Sinusitis Symptoms

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 © 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

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.