Sinus Infection Symptoms

Sinus infection symptoms can be painful and difficult to deal with.

Many people suffer from chronic sinus infections unknowingly. How is this possible? It happens when people confuse the symptoms of a sinus infection with the symptoms of seasonal allergies.

So how can you know for certain that you have a sinus infection? Look for these common symptoms as an indication.

Pain around the eyes

First, notice if you are feeling any kind of pain around your eyes. Pressure or pain that is centrally located around the forehead or eyes is usually sinus related.

If your pain gets worse when you move too quickly or when you bend down, it could probably a sinus infection.

Color of drainage from sinuses

Second, notice the drainage from your sinuses. It might be gross, but you need to take note of the color of this fluid. If it is clear, you most likely only have allergies.

If your drainage is thick and yellow or green, you probably have a sinus infection. If you aren't seeing any fluid, but your nose is completely stopped up and your throat is sore, you probably still have drainage.

In this case, your drainage is most likely traveling down your throat, which is what doctors refer to as "post nasal drip". This can leave your throat feeling sore over time.

Excessive fatigue

Are you feeling more tired than usual? Fatigue is a major symptom of sinus infections. While allergies will cause a runny nose, they will not make you feel chronically tired.

If you feel weak and need more sleep than usual, you might probably have a sinus infection.

Nausea

Another symptom to look for is nausea. When you have a sinus infection, all the drainage can settle on your stomach and cause you to feel nauseated constantly.

You may have no appetite or even vomit after eating. Some patients have even complained of diarrhea associated with sinus infections, but this is not a common symptom.

High temperature

Finally, check your temperature to see if you are running a fever. Allergies do not cause you to run a fever, so if your temperature is above 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, you probably have a sinus infection.

Most people only run a low grade fever with sinus infections, but you can occasionally run a high fever if the infection is severe enough.

What should you do if you think you have a sinus infection?

If you notice any of the above symptoms or if you have a cold that persists for longer than a week, call your doctor.

Your health care provider can determine for certain whether you have a sinus infection and can help determine an appropriate course of treatment.

In most cases, doctors will prescribe antibiotics for seven to ten days to help fight the infection.

Most patients feel better within a few days of starting the antibiotics.

You can also take over the counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen to help reduce your fever and keep your sinus pain and pressure under control.

Some people report positive help from using a saline nasal spray. This is simply salt and water. This comes in a small bottle that you squeeze to spray. The cost is very low and it is available at many grocery and department stores.

Another nasal spray that seems to be helpful to some people is one that contains grapefruit seed extract. This extract is believed to help get rid of bacteria and germs. You can get this nasal spray at a health foods and vitamins type of store.

Remember, if you ever think you have a serious sinus infection, don't wait, call your doctor that same day.




















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