2012