Sinus Infections Signs & Symptoms

Sinusitis, commonly known as sinus infection, is an infection or inflammation of the sinus cavities behind the nose and the eyes. It occurs due to an infection caused by bacteria, virus or fungi in the paranasal sinuses. Other causes of sinusitis include air pollutants (allergens), extreme climatic conditions, weak immune system, stress, dehydration, excess smoking, injury of the nasal bones and dental infection. Some sinus infections may also be caused by complications of a cold or flu. Depending upon the duration of the condition, sinusitis can be classified into three categories - acute, sub-acute and chronic sinusitis. Acute sinusitis may stretch to a period of 4 weeks, sub acute lasts for about 4-6 weeks and chronic sinusitis can trouble you for more than 12 weeks. The symptoms and sings of sinusitis may vary from individual to individual, though they are mostly common. Read on to know about the most common signs of sinusitis.

 

A build-up of mucus in sinus cavities can lead to the experience of facial pressure in some cases. The pressure is usually limited to the sinuses in the cheeks, but may include the sinus in the forehead as well.

Nasal discharge is the one of the common symptoms of a sinus infection and is usually accompanied with a cold or flu. However, the nasal discharge is thicker and yellow or green in color, in the case of sinusitis.

 

Medically, the sinus infection after a cold is called double sickening. This is because the patient begins to feel a little better, which is followed by a feeling of sickness yet again. If you have been sick for 10 days and your symptoms have begun to worsen after 5-7 days, it is a potent indicator of a sinus infection.

Halitosis or bad breath is also a problem encountered by many people suffering from sinus infection. This condition may also be accompanied by a loss of the sense of smell.

Teeth in the upper jaw may also hurt those suffering from sinusitis, which can be attributed to the build-up of mucus in the sinuses.

 

Sinusitis is diagnosed on the basis of symptoms, physical examination and medical history of the patient. Certain tests for diagnosis may also be conducted by the physician, such as microbial culture, endoscopic evaluation of the nasopharynx and computed tomographic (CT) scan of the sinuses. Since there is a good chance of acute sinusitis developing into sub-acute or chronic sinusitis, it is advisable to treat the infection as early as possible. Apart from antibiotic therapy, the patient may be recommended adjunctive treatments, including a proper diet plan, steam bath, antihistamines, mucolytic agents and corticosteroids. Therefore, if the symptoms of sinusitis are clearly visible, one should immediately consult the doctor and begin treatment.