Sinusitis, commonly known as a sinus infection, is an inflammation of the tissue lining the sinuses, which are structures inside the face that are normally filled with air. The symptoms of a sinus infection can be similar to those of a cold, but they may also include:
- Nasal congestion: A stuffy or blocked nose due to the swelling of the sinuses.
- Discharge: A thick white, yellow, or green discharge from the nose.
- Facial pain or pressure: Pain or pressure in the face, particularly under the eyes or at the bridge of the nose.
- Headache: Frontal headaches or pain in the teeth.
- Postnasal drip: Mucus dripping down the back of the throat.
- Coughing: A cough, often worse at night.
- Fever: A fever, which may be high in some cases.
- Fatigue: A general feeling of being ill or tiredness.
- Loss of smell: A reduced sense of smell.
- Bad breath: Foul-smelling breath.
If you experience any of these symptoms for more than a week, or if they worsen after seeming to get better, you should contact your healthcare provider. It is also important to see a doctor for a diagnosis because the cause of your sinus infection can affect your treatment options.