Typically, the loss of sense of smell associated with a sinus infection is going to be accompanied by more significant symptoms such as facial pain/pressure. COVID-19 symptoms tend to have more fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, and may have gastrointestinal symptoms too. Because symptoms can overlap, it’s recommended to discuss your condition with a healthcare provider.

Sinus headaches usually occur along with congestion. The drainage passageways of the sinuses into the nose can get blocked and fluid can accumulate in the sinuses, causing pressure. Many things can cause sinus pressure and pain, such as sinus infections, nasal allergies, nasal polyps, septal deviations, as well as enlarged vascular structures in the nose, as explained by Baylor College of Medicine.

When using earbuds, give yourself breaks throughout the day. Without breaks, you increase the risk of infections and irritation. Breaks help air circulate in your ears, reducing friction. This advice is recommended by RUSH.

More serious sinusitis can result from structural problems such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps, as detailed by Harvard Health. Preauricular pits, also known as preauricular cysts, fissures, or sinuses, are marked by a tiny opening to the tract right in front of the ear and above the ear canal, which can be found at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia website.

While the most apparent symptoms of wildfire smoke are coughing and shortness of breath, your ears can also become irritated, a situation discussed by UW Medicine otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon Dr. Albert Merati, as mentioned in the Newsroom.

Swelling in the nose causes the connection between the ear and nose to shut, leading to fluid accumulation and the potential for an infection. An ear drum rupture is also possible if there is substantial blockage and one blows their nose too hard, as noted by Ohio State Health.