Signs and Symptoms of Sinus Infection

Sinus infections occur when the sinuses – which are actually air pockets or cavities inside the skull bones – become inflamed and filled with mucus. The sinus infection prevents the mucus from draining through the tiny holes inside the sinus cavity. The mucus backs up and creates the pressure so common to a sinus infection. While it’s trapped, the mucus becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.

Besides the pressure and pain originating from the areas where the sinuses are located (eyes, jaw, cheekbones and nasal cavity), other signs and symptoms of Sinus Infection often develop as the infection worsens. Most noticeable is the considerable amount of congestion in the head. There can be pain or soreness in the ears. A greenish-colored discharge from the nose is a fairly good indication of a sinus infection. But the discharge could be normal in appearance and drip out the nose. Coughing may result from the nasal discharge. Sometimes a fever develops. The ability to smell is frequently impacted because of the congestion. Sometimes those suffering from a sinus infection also have bad breath, teeth that hurt, and fatigue.

Acute sinusitis is a sinus infection that generally lasts no longer than 3 weeks. Chronic sinusitis, on the other hand, lasts between 3 and 8 weeks and sometimes can last even longer. Chronic sinusitis may or may not be recurring sinusitis, where a person is afflicted several times a year.

It’s easy to misdiagnose the signs and symptoms of Sinus Infection for a common cold. If your “cold” is not going away, maybe it’s because what you think is a cold really is a Sinus Infection that requires antibiotics.

For more symptoms information please see Symptoms and Syndromes (www.symptoms-and-syndromes.com).