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5 Telltale Signs You May Have a Sinus Infection

A sinus infection, also medically known as sinusitis, is a bacterial or viral infection which causes your nasal cavities to become swollen and inflamed – making you feel absolutely miserable. Although approximately 30 million adults are diagnosed with sinusitis each year, its signs and symptoms are often confused for those of the common cold, leading many to forego seeking medical attention. But how do you know if you have a sinus infection or simply a severe cold?

The following five telltale signs can help you decide if it is time to see a doctor:

  1. Head pain: Sinusitis commonly causes pressure or pain throughout the head, including in the upper jaw, teeth, forehead, neck, and even between the eyes. The location of this pain will depend on which pair of sinuses are infected.
  2. Thick, colored sinus discharge: Another common sign of sinusitis are thick nasal secretions. These may be white, yellow, green, or even have traces of blood and may bypass your nose and flow down your throat, known as post nasal drip. This can cause you to cough, develop a sore throat, or sound hoarse when you speak.
  3. Congestion: In addition to a runny nose, your inflamed sinuses may likely restrict your ability to breathe through your nose and affect your ability to smell or taste as normal. Your face may also begin to feel full.
  4. Fatigue: Sinusitis patients typically feel tired and achy. Getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluids can help to combat this symptom and get you on the road to recovery more quickly.
  5. Long lasting symptoms: While many of the symptoms of a sinus infection and a cold are similar, cold symptoms will usually subside within 10 days. If you have what feels like a cold for more than two weeks, there is a good chance you have a sinus infection.

Suffer from Chronic Sinusitis?

While acute sinusitis can last for up to four weeks, subacute and chronic sinusitis can last 12 weeks or more, sometimes persisting for months if not years. If your life has been disrupted by debilitating chronic sinusitis, a balloon sinuplasty may be the source of relief you need. Having successfully treated thousands of patients with chronic allergy and sinus problems, our knowledgeable and skilled doctors at Florida Sinus & Snoring Specialists can provide the high standard of care you need to improve your quality of life. To learn more about our Fort Lauderdale, FL sinusitis and sinuplasty treatments, dial (954) 883-9449 or contact us online today.