Sinus infection symptoms include painful pressure, which is the main symptom of a sinus infection. Depending on the affected sinus, the pain can be in various locations: the forehead for frontal sinusitis, over the cheek or in the upper jaw and teeth for maxillary sinusitis, behind the eyes for ethmoid or sphenoid sinusitis, or at the top of the head for sphenoid sinusitis.

Sinusitis blockage can result from a variety of causes, including environmental factors, anatomical anomalies, and genetics. Often, the common cold or allergies cause swelling of the nasal passages. More severe cases of sinusitis may arise from structural issues like a deviated septum.

To alleviate the initial symptoms of sinusitis, which resemble those of a cold, patients may use nasal rinses, decongestants, and pain relievers. These symptoms can include fatigue, cough, impaired sense of smell, fullness or pressure in the ears, or headache.

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is characterized by the inflammation of the conjunctiva. This condition can be caused by allergies, irritating chemicals, or infections with viruses or bacteria. Conjunctivitis is highly contagious and often spreads through schools, nursing homes, or families via direct contact with the infected individual’s tears or mucus.

It’s important to note that most cases of pink eye do not require antibiotics, especially when viral conjunctivitis is involved. Accompanied by symptoms like runny nose and cough, it’s typically caused by the same viruses responsible for the common cold. Bacterial conjunctivitis, on the other hand, produces a thick discharge and can respond to antibiotic eye drops or ointment.

Understanding whether your symptoms are due to allergies, COVID-19, or another virus is crucial, given that many viral infection symptoms overlap. These can include fever, cough, headache, and loss of smell. Testing and consulting a doctor is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

To prevent the spread of pink eye within a household, it’s advisable to wash hands frequently and thoroughly, particularly after contact with the eyes or handling bedding of the infected person.