Symptoms of Sinus Infections

Sinus infections can feel a lot like a bad cold at first. Congestion builds, the nose may run, and pressure can develop around the face. The difference between a sinus infection and a cold is that sinus infections involve inflammation inside the sinus cavities, where fluid can collect and make normal drainage more difficult. As that pressure increases, other symptoms may appear as well. Some are mild and annoying. Others can interfere with sleep, eating, or daily activity. Understanding what a sinus infection is can help you decide when to manage it at home and when to contact a healthcare provider. If you think you may have a sinus infection, read on to learn more about the common symptoms.

Nasal Congestion and Drainage

A stuffy or runny nose is one of the most common signs of a sinus infection. You may notice thicker mucus than usual, and drainage, or postnasal drip, can move down the back of the throat. It may leave your throat feeling irritated or sore, especially if the drainage continues overnight. Congestion can also make breathing through the nose harder. Some people feel as though their nose is completely blocked even when they try to clear it.

Facial Pressure and Headaches

Sinus inflammation can cause pressure in the face because the affected cavities sit around the nose, forehead, and cheeks. The discomfort may feel like fullness, tenderness, or a dull ache. It can also cause feelings of vertigo. Headaches can occur too, particularly when congestion becomes more intense. For some people, the pain becomes more noticeable when bending forward or moving the head. Severe facial pain deserves medical attention, especially if it continues or becomes stronger.

Cough, Bad Breath, and Throat Irritation

Postnasal drip can contribute to coughing. The cough may become more noticeable at night when mucus drains toward the throat while you lie down. Bad breath can develop as well. Thick mucus and reduced drainage may contribute to an unpleasant taste or odor in the mouth. A sore throat sometimes develops from ongoing drainage rather than from an infection in the throat itself.

Fever and General Fatigue

Some sinus infections cause fever, though not everyone will develop one. Fatigue is also common. Poor sleep from congestion and coughing can leave you feeling worn down, and your body may already be working harder to respond to the infection.

When Should You Contact a Healthcare Provider?

Many sinus infections improve without antibiotics. Viral infections often clear as the immune system handles the illness. Contact a healthcare provider if your symptoms last more than 10 days without improving, worsen after you started feeling better, or include a fever that lasts several days. Severe headache or facial pain also deserves evaluation.

Repeated sinus infections throughout the year should not be ignored either. Your healthcare provider can examine your symptoms and look for an underlying cause.

What’s the Bottom Line?

Sinus infection symptoms often overlap with colds and allergies, so the pattern matters. Watch how long the symptoms last and whether they are improving or getting worse. If the congestion, drainage, facial pressure, or other symptoms become severe or concerning, seek medical care. A proper evaluation can help determine whether you are dealing with sinusitis and what treatment, if any, you may need.

Related Article: What Are Sinus Infections?