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Symptoms of a Sinus Infection

Although many of the symptoms may be the same, sinus infections are not the same as the common cold. Sinus infections are more severe and usually last a lot longer.

  1. Facial Pain

    • When sinuses become inflamed, pressure may be felt in one or more parts of your head such as your forehead, cheeks, eyes and jaw. Bacteria cause the inflammation and the inflammation causes the lining of your sinuses to thicken, making it harder for air to pass through.

    Nasal Congestion

    • The mucus that is produced is unable to be released through your nasal passages, causing your sinuses to become swollen; the trapped mucus allows the bacteria to reproduce and the infection to spread.

    Difficulty Breathing

    • Blocked nasal passages make it hard to breathe air in and out through your nose; you may become unable to breathe through your nose at all and have to breathe through your mouth instead.

    Fatigue

    • The increased effort to breathe uses up a lot more energy and also interferes with your ability to get a good night's sleep, causing fatigue.

    Duration

    • Sinus infections tend to last at least a week but can last weeks or months.

    Treatment

    • Sinus infections are typically able to be treated with over-the-counter medications; however, antibiotics may speed up the healing process.

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