Your sinus cavities located between your cheekbones and between your eyebrows and eyes, work to filter and humidify the air you breathe which are hollow and lined with mucous membrane. The term “sinusitis” is used to describe any sinus discomfort and has come to be used interchangeably with other sinus conditions.
Chronic sinusitis symptoms occur when the areas within your nose and head (sinuses) are inflamed and swollen for three months or more (despite treatment). A sinus infection can develop as a result of fluid buildup in the sinuses, which allows bacteria to flourish. A virus is typically to blame for sinusitis, which frequently persists even after other upper respiratory symptoms have subsided.
This ailment can affect both adults and children, and it can be quite a hassle to deal with.
So, to help you be more vigilant about this illness, we spoke to various doctors and compiled a list of common sinusitis symptoms so you can nip them in the bud when they occur.
Let’s jump right in.
Common Symptoms of Sinusitis
Knowing the signs of a sinus infection might help a person understand the best treatment because it can be challenging to distinguish between allergies, colds, or sinusitis. The typical signs of a sinusitis infection include the following:
1. Sinus Pressure and Pain
The pressure and agonizing discomfort that results from retained fluid in the sinus cavities may occur. Touch sensitivity exists in the sinuses. If you want to sneeze, you may be unable to do so.
The discomfort may be felt in the cheeks, forehead, or the area around the eyes and nose because the sinuses are situated in these areas. The ache might get worse if you lean forward. There may be times when the pressure and agony are so intense that they keep you awake. Sinusitis may cause the tissues in the nose to expand.
2. Headache
Headaches at the front of the head may result from the pressure and pain of sinusitis. Some patients find the discomfort has moved to other places, which can result in more significant problems or even neck pain.
3. Nasal Post-Drip
A post-nasal drip is a mucus that drips from the nose down to the back of the throat. It may result in hoarseness, congestion, or a feeling of pressure in the mouth or throat.
4. Congestion
A sinus infection typically occurs when the fluid conducive to the growth of viruses, bacteria, or fungi becomes stuck in the sinuses. Due to fluid retention and inflammation, a person is more susceptible to congestion. This is one of the main sinusitis symptoms.
5. Coughing
The throat may itch or feel overstuffed when mucus and fluid buildup in the throat due to a sinus infection. Some people cough continuously to try to clear their throats.
6. Fever
The presence of a fever indicates that the body is battling an infection. Some patients who have sinus infections also get a fever. Chills, fatigue, and muscle aches are other signs and symptoms of fever.
7. Fatigue
Feeling worn out is a typical symptom since fighting a sinus infection requires a lot of energy from the body. Some people experience exhaustion due to pain or difficulty breathing.
8. Foul Breath
An unpleasant odor in the sinus infection-related mucus may result in foul breath or an unpleasant after-taste.
9. Toothache
Extreme sinus pressure can result in gum discomfort, leading to toothaches, gum pain, or other oral pain.
Similar signs and symptoms are seen in both acute and chronic sinusitis. However, acute sinusitis is a short-term sinus infection frequently related to a cold. Although you may experience many episodes of acute sinusitis before developing chronic sinusitis, the symptoms remain for at least 12 weeks. While not frequently present in acute sinusitis, fever can occur with chronic sinusitis.
How Long Does Sinusitis Last?
Sinusitis typically lasts longer than a cold. Most of the time, cold symptoms gradually get better after steadily worsening, reaching their peak in 3–5 days. The sinuses can enlarge and are typically infected when they become inflamed. It happens frequently and normally goes away in two to three weeks. However, if it’s taking a while to go, medication may be able to help.
Sinusitis typically lasts longer than a cold. Most of the time, cold symptoms gradually get better after steadily worsening, reaching their peak in 3–5 days. The sinuses can enlarge and are typically infected when they become inflamed. It happens frequently and normally goes away in two to three weeks. However, if it’s taking a while to go, medication may be able to help.
Sinusitis can be brought on by a virus, bacteria, or fungus that causes the sinuses to swell and get blocked. Several particular causes include typical colds, seasonal allergies, nasal allergies, mold allergies, polyps (growths), or a changed septum.
What Causes Sinusitis?
Sinusitis can be brought on by a virus, bacteria, or fungus that causes the sinuses to swell and get blocked. Several particular causes include typical colds, seasonal allergies, nasal allergies, mold allergies, polyps (growths), or a changed septum.
Infants and young children may be more susceptible to sinusitis if they spend time in day-cares, use pacifiers, or drink from bottles while lying down.
Smoking raises the incidence of sinus infections in adults. Avoid smoking to reduce the chances of getting infected by sinusitis.
Know and Fight Sinusitis Symptoms Today
Most sinusitis patients fully recover when given the right medical care. If the infection does not cure in three months, an ENT expert can identify and treat the underlying cause of chronic sinusitis. We have the top medical professionals at Ayu Health that provide excellent care for various sinusitis issues and chronic kidney diseases. Call 636-610-0800 to book an appointment or to know more.
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About the Author
Dr. S. Goel
Dr. S. Goel is a renowned Internal Medicine Specialist currently practicing at Ayu Health, Bangalore. He is a Specialist in Internal Medicine, Diabetes HTN, Paediatric Care, and Family Medicine.