Sinus Infection Symptoms - What Should You Look For?
Is it a sinus infection or a common cold? Sometimes it can be
difficult to distinguish the difference. Infection or
inflammation of the sinuses also known as sinusitis affects
millions of people every year and in many instances causes
serious discomfort or pain. The symptoms of sinus infections
actually depend upon which of the four sinuses are affected and
whether or not the sinus infection is acute or chronic. Acute
sinusitis normally lasts eight weeks or less or occurs no more
than three times per year with an average episode lasting less
than ten days. Chronic sinusitis on the other hand normally
lasts longer than eight weeks or occurs more than four times per
year with symptoms usually lasting longer than twenty days.
There are many symptoms of acute sinus infection including nasal
discharge, post nasal drip whereby mucus drips down the throat
behind the nose, facial pain or pressure in the area of the
affected sinus cavities, fever and headaches.
Symptoms of chronic sinus infection include chronic soar throat,
chronic nasal discharge, bad breath, prolonged facial pain,
discomfort below the eyes or across the bridge of the nose,
toothaches and low-grade headaches.
It is often difficult to determine whether or not you have a
common cold or a sinus infection. For example, a stuffy nose
could be a symptom of a sinus infection or a common cold. Your doctor can diagnose
sinusitis using an assortment of methods including listening to
your symptoms, doing a physical examination, taking X-rays, and
if necessary, an MRI or CT scan (magnetic resonance imaging and
computed tomography).