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What are Symptoms of a Sinus Infection?

Mary McMahon
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,743
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A number of symptoms are associated with sinus infections, although they can vary, depending on the type of infection. Sinus infections are classified as acute, meaning that they appeared suddenly, or chronic, indicating a long term problem, and they are further divided by region. In all cases, it is a good idea to seek medical treatment for a sinus infection, as the condition can get quite painful and potentially be dangerous if it is allowed to progress too far. A doctor can diagnose the infection and provide appropriate medication.

You may also hear a sinus infection referred to as “sinusitis.” One form of sinus infection is the ethmoid, located behind the eyes. It is also possible to get a maxillary infection, which attacks the sinuses behind the cheeks. Frontal sinusitis occurs behind the forehead, while sphenoid sinusitis is headquartered behind the eyes and in the upper part of the head. All of these conditions can be caused by a number of things, including fungal or bacterial infection or a cold which blocks the sinuses, preventing them from draining and allowing infection to set in.

One of the most tell-tale symptoms of a sinus infection is a pressure around the head, usually in the area where the infection is located. This pressure can feel quite intense, and it is often accompanied with soreness and puffiness, indicating that the body is irritated by the infection. Many people experience headaches when they get a sinus infection, along with fevers and a general feeling of being run down. Ear aches are not uncommon as well.

It is also possible to see a distinctive discharge of mucus, which may be slightly off color due to the infection. If sinusitis is attacking the region around the eyes, the sinus infection may declare itself with a runny discharge from the tear ducts. Some people also get coughs, and the sinus infection generally leads to congestion, as the sinuses cannot drain properly.

Depending on how far along the sinus infection is, there are a number of treatment options. Many doctors start with an anti-inflammatory drug, to see if it brings the infection down, and antibiotics can be used as well. Some patients use nasal sprays and neti pots, or try steaming their heads over a bowl of hot water and under a towel to try and get their sinuses to open up. People may also be encouraged to get to the cause, especially if it is allergies, to prevent a recurrence of the sinus infection.

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Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

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Discussion Comments
By submariner — On Apr 29, 2011

@Anon-112343- I love my neti pot! I live in Phoenix and my city lays claim to some of the worst air quality in the country. Most of the air quality issues are due to dust form the desert and it can be very irritating to the sinuses.

My neti pot is often my first step in treating a sinus infection. I firmly believe that I get fewer sinus infections because of my neti pot, since it rinses the irritants from my sinuses. Anyone who has bad sinuses should definitely try one.

By anon112343 — On Sep 20, 2010

A neti pot helps in curing the sinus symptoms.

Sinus symptoms are most often mistaken by people for a common cold or normal headache. If not treated properly it can lead to serious consequences.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

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