Symptoms of Sinusitis
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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
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 July 2008 by Elie Edmond Rebeiz, MD, FACS
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.
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