Understanding the symptoms and treatment options for sinusitis is crucial for effective management of the condition. Sinusitis can cause a range of symptoms including fatigue, cough, impaired sense of smell, fullness or pressure in the ears, or headache. When experiencing these symptoms, it’s essential to know the right course of action, which often involves watching and waiting, as advised by Harvard Health.

It’s also important to differentiate between a sinus infection and other illnesses, such as COVID-19. For example, the loss of sense of smell associated with a sinus infection usually comes with facial pain/pressure, whereas COVID-19 symptoms might include more fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, and may even have gastrointestinal symptoms. For clarity, consulting with healthcare professionals like those at Ohio State Health & Discovery is recommended.

According to Keck Medicine of USC, sinus infection symptoms tend to follow a different progression than those of a common cold, resolving usually within 7 to 10 days. Whereas, mucus color should not be the sole indicator for bacterial infection, as pointed out by Harvard Health. For children, sinusitis symptoms can be particularly common and are detailed by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

When managing sinusitis, options like the NeilMed Pulsating Nasal Wash can offer relief. Sinus blockage can have environmental, anatomical, and genetic causes, with the main culprits being the common cold or allergies. For serious cases that result from structural issues, further medical attention may be required.