Symptoms
Symptoms of sinusitis may include:
- Nasal congestion not responding well to either decongestants or antihistamines
- Runny nose or postnasal drip
- Thick, yellow, or green mucus
- Cough , often worse at night
- Ear pain, pressure, or fullness
- Headache
- Fever
- Dental pain
- Facial pain or pressure that increases when you bend over or press on the area
- Facial congestion or fullness
- Bad breath
- Fatigue
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Sinusitis is diagnosed based on its symptoms and tenderness of the sinuses when pressed.
Tests may include:
- Holding a flashlight up to the sinuses to see if they are illuminated
- CT scan of the sinuses—a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the head
- Endoscopic examination of the sinuses—threading a tiny, lighted tube into the nasal cavities to view the sinus opening
- Removing sinus fluid through a needle for testing (rare)
You have acute sinusitis when the following occur:
- History of 10 or more days of colored mucus
- Tenderness over the sinuses
- Visible mucus in the nose
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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