What Are the Common Symptoms of Sinus Infections?

Sinus infection is one of the common conditions that affect millions of people all over the world. Many people get confused between cold and sinus. The major difference between a cold and sinus is the duration of the symptoms. Cold actually lasts for 10 days, whereas sinus lasts for more than 10 days. But what is a sinus infection, and what are the warning signs of a sinus infection? Continue reading to know 

What Is a Sinus Infection? 

Sinus infection (sinusitis) is an infection or inflammation of sinuses. Sinuses are four paired spaces located near your cheekbones, lower-center of your forehead, between your eyes, and behind your nose. A sinus infection occurs when the fluid fills up in the air-filled pockets in the sinuses grow as germs. 

Signs and Symptoms of Sinusitis

There are various sinus infection symptoms. Get to know the types and common symptoms of sinus infections. 

Acute Sinusitis– This type of sinus is a short-term inflammation that lasts less than four weeks and is caused by a virus, not by bacteria. Acute sinusitis doesn’t need treatment; it usually goes away on its own. 

Acute sinusitis symptoms 

Acute sinusitis symptoms include-

• Nasal allergy 

                  Blocked or Stuffed-up nose which leads to loss of smell. 

                  Thick, yellow, or greenish mucus runny nose (runny nose)  

• Fever 
• Facial pain or pressure 
• Cough, bad breath, toothache, headache, and tiredness are some of the other symptoms of acute sinusitis.  

Subacute Sinusitis- Usually, subacute sinusitis lasts four to eight weeks but can last for up to 3 months. It is caused by bacterial infections of seasonal allergies. 

Subacute sinusitis symptoms 

Subacute sinusitis symptoms include- 

• Fever, cough, sore throat
• Facial pain or pressure 
• Pus in the nasal cavity
• Runny nose or discolored postnasal drainage
• Headaches 
• Fatigue 

Recurrent Acute Sinusitis– If acute sinusitis returns four or more times a year, it is considered recurrent acute sinusitis. 

Recurrent acute sinusitis symptoms 

Recurrent acute sinusitis symptoms are 

• Recure acute sinusitis symptoms include 
• Discolored nasal drainage 
• Reduced sense of smell and taste 
• Facial pain, sinus pressure, and headache 

Chronic Sinusitis- This is a long-lasting inflammation or infection that lasts for more than 12 weeks 

Chronic Sinusitis Symptoms 

These are the symptoms of chronic sinusitis symptoms 

• Tenderness or pressure around the nose, eyes, and forehead 
• Nasal inflammation
• Loss of the senses of taste and smell 
• Bad breath 
• Ear pain, toothache, headache 
• Thick yellow or green discharge from the nose 

What are the 4 main symptoms of sinusitis?

Sinus infection can cause several symptoms. Here are the four main symptoms of sinusitis –

• Facial pain or pressure 
• Nasal congestion 
• Infected nasal discharge
• Pain, tenderness and swelling around the eyes, cheeks,nose or forehead 

If you have a simple sinus infection, it will go by itself. But consult your doctor if you’re experiencing severe symptoms.