Sinus infection symptoms are typically characterized by painful pressure. This main symptom of a sinus infection can vary depending on which sinus is affected, causing pain in the forehead (frontal sinusitis), over the cheek or in the upper jaw and teeth (maxillary sinusitis), behind the eyes (ethmoid or sphenoid sinusitis), or at the top of the head (sphenoid sinusitis).
The initial symptoms of sinusitis are similar to those of a cold, including fatigue, cough, an impaired sense of smell, fullness or pressure in the ears, or a headache. As your body combats the infection, strategies such as using nasal rinses, decongestants, and pain relievers can help alleviate your symptoms. Other symptoms may include bad breath, fever, lethargy, and loss of smell or taste. Ear pressure is also common.
A key difference in symptoms between a sinus infection and a common cold is the progression. A common cold’s symptoms typically resolve within 7 to 10 days, whereas sinus infection symptoms can follow a different trajectory. Environmental, anatomical, and genetic factors can cause sinus blockages, often due to swelling of the nasal passages from a cold or allergies. More serious sinusitis can result from structural issues, like a deviated septum.
Comparatively, the loss of smell associated with a sinus infection is often accompanied by significant symptoms like facial pain/pressure. On the other hand, COVID-19 symptoms may include more fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, and possible gastrointestinal issues. Due to the overlapping nature of these symptoms, it is advisable to discuss your condition with a healthcare professional.
Acute sinusitis refers to a viral infection that lasts about 7 to 10 days, while a bacterial infection may persist for up to 4 weeks. Chronic sinusitis, on the other hand, is characterized by symptoms that continue for 12 weeks or more, with the inflammation potentially lasting for months or even years. Factors that can exacerbate chronic sinusitis include common colds, viral infections, or a compromised immune system.
Chronic sinusitis represents a long-term inflammation of the sinuses, which are the moist air spaces behind the bones of the upper face. Normally, sinuses drain through small openings into the inside of the nose, and any obstruction can lead to a mucus buildup, potentially causing sinusitis. A sinus infection, or sinusitis, occurs when your sinuses become swollen, blocking drainage and leading to an infection. Chronic sinusitis can be due to long-term or recurring blockages and inflammation, often triggered by allergies to dust, mold, or pollen.
For more in-depth information and guidance on managing sinusitis, you can visit the Harvard Health page dedicated to sinusitis. Additionally, the Harvard Health article on inflamed sinuses suggests that it’s often best to watch and wait. Understanding more about sinusitis can be achieved through the Keck Medicine of USC blog which lists 10 things to know about the condition. Furthermore, guidance on what to do about sinusitis can be found at Harvard Health, while Ohio State Health & Discovery offers insights into differentiating sinus infections from COVID-19. Those experiencing confusion caused by sinusitis can turn to the USF Health News Care Blog for more information. To learn about the specifics of chronic sinusitis in adults, refer to Harvard Health, and for an understanding of how nasal allergies and sinusitis are connected, see Harvard University.