From the Guidelines
Common signs and symptoms of a sinus infection include facial pain or pressure, nasal congestion with thick yellow or green discharge, reduced sense of smell and taste, headache, post-nasal drip, bad breath, fatigue, and sometimes fever, as noted in the study by 1. These symptoms typically develop when the sinus cavities become inflamed and blocked with mucus, often following a cold or allergic reaction. Some key points to consider when evaluating sinus infection symptoms include:
- Facial pain or pressure, particularly around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead
- Nasal congestion with thick yellow or green discharge
- Reduced sense of smell and taste
- Headache that worsens when bending forward
- Post-nasal drip causing sore throat and cough
- Bad breath
- Fatigue
- Sometimes fever According to the study by 1, acute sinusitis usually presents as a persistent upper respiratory tract infection, and symptoms can include nasal congestion, purulent rhinorrhea, postnasal drainage, facial or dental pain, headache, and cough. For relief, try:
- Saline nasal irrigation (using a neti pot with distilled water)
- Over-the-counter decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) for 3-5 days maximum
- Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Nasal steroid sprays like fluticasone
- Stay hydrated, use a humidifier, and apply warm compresses to painful areas If symptoms persist beyond 10 days, worsen after initial improvement, or include high fever and severe pain, consult a healthcare provider as antibiotics like amoxicillin (500mg three times daily for 5-10 days) may be necessary for bacterial infections, as suggested by 1.