Are you experiencing pressure around the nose, forehead, and eyes? Do you notice a sensation of fullness in the face? These signs and symptoms may indicate you have sinusitis, also known as a sinus infection. The sinuses are small, hollow cavities behind the forehead and cheekbones, connecting to the nasal passages. During a sinus infection, inflammation of the sinus lining occurs, which obstructs the proper drainage of mucus from the throat and nose.
Sinus Infection Signs: How to Tell If You Have Sinusitis
Here are some of the most common factors that can increase your risk of developing a sinus infection.
• A weakened immune system
• Chronic flu and colds
• Allergies
• Smoking Habits
• Exposure to airborne pollutants
Other symptoms of sinusitis include:
Severe Nasal Congestion
Nasal passages may become narrowed due to swelling or inflammation associated with a sinus infection, which can impede breathing. As a result, individuals may experience difficulty in achieving restful sleep during the night.
Postnasal Drip
Postnasal drip is when nasal discharge flows down the back of the throat rather than exiting through the nose. This condition often elicits a tickling or itchy sensation, prompting individuals to clear their throats and cough frequently. Furthermore, affected individuals may experience a sore throat, and their voices may become scratchy or hoarse due to increased inflammation and irritation in the throat.
Thick or Discolored Discharge
One notable symptom of a sinus infection is the presence of thick nasal discharge. This discharge may exhibit a greenish, yellowish, or cloudy appearance and can occasionally contain traces of blood.
Ear Pain
Ear pain is a typical symptom associated with sinusitis. Individuals frequently report experiencing discomfort, pressure, or a dull ache in and around the ears when a sinus infection manifests.
Facial or Mouth Pain
Dental and facial pain often accompany sinus infections. Common symptoms include localized pain, pressure, or a throbbing sensation that can be felt in the forehead, neck, between the eyes, and in the upper jaw.
Constant Cough
When the sinuses become inflamed and create excess mucus, this mucus can drain down the back of the throat, leading to irritation and the activation of a cough reflex. In certain instances, the infection can induce inflammation within the airways, further exacerbating coughing as the body endeavors to clear the respiratory passages.
Body Fatigue
As the body actively combats a sinus infection, individuals may experience increased fatigue. This fatigue may also result in headaches, insufficient sleep, and sinusitis-associated respiratory difficulties.
Low-Grade Fever
A low-grade fever may indicate the presence of a sinus infection. The body’s response to bacterial or viral infections often includes an elevation in temperature, helping to eliminate these pathogens.
Loss of Smell and Taste
Congestion in the sinuses presents significant challenges to normal breathing, subsequently diminishing an individual’s sense of smell. This reduction in olfactory function adversely affects the perception of taste. While one may still differentiate between sweet and salty flavors, the overall taste experience of food is likely to be muted during a sinus infection.
Bad Breath (Halitosis)
In the case of a sinus infection, the infected sinuses produce mucus that emits a foul odor. This mucus may drain to the posterior pharynx, contributing to halitosis. Furthermore, the presence of bacteria trapped within the nasal cavities during a sinus infection can also result in an unpleasant smell.
Symptoms that Persist Over 14 Days
If you have been experiencing cold symptoms for more than two weeks, it is essential to consider the possibility that it may not merely be a common cold. Instead, this prolonged condition could indicate a sinus infection. Typically, a common cold persists for 7 to 14 days. In contrast, acute sinusitis can take up to one month to resolve. Chronic sinusitis may endure for 4 to 12 weeks and, in some cases, can continue for several years.
Treatment Opportunities
Patients who experience frequent sinus infections may require a more intensive treatment. The options available may vary based on the severity of the symptoms experienced and could encompass any of the following considerations:
Antibiotics and Nasal Sprays
An ENT specialist can recommend treatments to alleviate symptoms of sinus infection, such as nasal sprays and antibiotics. Nasal sprays can help to cleanse the nasal passages and reduce inflammation. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics for acute bacterial sinus infections that worsen after the first week or last longer than ten days. They may also used for chronic sinusitis caused by bacteria.
Endoscopic Surgery
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS) is a procedure used to treat sinus infections, nasal polyps, and nasal tumors without requiring external incisions. Conducted under general anesthesia, a high-definition camera is inserted into the sinus passages to permit the surgeon to access the sinuses and clear obstructed drainage pathways. The surgery may also involve correcting structural issues and removing polyps as necessary.
Traditional Surgery
In traditional sinus surgery, the surgeon creates an incision to access the sinus, which may be located either on the facial skin or inside the oral cavity. During the procedure, the ENT specialist removes any obstructive tissue hindering drainage and contributing to sinus blockages. In cases where the surgery is extensive, a temporary opening can help to facilitate the drainage of any existing infection.
Balloon Sinuplasty
Balloon Sinuplasty consists of a small, flexible balloon catheter carefully inserted through the nostrils. This device gently expands and reshapes the walls of the sinus passageways. By widening and restructuring these walls, Balloon Sinuplasty effectively restores normal sinus function and facilitates proper drainage.
If you have sinus infection symptoms, a qualified ENT specialist can provide an accurate diagnosis and assist in improving your breathing. Our team can help you to find a tailored treatment plan for your needs. Contact us and schedule an appointment today for relief from chronic sinus infections.