Signs of a Serious Sinus Infection

A sinus infection or sinusitis occurs when the air-filled cavities in the nose become inflamed. This infection can be caused by pollutants or irritants in the air, exposure to a virus or bacteria, or from overuse of nasal sprays. There are four pairs of sinuses. One pair is located above the eyes, one in between the eyes, another pair near the middle of the nose and a pair by the inner cheeks. See the picture below. Learning to recognize early signs will help you to possibly minimize the severity of the infection.

Pain

• Pain is the most common sign that a sinus infection is severe. The pain can be in the form of a headache, or it can be facial pain. In some cases, the cheeks or forehead may be sensitive to touch. You may also experience jaw or tooth pain.

Typical Signs

• You may have a bad sinus infection if you notice symptoms such as fever, abnormally colored nasal discharge (yellow or green) and general feelings of disorientation. Earaches and neck pain can also sometimes occur when the infection is more severe.

Other Symptoms

• Sometimes a serious sinus infection can be accompanied by allergy-type symptoms, including itchy eyes and sneezing. Some patients have a headache or feel heavy pressure throughout the face when leaning forward.

Swelling

• With a sinus infection that becomes more serious, you may experience swelling around the eyes or on the eyelids. There may be tenderness around the eyes and nose, along with a decreased sense of smell.

Less Common Symptoms

• In rare cases, you may notice a cough that's worse at night, extreme tiredness, sore throat or bad breath. In very severe cases, the infection can affect the brain.

Prevention/Solution

• Your first line of defense is to recognize and avoid known irritants. Keeping the nasal passages moist can also help. Keeping your home and work area free of dust and using a dehumidifier can be helpful. When these techniques don't work, medications and/or surgery may be necessary.